STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics and is a popular topic for kids and grown folks alike. Here at the Canton Public Library, we offer several STEAM programs for kids, as well as a range of programs for all ages throughout the school year and during the summer.
If your family has been unable to attend a library STEAM program or is looking for more to do at home, we have you covered with the following online suggestions for low to no-cost STEAM resources. You'll also find a brief smattering of physical book recommendations with more activities at the bottom of this blog.
Online STEAM Resources
Canton Public Library's A to Z Resource List – We offer a wide variety of online resources available with your Canton Public Library card. There are even some here for grown-ups, too.
Smithsonian Learning Lab – The Lab puts the treasures of the world's largest museum, education and research complex within reach. The Lab is a free, interactive platform for discovering millions of authentic digital resources, creating content with online tools and joining the Smithsonian's expansive community of knowledge and learning.
STEM Activities for Kids – Educators, engineers and some very enthusiastic parents have collaborated on this great repository of STEM ideas that are constantly being updated. If you’re looking for experiments that can be done with objects sitting around the house, check out their “Best STEM Challenges” section. Sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on new resources and posts every day.
Teachers Pay Teachers – Units, activities, worksheets, printables, videos and curricula. Enjoy less screen time and more learning time with these fun, printable educational activities for kids. Activities are created by teachers and can be instantly downloaded after purchase. Register for free and take a look at ratings and reviews for all items the site offers.
NGSS Educational Site – To identify and highlight emerging examples of high-quality lessons and units aligned with the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards), Achieve launched the EQuIP Peer Review Panel for Science (PRP). NextGenScience continues this work, managing review processes that use the EQuIP Rubric for Science (Version 3.1) to evaluate instructional materials and identify high-quality examples for the field.
The PRP currently reviews free and publicly available middle school materials, and other materials are reviewed by an expert cadre of educator reviewers through a fee-for-service process.
Michigan Learning Channel – The Michigan Learning Channel supports science teachers and students from preschool to high school with free educational resources and videos. Find experiments, career exploration, virtual field trips and more.
The Learning Network – Resources, strategies and ideas for teaching STEM from The New York Times.
Young Mathematicians – The Young Mathematicians program is designed to foster early engagement with mathematics among young children by supporting math learning across home and school environments. They created mathematics games for young children to play at home, at school or during family play and learn events.
Podcasts
What If World – If you have a curious kid who likes to come up with creative situations, listen to What If World, an improvised storytelling podcast that answers your theoretical questions. Host Eric O’Keeffe chooses a question each week and tells a story as he answers it.
While this podcast is crafted in a fun way, it can also help your kids start asking “what if” to become more creative and divergent thinkers and teach them to think outside the box.
STEM Everyday – This podcast provides practical help for teachers to build a STEM culture. Host Chris Woods interviews educators, authors and innovators who are experts at bringing STEM learning to classrooms, schools and communities.
Wow in the World – A podcast created by NPR and hosted by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz. The podcast serves as a guide for curious kids and parents to learn together. Dive into the complex world of ants or explore how the shape of our ears affects how we hear. The podcast covers a variety of science topics.
Brains On! – This award-winning science podcast from American Public Media speaks to kids and curious adults alike. Host Molly Bloom is joined by a different kid host to discuss topics related to the world around us. Every episode encourages listeners to ask their own questions.
The Naked Scientists – The Naked Scientists are based out of Cambridge University and create content for broadcasters, including the BBC and Talk Radio Europe. Despite the name, there is no nudity or inappropriate content covered in these podcasts — just good, wholesome science. They bring in leading scientists to discuss topics that audiences are curious about.
Ear Snacks – A music-based podcast combining art with science. Andrew and Polly create kid-friendly songs that are just as catchy as the top hits on the radio, but with positive, informational messaging. Your car will be popping and your kids singing with tunes like “Grapes” and “Dancing Pants” as you travel around town.
STEAM Kits at CPL
Looking to make learning an engaging, fun experience? Do you wish to provide your child with hands-on practice? The library’s STEAM Kits are designed with these needs in mind.
STEAM Kits focus on skills in science, technology, engineering and math. These can include learning about anatomy and biology, dinosaurs and paleontology, coding or even producing electronic music.
The kits in the Children’s Library can be checked out at the Check Out Desk or a self-checkout station. Just like any book, kits can be checked out for 21 days, placed on hold and auto-renew if no hold is placed on them. Bring the fun and interactivity of our library space home with you!
STEAM Books at CPL
Unofficial Minecraft STEM Lab for Kids
The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids
100 Backyard Activities That Are the Dirtiest, Coolest, Creepy-crawliest Ever!
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