Graphic for NASA@ My Library STEAM Strategies Videos

By Christine Shupla, The Lunar and Planetary Institute 

NASA@ My Library has produced a series of short professional development videos as a resource to library staff conducting Earth and space science programs. Each video is 4 to 10 minutes, featuring suggestions and recommendations from library staff experienced in conducting Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) programs. Most are accompanied by a website or document with additional resources. 

NASA@ My Library STEAM Strategies videos include: 

Addressing Earth Science Confusions 

Libraries may need to prepare to address fundamental concepts while conducting Earth science STEAM activities. Learn some strategies for demonstrating and sharing ideas through resources, activities, and discussion. An accompanying additional resource: Common Confusions in Earth Science. 

Guide on the Side 

This video is designed to demonstrate strategies to facilitate discussion, exploration, and learning without sharing all the answers. Additional resources are at STAR Net’s Guide on the Side website.  

Strategies for Inclusion 

We present these strategies to increase library staff confidence and skills in delivering culturally responsive Earth and space science programming. Additional resources on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in STEM are at STAR Net’s website. 

Virtual Program Strategies 

This video shares strategies for conducting successful virtual library programs! 

Addressing Space Science Confusions 

Libraries may need to prepare to address fundamental concepts while conducting space science STEAM activities. Learn strategies for demonstrating and sharing ideas through resources, activities, and discussion. An accompanying additional resource: Common Confusions in Astronomy.  

An illustration of the relationship between the solar system, Milky Way Galaxy, a galaxy cluster, and the universe.

This graphic was designed to accompany the video Addressing Space Science Confusions. Credit: STAR Net. Graphic design by Amy Briones in consultation with Regner Trampedach, Research Scientist, Space Science Institute.  

Two more STEAM Strategies videos are scheduled for production this summer. All videos have relied upon input, participation, and feedback by members of NASA@ My Library’s State Library Agency Advisory Committee, Mentor librarians, and former Partner Libraries, as well as staff at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, including (but not limited to):  

  • Jonathan Clark, State Library Consultant, Children and Teen Services, Vermont Department of Libraries 
  • Chris Dorman, STEM Librarian, Maine State Library 
  • Phyllis Kanekuni, APR, Thelma Parker Memorial Public and School Library, Hawaii State Public Library System 
  • Leah Larson, former LSTA Grant Coordinator at the Minnesota State Library Services 
  • Atlas Logan, Branch Manager of the Hamilton Mill Branch, Gwinnett County Public Library
  • Valerie Marshall, Community Library Manager, Libraries Division – Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch, Broward County Library 
  • LaShawn Myles, Youth Services Librarian, Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled 
  • Analiza Perez-Gomez, Librarian IV, Laredo Public Library 
  • Lena Pham, Library Programs Consultant, California State Library 
  • Kevin Portillo, Videographer, Lunar and planetary Institute 
  • Kara Reiman, Children’s Literacy Specialist, Maine State Library 
  • Susan J. Rolfsmeier, Assistant Director, Chadron Public Library 
  • Carrie Sanders, Youth Services Coordinator, Maryland State Library 
  • Penelope Shumaker, Metadata Librarian, State Library of Ohio 
  • Zach Stier, Director of Children’s Services, Ericson Public Library 
  • Sha’Rell Webb, former Education Specialist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute 

For more information about the NASA@ My Library STEAM Strategies videos, contact Christine Shupla, Education and Public Engagement Manager at the Lunar and Planetary Institute and Co-Investigator for NASA@ My Library, at shupla@lpi.usra.edu.