Full Steam Ahead at Library

On July 26, SCLSNJ’s North Plainfield Memorial Library branch hosted their second STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) program, titled Miss Jen’s Lab. The theme for this month was “Fizz, Pop, Boom!” and focused on chemical reactions – using all five sense to explore them. Over 25 patrons made and tasted fizzy lemonade, designed pictures with noisy pop rocks paint, played with melting playdough, and watched for exploding lunch bags.
SCLSNJ staffer Jennifer “Miss Jen” Fitzgerald explained, “I think this program is important for the Somerset County community because it promotes learning through fun interactions that fully immerse children in critical thinking by using all five senses. Simple science experiments, like the chemistry ones we did this month, provide children with engaging experiences through which to explore their world and discover new things. Engineering problems, like the spaghetti building we did last month, give children a chance to tactilely work on problemsolving skills. Incorporating art and math into these activities also widen a child’s view of the world, in particular allowing them to see the interconnectedness of various academic disciplines.”
This educational series will continue on August 25 with the program “I’m Melting” and September 28 with the program “Water, Water, Water Everywhere.” Register at: sclsnj.libnet.info