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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.

Learn More

Events

  • Mar
    28 Thu

    Fiber Arts Adventure with Lenni: A Machine-Sewing Workshop Series (Main)

    Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND create bespoke sewn crafts! Project options are tailored on two tracks: those who are familiar with our Janome machines and beginner sewers and those who are intermdiate sewers. This four-part series is led by fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong. Registration is required. Those registered for the first session will automatically be enrolled in the following weeks. Spots are very limited; kindly only enroll if you plan to make all four workshops. All sessions meet in the Rossi Room Thursday, March 21: Napkins for beginners OR patterns for intermediates Thursday, March 28: Hats for beginners OR work apron for intermediates Thursday, April 4: Ear bud holders for beginners OR backpack for intermediates Thursday, April 11: Finish up all projects This intermediate workshop is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines.

  • Mar
    28 Thu

    XR Lab 101 (Main)

    Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. 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
    29 Fri

    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
    30 Sat

    Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)

    Would you like to make your own vinyl signs, stickers, or images to transfer to T-shirts and other textiles? In this workshop, you can learn how to use our Roland Camm-1 GS-24 vinyl cutter. You can then design a sticker and cut it with our vinyl cutter! Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • Mar
    30 Sat

    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
    30 Sat

    2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration: Make an Eclipse Viewer (O'Neill)

    Use recycled materials to create an eclipse viewer at the Library. Then safely view the eclipse on April 8! This program is open to people of all ages. This event is part of the Library's 2024 Eclipse Celebration. Check out our calendar of events or ask at your local library to learn about other events that are part of this special program: 2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration.

  • Apr
    01 Mon

    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.

  • Apr
    01 Mon

    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.

  • Apr
    01 Mon

    LEGO Time (Main)

    It's a weekly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! The Children's Room has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don't need to bring your own. LEGO pieces are choking hazards for young children. For children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. This program can accommodate 30 builders. Children under age 7 must be attended by a caregiver. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. This program starts promptly and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. 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.

  • Apr
    02 Tue

    3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design

    Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Prusa 3D printers. Before taking this workshop: Complete Hive Safety Training Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing badge for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account prior to arriving. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • Apr
    02 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.

  • Apr
    02 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.

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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