Library NExT
Library NExT (Network of Education x Training) is a series of workshops for elementary, middle, and high school students on topics including circuits, Python programming language, virology, and 55+ other STEAM courses. Initially started as a pilot program at six San Diego libraries in 2017, it expanded to 24 locations in 2021, and to all City of San Diego library locations in 2022. This San Diego Public Library program is a collaboration with UC San Diego Extended Studies and Sally Ride Science.
For more information, contact us at [email protected].
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Winter 2024 STEAM Programs
Winter 2024 courses are now live!
Programs for January through March are either in-person or virtual via Zoom. Registration opens approximately one month prior to course dates for all programs. If supplies are needed for virtual programs, you will receive an email directing you to your requested City of San Diego library branch location to pick up your supplies. Zoom links for virtual programs will be sent to your provided email address within 24 hours of the programs.
January
Slime and Non-Newtonian Fluids
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: San Ysidro Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
It's slime time! Just like slime, Earth's glaciers, mudslides, and quaking bogs are made of fluids that are neither liquid nor solid. In this workshop, students will use slime to investigage how things work in the natural world. This is an in-person workshop.
Virtual Craftronics
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Learn about electronics and circuits while creating a fun craft project! Previous projects include a moving origami swan, light-up LED bracelets, and robot bugs. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Messy Science
Monday, January 22, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Ready to get messy in the name of science? We'll conduct noisy and colorful experiements as we explore the science of volcanoes, rain clouds, glaciers, and more. This is a virtual workshop.
Natural Wonders of San Diego
Friday, January 26, 2024 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: City Heights/Weingart Library| Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Explore your own backyard! Take a tour of San Diego's various canyons, coastlines, and mountains by examining what our rock records have left about how things came to be. Students will simulate some of the processes that shape the world around them, developing a greater model for their place in the natural world. This is an in-person workshop.
Meterorites, Crystals, & Gems
Saturday, January 27, 2024 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Linda Vista Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Take a journey into the fascinating history of jewelry and gemstones! Explore how ancient civilizations created jewelry and take a peek at the gemstones discovered in outer space. Finally, get familiar with the tools used in lapidary--the engraving, cutting, and polishing of gemstones. This is an in-person workshop.
Independent Filmmaking
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: University Community Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a feature film? In this class, students will explore the various stages and elements necessary to create a film using a smartphone, including developing stories, creating a schedule, budgeting, choosing equipment, and editing. This is an in-person workshop.
February
Independent Filmmaking
Monday, February 5, 2024 | 4:15 - 6:15 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Otay Mesa-Nestor Library | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a feature film? In this class, students will explore the various stages and elements necessary to create a film using a smartphone, including developing stories, creating a schedule, budgeting, choosing equipment, and editing. This is an in-person workshop.
Physics of Fidget Spinners
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Skyline Hills Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Ever wonder why some fidget spinners spin longer or hum louder than others? Students will discover answers to these questions and more as they learn about motion, tension, gravity, and other fascinating phenomena related to fidget spinners and the world at large. This is an in-person workshop.
Slimy Sea Creatures
Friday, February 16, 2024 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Pacific Beach/Taylor Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
How do octopuses change color and why do oysters make pearls? Students will investigate how slimy sea creatures live and thrive in their underwater homes, then create an artwork inspired by what they learned. This is an in-person workshop.
Meteorites, Crystals, & Gems
Saturday, February 17, 2024 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Tierrasanta Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Take a journey into the fascinating history of jewelry and gemstones! Explore how ancient civilizations created jewelry and take a peek at the gemstones discovered in outer space. Finally, get familiar with the tools used in lapidary--the engraving, cutting, and polishing of gemstones. This is an in-person workshop.
LEGO Mindstorm Robotics
Friday, February 23, 2024 | 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. | Register Here
Location: North University Community Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Step into the shoes of an engineer! In this workshop, students will learn the basics of robotics and build autonomous robots using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit. Students will engage in both independent learning and group robotics competitions. No prior experience required. This is an in-person workshop.
Game Studio
Saturday, February 24, 2024 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Clairemont Library | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Dive into how games are made! Work together to explore the different aspects of game development, such as art, sound, and programming, then get hands on with the unique tools each role use. This is an in-person workshop.
Introduction to Circuits Using Makey Makey
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Carmel Mountain Ranch Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Do electronics and bananas go together? Absolutely! Using Makey-Makey circuit boards, students will create fun circuits that incorporate everyday items like bananas, gummy bears, aluminum foil, or bouncy balls. Students will then use their new circuitry skills to make games, music, or art. This is an in-person workshop.
March
Craftronics
Saturday, March 9, 2024 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Central - Children's Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Learn about electronics and circuits while creating a fun craft project! Previous projects include a moving origami swan, light-up LED bracelets, and robot bugs. This is an in-person workshop.
Viruses: Zombies of Biology
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 | 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Rancho Peñasquitos Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
What do vampires, zombies, and viruses all have in common? In this workshop, students will explore some of the world's most interesting (and dangerous) diseases, how they are trasmitted, and why some of them are so harmful. This is an in-person workshop.
Parent Education Sessions
Parent and Caregiver Education (PACE) sessions inform parents and families on a variety of current trends and topics in youth education, including youth brain development, social media and addiction, educational standards, and essential skills.
Brave New Worlds: The Brain, Social Media, and Gaming
Monday, March 25, 2024 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Rancho Penasquitos Library | Level: Parents & Families
Social media and gaming are a large part of our daily existence, but affects children and young adults in distinctive ways. This session explores the impacts of social media and gaming on mental and physical well-being; cognitive and socioemotional development; creativity and critical thinking; resilience; technology addiction; among others. This is an in-person session.
STEAM Videos
The San Diego Public Library is excited to present a series of videos for our Library NExT STEAM programs! These fun videos will inspire and engage students of all ages to keep up on their STEAM studies while experiencing STEAM subjects and entertaining exploration!
For more Library NExT videos click here!
The Great Geography Clues Game
Do you have what it takes to earn the crown of The Great Geography Clues Game? You will be exploring the world, while given several clues along the way in order to guess the famous place or city in question. Take the quiz and then challenge your family and friends to beat your score. Good luck!
Glowies: Crafting with Instamorph
Learn about plastic casting and electronics with Instamorph - a safe, non-toxic, low temperature thermoplastic. Similar to hot glue but you can mold it, or shape it by hand. When it cools, it turns hard again. Put an LED in it while it's soft and attach a coin cell battery to make a "Glowie". The molds are also easy to make, from 100% silicone and cornstarch.
Craftronics: Popsicle Stick Flashlight
Learn how to create a simple circuit flashlight project using the items around the house like popsicle sticks, binder clips and aluminum foil.
Introduction to Python Programming
Get a jump start into python programming. This video covers the installation of python with Anaconda, print statements, and variables. After viewing the video, you have a chance to study python programming with a free textbook provided in the links below.
SketchUp
SketchUp is a free 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architecture, furniture design, 3D printing, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design. In this short video, you will learn how to build a simple 3D object using basic commands and tools which will allow you to turn all your ideas into 3 dimensions.
Partners
This project is funded in whole or in part by the Library Foundation SD.
