No open-access location is known for this record yet.
No open-access location is known for this record yet.
Now is the perfect time to update your school library into an engaging STEM learning zone, which will quickly become the academic nucleus of your school campus. Your cutting-edge STEM library program will be one of many to advance our traditional school libraries as they embrace the sciences and effectively respond to a zeitgeist in which young scientists and mathematicians are flocking toward STEM reading material. Fortunately, teacher librarians keep abreast of educational trends and are skilled at gathering STEM resources that support school curricula, state standards, and nationwide learning initiatives. For the past few years, there has been an increasing push for student development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to respond to the growing need for preparation and advancement in these career fields. Fortunately, a teacher librarian can create an effective STEM program in any school library with the usual funding and extra dedication. We must recognize that to enter STEM career fields, students must first become successful in STEM classrooms. Just three years ago, the congressional report Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education: Background, Federal Policy, and Legislative Action stated that the United States ranks 28th in numeracy and 24th in science literacy; thus, we are not producing enough STEM graduates. (1) These numbers indicate a significant deficit in the math and science classroom; because librarians support teachers' curricula, this number also shows that librarians could create more opportunities to support STEM instruction. The school library is a large classroom with resources in all subject areas, but there must be an emphasis on the areas where students need extra tutoring, primarily math and science. Plus, technology and engineering education is often dependent upon math and science proficiency. Whether new or seasoned, librarians have the knowledge and skills to educate students about STEM and increase these math and science test scores. I have learned from several others in the field and taught myself many strategies that promote STEM awareness on a secondary school campus. Librarians should embrace this opportunity to use their advanced training to support STEM learning and to show how essential libraries are in the digital age. In her 2009 article Jumping onto the Bandwagon: New Librarians Navigating the Science/Technology Librarianship, engineering librarian Nedelina Tchangalova proposes that a STEM librarian can learn much about science resources without having content knowledge. (2) In other words, a librarian does not need a science background to run an effective STEM library, so defenestrate your fear of science and embrace the opportunity to make your library a lab of learning. She urges librarians to develop their roles as specialists. An information specialist can do any of the following ten steps toward creating a cutting-edge STEM library. I am always refining my STEM library at the Los Angeles Unified School District's Young Oak Kim Academy. (3) As you read these ideas, remember that each library is unique and only the librarian knows what will work best for his or her patrons. 1. Highlight Existing STEM Resources Create more signage to maximize visibility and draw attention to your current STEM sections. In nonfiction and reference, the 500s and 600s should have specific signage, that is, Dinosaurs, Buildings, and Fractions. In the periodicals section, have an area designated for STEM-themed magazines and newspapers. Consider including National Geographic, Popular Mechanics, Current Science, and Wired, among others. Create colorful and intriguing STEM book displays. For example, I currently have the parts of a PC on display in my glass case with labels of each computer part and their function, for instance, Motherboard: This part connects all parts of the computer together. …
Loading…
Stored only when both papers are in the corpus — 5 citations exist upstream.
Imported from OpenAlex (CC0) — nothing here is generated.