Kids Programming: STEAM and EDI Together is important

As a former Children’s Librarian, I worked in a large city system where the population was diverse. It was always necessary to react to what the community needed. As a Patron Services Librarian, I work with all ages. I also outreach and program with my Youth Services Librarians. We also have to work with and react to community. Libraries and librarians play a crucial role as centers for innovation, imagination, curiosity, and community engagement, often serving as accessible hubs for enjoyable and free informal education. Integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles allows the creation of transformative programs for children.

Librarians who design STEAM activities and other programs with an EDI focus can ensure that all children see themselves reflected in the learning materials and activities. This involves highlighting diverse inventors, artists, and scientists as role models and incorporating activities and projects that honor unique cultural perspectives like Indigenous Technologies or art that expresses personal identity.

Furthermore, it’s essential to remove barriers in participation by offering programs and materials in multiple languages, providing adaptive tools for children with disabilities, and ensuring free access to materials and programs. EDI-driven STEAM programming not only teaches essential skills but also fosters empathy and belonging, preparing children for a future where innovation thrives on diversity.

The following is a selection of children’s literature that showcases the accomplishments of inventors and scientists of color:

1. “Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race” by Margot Lee Shetterly
   This picture book tells the story of four brilliant Black women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden—whose work as mathematicians at NASA broke racial and gender barriers while contributing to major space missions. Recommended for ages 5–9.
2. “Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions” by Chris Barton
   This engaging story follows Lonnie Johnson, an African American engineer and inventor, best known for creating the Super Soaker water gun. His journey emphasizes perseverance and creativity. Great for ages 7–10.
3. “The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just” by Mélina Mangal
   This biography focuses on Ernest Everett Just, a pioneering Black biologist whose studies on cells broke ground in his field. The book also explores the challenges he faced due to systemic racism. Recommended for ages 6–10.
4. “What Color Is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors” by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
   This book introduces young readers to often-overlooked African American inventors whose innovations have changed everyday life, from household items to essential technologies.
5. “Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner” by Janice N. Harrington
   Highlighting the life of Charles Henry Turner, a groundbreaking African American scientist, this book explores his discoveries about insect behavior and his determination to pursue research despite societal barriers. Best for ages 7–11.
6. “Dear Benjamin Banneker” by Andrea Davis Pinkney
   A beautifully illustrated story of Benjamin Banneker, an African American mathematician and astronomer who created influential almanacs and challenged societal injustices through his correspondence with Thomas Jefferson. Recommended for ages 6–10.

These books celebrate the resilience, ingenuity, and contributions of inventors and scientists of color, inspiring young readers to dream big and persist in the face of challenges.

The following are STEAM activities that incorporate an EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) focus, suitable for inclusion in children’s programming by librarians.

1. Culturally Responsive Engineering Challenges

• Activity: Design a shelter or structure inspired by Indigenous architecture, such as igloos, longhouses, or adobe homes. Highlight how traditional knowledge informs sustainable design practices.
• Purpose: Teach about diverse engineering methods while fostering appreciation for Indigenous contributions to design and technology.
• Target Age Group: 8–12 years.

2. Cultural Mathematics Exploration

• Activity: Explore mathematical concepts like fractals through African art, such as Zulu beadwork or Ethiopian designs. Use these patterns to create artistic representations of math.
• Purpose: Connect math to cultural traditions, demonstrating its global significance and relevance.
• Target Age Group: 10–14 years.

3. Community Problem Solving Using Design Thinking

• Activity: Challenge kids to design solutions to local issues, like creating accessible library spaces or community gardens. Incorporate input from diverse voices in the community.
• Purpose: Encourage empathy and community engagement while teaching problem-solving and engineering skills.
• Target Age Group: 9–14 years.

By Mariel Matthews, Patron Services Librarian, Long Beach Public Library

The post Kids Programming: STEAM and EDI Together is important appeared first on ALSC Blog.

 As a former Children’s Librarian, I worked in a large city system where the population was diverse. It was always necessary to react to what the community needed. As a Patron Services Librarian, I work with all ages. I also outreach and program with my Youth Services Librarians. We also have to work with and react to community. Libraries and librarians play a crucial role as centers for innovation, imagination, curiosity, and community engagement, often serving as accessible hubs for enjoyable and free informal education. Integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles allows the creation of transformative programs for children. Librarians who design STEAM activities and other programs with an EDI focus can ensure that all children see themselves reflected in the learning materials and activities. This involves highlighting diverse inventors, artists, and scientists as role models and incorporating activities and…
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