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Cambridge STEAM Initiative

Cambridge STEAM Initiative Logo

The Cambridge STEAM Initiative is a joint initiative of the City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs, Cambridge Public School Department, and the Cambridge Public Library.  STEAM is an integrated approach to learning that incorporates STEAM Habits of Mind using any combination of STEAM areas of study - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math - as access points for inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. Using a racial justice lens to frame all of its efforts, the STEAM Initiative works to ensure that Cambridge residents who are most impacted by systemic inequities have access to high quality STEAM programming, resources, and skill-building opportunities. Learn more about our vision

STEAM Habits of Mind

We identified 6 habits that develop creativity and critical thinking skills: Develop Craft, Engage and Persist, Express, Observe, Reflect, Stretch and Explore. These habits support young people in becoming creators, leaders, and decision makers. 

Learn More

Bob Moses MathTrail

The Bob Moses MathTrail is a mile-long path in The Port neighborhood that begins at Sennott Park on Broadway and stretches along Elm, Broadway, Windsor, Main, Cherry, Eaton, and Columbia Streets. The goal of the Bob Moses MathTrail is to encourage Cambridge residents, especially children and families, to find the fun in math and explore math in the world around them.

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Events

  • Mar
    19 Tue

    Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)

    Learn how to use our Epilog Zing—an industry-standard laser cutting machine. Complete this workshop to earn a badge for the Zing laser cutter. With a badge, you can reserve the Epilog Zing to use on our equipment booking page at designated times. Note: The Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must participate in the Glowforge workshop in order to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • Mar
    19 Tue

    Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)

    During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.

  • Mar
    19 Tue

    STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)

    Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a teen-powered design and innovation program where teens channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, teens engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. Teens are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose. Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that inspires high-potential, diverse young people to discover their passions, develop innovative mindsets and cultivate marketable skills to solve problems they care most about. Summer Studio teens are funded in part through the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. The Cambridge Public Library STEAM Academy is part of Cambridge STEAM Initiative's efforts to enhance and expand students’ access to quality STEAM learning experiences. Made possible by generous support from the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund and Verizon.

  • Mar
    19 Tue

    STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)

    Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs starts with students' interest in building a better world and introduces them to the underlying science and math principles to bring their solutions to life. Youth in 7th and 8th grades are invted to join iFp on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence with 'Smart Cars AI: Driving Innovation for All.' This 13-week adventure invites you to dive into the world of self-driving cars, at the intersection of technology and innovation Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that inspires high-potential, diverse young people to discover their passions, develop innovative mindsets and cultivate marketable skills to solve problems they care most about. Summer Studio teens are funded in part through the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. The Cambridge Public Library STEAM Academy is part of Cambridge STEAM Initiative's efforts to enhance and expand students’ access to quality STEAM learning experiences. Made possible by generous support from the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund and Verizon. Teens in 7th and 8th grade are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose.

  • Mar
    19 Tue

    Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)

    Learn how to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials using the Glowforge Pro laser cutter in this workshop. This two-hour workshop replaces the previous two-part Glowforge 101 offering; the content and length of this workshop and the two-part series are the same. You will start by utilizing the camera on the Glowforge to focus and scan your own custom images, properly select materials for your project, and fabricate your first design. You will create digital artwork for the Glowforge, and learn file formatting for production. Note: This is a badging course for laser cutting. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this program. View The Hive's workshop schedule here.

  • Mar
    20 Wed

    CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mount Auburn Cemetery (Collins)

    Join us at the Collins Branch library for a morning walk at the renowned birdwatching spot in our own backyard, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted all year round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. Registration is required. The walk will meet at the courtyard of the Collins Branch (64 Aberdeen Ave.) at 10:15 AM and head over to Mount Auburn Cemetery together. For more information, contact Michael Roberson at mroberson@cambridgema.gov or call the Collins Branch at 617-349-4021.

  • Mar
    20 Wed

    Serger Training (Main)

    Are you an intermediate or advanced sewer? This workshop will cover serger machine setup, threading a serger, and identifying correct tension settings with different types of fabric. You will learn about ways to use our Elna Extend 864 Air serger to take your sewing skills to the next level by producing special finishing styles, hemming, trimming and assembling your garments. This workshop is designed for patrons who have prior experience using a sewing machine. If you are new to machine sewing, we recommend you take our Sewing 101 workshop before using our serger.

  • Mar
    20 Wed

    Hive Teen Hangout (Main)

    Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to come learn about our space and try their hand at sticker making, video recording in our studio and more. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18. The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.

  • Mar
    20 Wed

    Nintendo Switch Party for Ages 7-9 (Main)

    Join our Nintendo Switch party! We'll have two multiplayer games available to play on our library consoles. This program is for ages 7-9. There will be a Nintendo Switch Party for older kids in April. This program can accommodate 16 gamers. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The gamer must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed spots will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.

  • Mar
    20 Wed

    STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)

    Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a teen-powered design and innovation program where teens channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, teens engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. Teens are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose. Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that inspires high-potential, diverse young people to discover their passions, develop innovative mindsets and cultivate marketable skills to solve problems they care most about. Summer Studio teens are funded in part through the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. The Cambridge Public Library STEAM Academy is part of Cambridge STEAM Initiative's efforts to enhance and expand students’ access to quality STEAM learning experiences. Made possible by generous support from the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund and Verizon.

  • Mar
    20 Wed

    CANCELLED- Sewing Circle

    Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND receive support as you work on your own sewing projects with our Library sewing community. Participants must register but may drop-in any time during the program. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines.

  • Mar
    21 Thu

    Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)

    During this reservation period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.

Contact Us

Sharlene Yang (she, her, hers)
Director
Cambridge STEAM Initiative
617-349-4672
syang@cambridgema.gov

Participating Departments

Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) Logo Cambridge Public Library Logo Cambridge Public Schools Logo 

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