This article was published in the Fall 2024 edition of Hewitt Express by the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce. View the original here.
Thanks to a grant from the Institute of Museum & Library Services through the Texas State Library & Archive Commission’s Special Projects Program (Grant #LS-256843-OLS-24), the Hewitt Public Library is keeping pace with education for students aged 3 to 18 by integrating active learning with science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) concepts. This initiative not only cultivates a passion for learning but also equips young minds with essential skills for the future. By providing interactive and engaging programs, the library is making a significant impact on students’ lives. Here’s a closer look at how the library is achieving this and why it matters. 
Imagine a vibrant, dynamic environment where curiosity and creativity converge — a place where students can build robots, create 3D-printed objects, and experiment with electronics. The Hewitt Public Library’s Full STEAM Ahead initiative offers precisely this. These activities provide hands-on experiences that transform abstract concepts into tangible learning. For example, students might work together to guide a Sphero BOLT robot through an obstacle course via block coding. Through this process, they gain insights into coding basics, creative collaboration, and essential problem-solving skills.
HPL has built this initiative by using student standards set by the International Society for Technology in Education. Recent studies on the implementation of these standards in K-12 classrooms show significant student learning gains when able to use technology to explore new ideas and solve problems independently (“The Nexus of ISTE Standards and Academic Progress: A Mapping Analysis of Empirical Studies”). These STEAM activities are equipped with tools and materials that encourage exploration and innovation. Our visitors will have the opportunity to engage in projects such as designing simple circuits, creating art with digital tools, and exploring the basics of 3D printing. Such activities not only foster a deeper understanding of engineering and technology but also inspire students to think critically and creatively. This kind of active learning environment prepares students for the complex challenges of the future, making them more adaptable and innovative.
For our younger learners, the library offers a unique blend of STEAM learning through storytimes and art projects. During STEAM-themed storytime sessions, our specialists read books that introduce scientific concepts in a fun and engaging manner. These stories are followed by related hands-on activities, allowing children to explore these concepts further. For instance, a story about the water cycle might be paired with a simple science experiment demonstrating evaporation and condensation, making the learning process interactive and enjoyable.
Art projects are another integral part of this initiative. Children engage in activities like drawing, painting, and crafting, often inspired by mathematical patterns or scientific phenomena. These projects help children make connections between artistic expression and academic concepts. For example, they might create artwork based on the symmetry found in nature or explore the concept of balance through sculpture. By integrating art with science and math, the library helps children see the interconnectedness of different fields of knowledge.
Older students thrive in environments that allow them to take an active role in managing their own learning. The Hewitt Public Library engages teens through the Teen Advisory Board, which allows its members to have a voice in the development of teen-based services at the library. These teens are already becoming global collaborators and empowered learners. HPL has expanded its STEAM offerings for teens through activities that make learning fun and emphasize the practical applications of academic knowledge, such as littleBit circuits and engineering sets. Students learn to work together, communicate effectively, and think critically under pressure. Such experiences are invaluable in preparing them for future academic and professional success. By participating in these challenges, students develop a deeper understanding of science and math, improve their problem-solving abilities, and gain confidence in their skills.
Investing in the STEAM education of our youth is investing in our collective future. The Hewitt Public Library is helping to cultivate a generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. Encouraging students to participate in these programs ensures that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Together, we can inspire young minds to dream big and achieve great things through the power of STEAM education.