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 MoreCambridge STEAM Initiative

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.
Adult Education and Training
Educator Resources
The Hive
STEAM News
STEAM Habits of Mind
Bob Moses MathTrail
The 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 MoreEvents
-
May02 Fri
Ping Pong Workshops for Older Adults
If you are interested in learning how to play Ping Pong or enjoy playing, join one of the workshops. A volunteer will be available to play with you and demonstrate the elements and rules of the game.
-
May02 Fri
Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
May02 Fri
Wellness for Older Adults: Tai Chi Paradigm - Beginner (Valente)
Join us in this twelve-week Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. This is an in-person event at the Valente Library. Due to the popularity of Sifu Diaz's classes, we expect participants to attend all sessions and participation in this program will be decided by lottery. To enter the lottery, please register for the waitlist below. This waitlist will constitute the pool from which 15 names will be drawn randomly. Registration will open Friday, February 7 at 9AM and close Friday, February 21 at 5PM. Participants selected will be notified on Saturday, February 22. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation
-
May02 Fri
Yoga for Better Balance for Older Adults
This class provides opportunities to improve balance standing and seated on mats or chairs. The objective is to increase our self-confidence and joy standing and moving.
-
May02 Fri
Drop-in Tech Help at the Library (Central Square)
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your resume and support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours between 11a.m. and 1p.m. No registration required.
-
May02 Fri
Toddler Story Time (O'Connell)
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 15-20 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for details.
-
May02 Fri
TRIP to Castle Island (for Older Adults)
Join us for a wonderful day at Castle Island! Our documentary photography class will be capturing stunning photos for their projects, and all are welcome to join in and explore the art of photography.
-
May02 Fri
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is certified to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
-
May02 Fri
Beginner ESOL Class (Central Square)
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at an high beginner level. No testing is needed.. For more information call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
-
May02 Fri
Overflow Study and Hang (Central Square)
Drop in the Central Square Branch’s Lewis Room for extra space to study and hang out. Supplies will be provided to color, do puzzles, and play games. No registration required! 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.
-
May02 Fri
Kids' Zine Collective (O'Neill)
What's a zine? And how do I make one? Come find out! Kids are invited to explore making, copying, sharing, and swapping zines. Making zines will include activities like writing, drawing, and using a photocopier. For kids ages 7 and up. Snacks are provided!
-
May02 Fri
Magic Tree House Book Group (O'Connell/Virtual)
Our Magic Tree House book group is for kids ages 5-10. Check out a copy of the book beforehand, or download it from the Libby app. Our May book is the Magic Tree House Super Edition, World at War. This book group will meet virtually and in person at the O'Connell Branch. Please register below if you would like to attend virtually. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Need a laptop or hotspot to participate? Call the O'Connell Branch at 617-349-4019. For questions about the Magic Tree House Book Club, please email cmeisler@cambridgema.gov.
Contact Us
Sharlene Yang (she, her, hers)
Director
Cambridge STEAM Initiative
617-349-4672
syang@cambridgema.gov