CONNECT with the CityLibrary NExT
Library NExT (Network of Education x Training) is a workshop series for students and is the result of a partnership between San Diego Public Library, UC San Diego Extended Studies and Sally Ride Science.
Topics cover circuits, programming languages, virology and dozens of other STEAM courses. Workshops are offered in both in-person and virtual formats.
Library NExT winds down in Summer 2024. Find library STEAM programming on the DiscoverU website.
Got questions? Please contact Library NExT: LibraryNext@sandiego.gov.
Summer 2024 Programs
Library NExT wraps up in September. STEAM programming can be found on the DiscoverU website.
July
Pirate Science
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Rancho Peñasquitos Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Ahoy! Life as a pirate isn’t just rough and rugged – it requires scientific ingenuity. In this class, students will learn about the traditional suite of nautical arts, including celestial navigation, sword fighting, weather prediction, knot tying, ship construction, and sailing. Come aboard, mateys! This is an in-person workshop.
Animation and Video Game Design Using Scratch
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Carmel Mountain Ranch Library| Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Make zombies, princesses and flying carpets come to life as you develop your own online game! Using Scratch software, you will learn about character and storyboard design as you use basic animation to design games. This is an in-person workshop.
August
Viruses: Zombies of Biology
Saturday, August 3, 2024 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Clairemont Library | Level: Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
What do vampires, zombies, and viruses all have in common? Learn about some of the world's most interesting (and dangerous) diseases, how they are transmitted, and why some of them are so harmful to the human body. Participants will also examine how pop culture icons, like Spiderman and Venom relate to viruses. Using creative methods, such as clay models, comic writing, infographics, and storytelling, participants will showcase what they have learned. This is an in-person workshop.
Craftronics
Monday, August 5, 2024 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: University Community Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Learn about electronics and circuits while creating a fun craft project! Previous projects include a moving origami swan, light-up LED bracelet or robot bug. This is an in-person workshop.
Squid Dissection
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: San Ysidro Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Things may get a little inky as students work together to dissect a real squid. Students will develop scientific research skills as they learn about squids and other animals that make their homes in ocean ecosystems. This is an in-person workshop.
Earthquakes in your Backyard
Saturday, August 17, 2024 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Point Loma/Hervey Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Examine the geologic activity happening all around you! Examine Southern California's fault systems and look at recent earthquake activity using online tools from the US Geological Survey. Participants will learn how to interpret an earthquake's magnitude and conduct an experiment to help them understand the mechanics of earthquake faults. This is an in-person workshop.
Pirate Science
Friday, August 23, 2024 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: City Heights/Weingart Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
What do vampires, zombies, and viruses all have in common? Learn about some of the world's most interesting (and dangerous) diseases, how they are transmitted, and why some of them are so harmful to the human body. Participants will also examine how pop culture icons, like Spiderman and Venom relate to viruses. Using creative methods, such as clay models, comic writing, infographics, and storytelling, participants will showcase what they have learned. This is an in-person workshop.
Virtual Disney Style: Act, Sing and Stretch
Thursday, August 29, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Want to learn how singers and actors get ready for the spotlight? You’ll discover how to use active vocal warm-ups, physical stretches and tongue twisters to loosen up before acting out familiar movie scenes and songs. This is a virtual workshop.
Rocket Science
Saturday, August 31, 2024 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Rancho Bernardo Library | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Get ready to explore current rocket science and rocket design. The class will culminate in the creation and launch of a testable paper rocket model. Earth-bound space exploration has never been so fun! This is an in-person workshop.
STEAM Videos
The San Diego Public Library is excited to present a series of videos for our Library NExT STEAM programs! These fun videos will inspire and engage students of all ages to keep up on their STEAM studies while experiencing STEAM subjects and entertaining exploration!
For more Library NExT videos click here!
The Great Geography Clues Game
Do you have what it takes to earn the crown of The Great Geography Clues Game? You will be exploring the world, while given several clues along the way in order to guess the famous place or city in question. Take the quiz and then challenge your family and friends to beat your score. Good luck!
Glowies: Crafting with Instamorph
Learn about plastic casting and electronics with Instamorph - a safe, non-toxic, low temperature thermoplastic. Similar to hot glue but you can mold it, or shape it by hand. When it cools, it turns hard again. Put an LED in it while it's soft and attach a coin cell battery to make a "Glowie". The molds are also easy to make, from 100% silicone and cornstarch.
Craftronics: Popsicle Stick Flashlight
Learn how to create a simple circuit flashlight project using the items around the house like popsicle sticks, binder clips and aluminum foil.
Introduction to Python Programming
Get a jump start into python programming. This video covers the installation of python with Anaconda, print statements, and variables. After viewing the video, you have a chance to study python programming with a free textbook provided in the links below.
SketchUp
SketchUp is a free 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architecture, furniture design, 3D printing, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design. In this short video, you will learn how to build a simple 3D object using basic commands and tools which will allow you to turn all your ideas into 3 dimensions.
Partners
This project is funded in whole or in part by the Library Foundation SD.
