In this day and age, technology education is lacking an all-important emphasis in school curriculums that have largely remained unchanged in recent years.
However, the advent of a new wave of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills is integrating these key skills for the future workplace that include problem solving, analytical skills, the ability to work in groups, as well as independently.
At the East Morgan County Library in Brush, this trend has been brought to life as Childrens/Teen Librarian Laura McConnell has ignited a fresh new, free, STEM program for area kids in grades three to five to participate in.
The first ever STEM activity afternoon came to life at EMCL for students who last week and on tap for the day's lesson -- slime, or mucus, rather. Kids were giddy to find their first activity involved a concoction of glue, water, Borax and food coloring that combined to form a pseudo-mucus substance proving much more fun to experiment with than the real deal.
Questions that came up from both kids and parents included exploring why mucus is an important part of a human body and the significance of its color.
EMCL will host a regular session of STEM activities, which will include a variety of activities including bridge building, on the second Wednesday of each month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Although some meetings may involve a limit on the number of children who can attend, any child in the third to fifth grade is welcome to attend. Signup before the date is preferred.
For more information, contact Laura McConnell at 842-4596.