Local Middle School Teachers Bolster STEM Skills in State Library Makerspace | STAGING Compendium

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Local Middle School Teachers Bolster STEM Skills in State Library Makerspace

by | Jun 7, 2019 | Children's Services, Glenn R. Miller Deputy Secretary and Commissioner for Libraries, Library News, Professional Development, Resources of Interest, Rural and Small Libraries, School Libraries

June 7, 2019
Harrisburg, PA – Middle school teachers from the Carlisle Area School District kicked off their summer today by visiting the State Library’s Makerspace to experience the computer science and STEM-related activities the hands-on learning lab offers and to generate instructional ideas for their own classrooms.

“The State Library Makerspace is a great professional development resource for teachers because it allows them to use the high-tech tools that many schools are now deploying and that employers are now demanding,” said Glenn Miller, Deputy Secretary and Commissioner for Libraries. “It also helps the teachers to develop fresh ideas of lessons they can take back to their students.”

The Makerspace provides science and technology programming and education to children, adults, librarians, and teachers. Activities are largely hands-on using the makerspace’s computers with coding software, robot kits, Raspberry Pi and Arduino kits, and 3D printers. For teachers and librarians, the Makerspace staff test various types and pieces of equipment and procedures and provide training and curriculum.

The State Library offers Makerspace programs; Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) classes; and STEM camps throughout the summer beginning June 19.

The programs will be offered at the Pennsylvania State Museum, located at 300 North Street, while the State Library undergoes renovations.

The schedule of summer activities is available on the State Library website.

“Summer activities like the STEM camps keep students engaged and excited about school and are a great way to reduce the summer slide,” Miller added.

Since taking office, Governor Wolf has championed expanding access to computer science and STEM education. Through his innovative PAsmart initiative, the administration has awarded nearly $20 million to bolster STEM and computer science in schools and nearly $10 million to expand apprenticeships and job training.

For more information about Pennsylvania’s education policies and programs, please visit the Department of Education’s website at www.education.pa.gov or follow PDE on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.