Rindge Library expands STEM programming with $10,000 grant
By ASHLEY SAARI
Monadnock Ledger-Transcript
Published: 9/21/2022 12:44:29 PM
Ingalls Memorial Library Director Donna Straitiff said a $10,000 grant from Jaffrey manufacturer MilliporeSigma to expand the library’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) offerings is a major boon for the library.
"This grant changes everything. I look forward to bringing exciting STEM programming to the Town of Rindge – programming that I had previously only dreamed about,” Straitiff said. "The grant from MilliporeSigma allows us to offer programming, materials and activities that our operating budget could not support. We are grateful for the opportunity to apply for this localized funding, and appreciate MilliporeSigma's support of public libraries in the region."
With the funding, Ingalls has joined the National Citizen and Community Science Library Network, and will be offering take-home kits for families to conduct science experiments at home. The kits include themes such as “Exploring Biodiversity,” “Observing Pollinators” and “Measuring Light in the Night,” and will allow families a chance to work on science skills together at their own pace.
"The idea of being a Citizen Science Library appeals to me because it encourages families to work together as they explore science, and it will also provide us with access to information to share with our community,” Straitiff said.
In addition to the kits, the library will also be adding new equipment. It plans to purchase a Flashforge Adventurer 3D printer, which will be used to supplement the library’s existing science programming. The printer is fully enclosed and safe for use in the public library environment. It will be used during the library's monthly Technology Club, along with upcoming homeschool and teen programs. The funds will also allow the library will also purchase a one-year site license to PrintLab, which provides 3D printing lesson plans and projects.
The library also plans to re-engineer its existing after-school programming, particularly for third- to fifth-grade students. The library will also add a monthly Tinkering Club for grades six and up.
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Monadnock Ledger-Transcript
Published: 9/21/2022 12:44:29 PM
Ingalls Memorial Library Director Donna Straitiff said a $10,000 grant from Jaffrey manufacturer MilliporeSigma to expand the library’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) offerings is a major boon for the library.
"This grant changes everything. I look forward to bringing exciting STEM programming to the Town of Rindge – programming that I had previously only dreamed about,” Straitiff said. "The grant from MilliporeSigma allows us to offer programming, materials and activities that our operating budget could not support. We are grateful for the opportunity to apply for this localized funding, and appreciate MilliporeSigma's support of public libraries in the region."
With the funding, Ingalls has joined the National Citizen and Community Science Library Network, and will be offering take-home kits for families to conduct science experiments at home. The kits include themes such as “Exploring Biodiversity,” “Observing Pollinators” and “Measuring Light in the Night,” and will allow families a chance to work on science skills together at their own pace.
"The idea of being a Citizen Science Library appeals to me because it encourages families to work together as they explore science, and it will also provide us with access to information to share with our community,” Straitiff said.
In addition to the kits, the library will also be adding new equipment. It plans to purchase a Flashforge Adventurer 3D printer, which will be used to supplement the library’s existing science programming. The printer is fully enclosed and safe for use in the public library environment. It will be used during the library's monthly Technology Club, along with upcoming homeschool and teen programs. The funds will also allow the library will also purchase a one-year site license to PrintLab, which provides 3D printing lesson plans and projects.
The library also plans to re-engineer its existing after-school programming, particularly for third- to fifth-grade students. The library will also add a monthly Tinkering Club for grades six and up.
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