Jackson-Madison County Library to Host STEM LEAP Open House and Raspberry Jam
First Raspberry Jam Held in West Tennessee
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County Library is hosting an open house for its new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) LEAP (Learn, Explore and Play) initiative, as well as West Tennessee’s first Raspberry Jam at the main library from 4 – 6 p.m. on Mon., April 23.
The open house will feature activity stations for attendees to explore the new Hands-On STEM Learning Kits that were made possible by a $3,400 STEM grant from the Tennessee State Library and Archives and the Department of Economic and Community Development to promote the use of broadband and digital technology. These kits will allow young and old alike to learn coding concepts using Raspberry Pi kits, Sphero SPRK+ robots, Makey Makey kits, 3D printing pens, Dash and Dot robots, and Oculus Rift virtual reality goggles with Oculus Touch handheld controllers, in addition to existing Makerspace technology such as a 3D printer and video recording equipment.
In addition, the library is hosting a Raspberry Jam. Digital makers and coders in the community are invited to bring their own Raspberry Pi projects for a show-and-tell. With varying levels of expertise and experience on hand, this is a great opportunity to see what is possible with the Raspberry Pi computer. During the open house, theCO will give away one Raspberry Pi computer as part of a drawing open to children and teens.
The Raspberry Pi computer was created by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, based in Cambridge, UK, as a low-cost, high performance device that people can use to learn, solve problems and have fun. It enables people of all ages to explore computing and to learn how to program in languages like Scratch and Python. The foundation provides outreach, education, learning resources and educator training to make programming, digital making and creative technology accessible for everyone.
“We are excited to not only show off our new STEM learning kits, but to host the very first Raspberry Jam in West Tennessee,” said Jessi Rieger, Teen Services Librarian. “Providing these opportunities to learn about and play with these high tech tools can inspire children and teens to pursue STEM careers and build their confidence in STEM education. We are committed to offering ongoing programs that are free and open to everyone.”
The Library’s new STEM LEAP initiative targets children and teens to provide hands-on STEM learning, STEM career exploration and activities that inspire creativity and play. As part of that initiative, programs using these tools will be offered through the Library’s weekly Maker Monday program for students sixth grade through 12th grade. Starting in May, the Library will launch Family Lego and LEAP Open Play every Friday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. to allow families to explore and play together using both Lego blocks and the STEM kits.
This summer, the Library will be partnering with theCO and the Keep My Hood Good (KMHG) Campaign to offer free Raspberry Pi coding workshops for students in the KMHG program. This hands-on training will then provide the opportunity for KMHG students to assist Library staff in peer-to-peer training for children and teens throughout the Jackson-Madison County area.
The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown Jackson. For more information, visit the Library’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/JMCLibrary or its website at www.jmclibrary.org. For information about Raspberry Pi, visit the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s website at www.raspberrypi.org.
