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The Chicago Public Library has announced a series of ScienceConnections programs for children and families across the city, running from April through June. These programs offer engaging activities focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math, or STEAM.
Various library branches have organized themed events. At Albany Park, "Nature Explorers" invites participants to create herb gardens and fairy garden terrariums, and to make seed bombs, among other activities. In Bucktown-Wicker Park, families can join field trip walks that encourage sketching and engagement with the environment. Budlong Woods offers "Family Science Sundays" where children can explore light bending and learn gardening fundamentals.
Edgewater's "Science is Fun" series includes making rain clouds in jars and sun-changing bracelets. Gage Park presents the "EnGage in STEAM" series, featuring slime creation and butterfly observation. Garfield Ridge focuses on exploring "The Science of Color and Light" with activities such as creating rainbow shadows.
Jefferson Park offers the "Nature STEAM" series, where children can make seed bombs and create bird nests. Lincoln Park hosts "Mix-It Up Mondays" with hands-on experiments involving marshmallows and magnets. Little Village's challenges include building with LEGO and experimenting with buoyancy.
Logan Square's "Science Club" engages participants in building space models and exploring chemical reactions. Manning's "Create Club" offers engineering experiences like building motorized Bristle Bots and designing fidget spinners. McKinley Park's "Drop-In Nature STEM" series allows for artistic and scientific exploration with sun print materials and LEGO building.
North Pulaski introduces early childhood STEAM stations, while Oriole Park's "Math Matters" offers art activities centered around mathematical concepts. Roden presents "Saturday STEM Challenges," exploring sound waves and motion. Sherman Park's series involves transforming caterpillars and engineering projects.
Uptown focuses on gardening science, and Vodak-East Side collaborates with environmental organizations for nature exploration and a beach clean-up. West Pullman's activities include creating slime and exploring shapes with math fidget cubes. West Town's "Curious Kids Club" lets children experiment with hydroponic bulb growing and sun-reactive bead bracelets. Woodson Regional rounds out the offerings with gardening planning and butterfly habitats.
The library states that "ScienceConnections programs are made possible in part by S&C Electric Company, Norfolk Southern Corporation, and other generous donors to the Chicago Public Library Foundation."
