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Cambridge STEAM Initiative

Cambridge STEAM Initiative Logo

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

STEAM Habits of Mind

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. 

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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.

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Events

  • May
    10 Sat

    3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)

    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 certification 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.

  • May
    10 Sat

    Jane's Walk

    Walking tour of the Observatory Hill neighborhood. Part of a nation-wide annual Jane's Walk program in honor of Jane Jacobs.

  • May
    10 Sat

    Free Family Concert: Radius Ensemble presents Peter and the Wolf (Main)

    Join us for a relaxed Saturday morning concert with Radius Ensemble! The concert, geared toward preschool children but appropriate for all ages, features a delightful abridged version of Prokofiev's Peter & the Wolf (at the end of which the wolf, instead of meeting his demise, is taken to the zoo), plus also other silly songs about animals, as well as a show-and-tell of the instruments of the woodwind family. For the final piece of this 45-minute program, children are invited to play along on hand percussion instruments such as tambourines and claves, and each child receives a free colorful shaker to take home. Recommended for children ages 3 to 5 years with caregiver. This program can accommodate 130 people. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. 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.

  • May
    10 Sat

    MA250 Event: Innovation Trail Tour - Kendall Square

    Join us for a special tour of The Innovation Trail and learn more about the scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs who made Cambridge one of the most innovative cities in the world.

  • May
    10 Sat

    Traditional Chinese Watercolor by Xiang Li Exhibit (Main)

    The Cambridge Public Library is honored to host the breathtaking art of Xiang Li, featuring over a dozen selected canvas portraits of Chinese empresses, for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The artwork is located on L2. Click here to explore the artist's webpage.

  • May
    10 Sat

    Sewing 101 (Main)

    In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • May
    10 Sat

    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.

  • May
    10 Sat

    MA250 Event: "East Cambridge in the Revolution" Tour

    Discover the overlooked Revolutionary history of East Cambridge on this walking tour, tracing the neighborhood’s pivotal role in the war and its postwar transformation into a thriving hub of industry, infrastructure, and innovation.

  • May
    10 Sat

    Chess Hour (O'Neill)

    Join us for a game of chess at the O'Neill Branch Library! Players of all skill levels and all ages are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is a space for individuals to play and test their skills against other members of the community. This is not an instructional class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4023 or via email: sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov

  • May
    10 Sat

    The Royal Rumpus (Valente)

    Put on your best royal outfit and join us for a special afternoon! Listen to a story, decorate a crown and dance to some royal music! This program is for children of all ages and their grown-ups. Registration is required; register below. When registering, please include the total number of children who will be attending the program as your number of attendees. Call the library at 617-349-4015 for more information.

  • May
    12 Mon

    High 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.

  • May
    12 Mon

    Sing-Along (O'Neill)

    Sing and dance to your favorite songs! For children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.

Contact Us

Sharlene Yang (she, her, hers)
Director
Cambridge STEAM Initiative
617-349-4672
syang@cambridgema.gov

Participating Departments

Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) Logo Cambridge Public Library Logo Cambridge Public Schools Logo 

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