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The Cambridge STEAM Initiative is a joint initiative of the City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs, Cambridge Public School Department, and the Cambridge Public Library. STEAM is an integrated approach to learning that incorporates STEAM Habits of Mind using any combination of STEAM areas of study - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math - as access points for inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. Using a racial justice lens to frame all of its efforts, the STEAM Initiative works to ensure that Cambridge residents who are most impacted by systemic inequities have access to high quality STEAM programming, resources, and skill-building opportunities. Learn more about our vision.
We identified 6 habits that develop creativity and critical thinking skills: Develop Craft, Engage and Persist, Express, Observe, Reflect, Stretch and Explore. These habits support young people in becoming creators, leaders, and decision makers.
Learn MoreThe Bob Moses MathTrail is a mile-long path in The Port neighborhood that begins at Sennott Park on Broadway and stretches along Elm, Broadway, Windsor, Main, Cherry, Eaton, and Columbia Streets. The goal of the Bob Moses MathTrail is to encourage Cambridge residents, especially children and families, to find the fun in math and explore math in the world around them.
Learn MoreDuring this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
Join us at the Valente Branch to usher in pride month in style! Make buttons to show off pride flags, or make your own pronoun pins! We will have templates available to fill in. Use your new pride swag to celebrate all month long! This drop-in youth event is for children and teens. The program is recommended for ages 8 and up. If younger siblings under the age of 8 are joining, they must be accompanied by a caregiver. Registration is helpful to recieve a program reminder, but is not required.
It's a weekly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! The Children's Room has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don't need to bring your own. LEGO pieces are choking hazards for young children. For children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 30 builders. Children under age 7 must be attended by a caregiver. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. This program starts promptly and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for stories, followed by an outdoor walk around the Library (weather permitting), and a simple insect-themed craft.
Learn how to use our Epilog Zing—an industry-standard laser cutting machine. Complete this workshop to earn a badge for the Zing laser cutter. With a badge, you can reserve the Epilog Zing to use on our equipment booking page at designated times. Note: The Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must participate in the Glowforge workshop in order to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
Did you know you can check out backpacks full of fun STEAM activities? Join us as we show off our Birdwatching Backpack, Brain Busters Backpack, Jurassic Pack, and many more. If you're lucky, maybe you'll even take one home! No registration required. Children under age 7 must be attended by a caregiver. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.
Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Prusa 3D printers. Before taking this workshop: Complete Hive Safety Training Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing badge for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account prior to arriving. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Stop by Valente after the half-day to pick up a take-and-make activity to make at the library or bring home with you. Available while supplies last. No registration is required.
Are you an intermediate or advanced sewer? This workshop will cover serger machine setup, threading a serger, and identifying correct tension settings with different types of fabric. You will learn about ways to use our Elna Extend 864 Air serger to take your sewing skills to the next level by producing special finishing styles, hemming, trimming and assembling your garments. This workshop is designed for patrons who have prior experience using a sewing machine. If you are new to machine sewing, we recommend you take our Sewing 101 workshop before using our serger.
Join us for a video game free play event hosted by Massachusetts eSport and gaming venue, One Up Games! Explore virtual worlds with the Oculus Quest, or play the latest titles on XBOX Series S, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch! No registration is required. This event is recommended for ages 7 and up. We will also have board games and puzzles available for younger children.
Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to come learn about our space and try their hand at sticker making, video recording in our studio and more. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18.
Sharlene Yang (she, her, hers)
Director
Cambridge STEAM Initiative
617-349-4672
syang@cambridgema.gov
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