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Home > Cambridge STEAM Initiative

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. 

Pre-K - 12th Grade STEAM

Check out our growing collections of STEAM-centered programs and resources for Pre-K -12th graders!

Adult Education and Training

Are you looking to build new skills or get job training? Learn more about how you can be part of the Cambridge innovation economy!

Educator Resources

Explore curricular resources and learn about STEAM professional development opportunities!

The Hive

The Library's makerspace offers STEAM tools, technology, and workshops for your creative discovery and exploration!

STEAM News

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Math is a Civil Right Movement

A young child plays with an abacus in a classroom

The Cambridge STEAM Initiative is co-leading a Math Is a Civil Right movement in Cambridge alongside the Cambridge Public Schools Math Department and The Young People’s Project, to further advance Bob Moses’s belief that math is a civil right.

This collective action brings together a broad coalition of partners, including Agenda for Children OST programs, DHSP youth-serving programs, Tutoring Plus, Science Club for Girls, Cambridge Math Circle, Cambridge School Volunteers, The Hive at the Cambridge Public Library, and others, all working toward a more just and equitable math ecosystem.

Learn More

Bob Moses MathTrail

Math Trail Kids and ipads

 

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

STEAM Habits of Mind

STEAM Rises text with microphone and steam tendrils

The STEAM Initiative 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

STEAM Rises, a podcast produced by the Cambridge STEAM Initiative, aims to inspire listeners to create change in their communities and lives by engaging in conversations, asking new questions, and reflecting on belonging and Habits of Mind.

Learn More

Events

  • Jan
    23 Fri

    Open Shop (Main)

    During Open Shop, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Additionally, individuals are welcome to drop in to work on their projects independently. The Hive staff will assist with questions as they are able! New makers are also welcome to come in during open shop for a 10min drop in video safety training! Tool Reservations for this date will open two weeks prior from this date.

  • Jan
    23 Fri

    Digital Embroidery (Main)

    Want to learn how to create custom clothing and other fiber projects with embroidered text? In this workshop, you’ll use a digital embroidery machine to stitch personalized designs and take home a unique piece. This class is for those with prior sewing machine experience. If you're new to sewing, we recommend taking our Sewing 101 workshop first as we will not spend time reviewing the basic mechanics of sewing.

  • Jan
    24 Sat

    Studio Recording 101 (Main)

    Are you interested in podcasting, audio production, or video production? The Hive has two state-of-the-art recording studios! Join this workshop to become familiar with studio equipment and software. Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • Jan
    24 Sat

    Serger Training (Main)

    Are you an intermediate or advanced sewer? This class 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. Up to two patrons can register for this class. This class is designed for patrons who have prior experience using a sewing machine to complete many types of fiber arts projects. If you are new to machine sewing, we recommend you take our Sewing 101 workshop before using our serger.

  • Jan
    24 Sat

    Open Shop (Main)

    During Open Shop, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Additionally, individuals are welcome to drop in to work on their projects independently. The Hive staff will assist with questions as they are able! New makers are also welcome to come in during open shop for a 10min drop in video safety training! Tool Reservations for this date will open two weeks prior from this date.

  • Jan
    26 Mon

    3D Printing 101 (Main)

    Learn to 3D print items in our library and create a 3D model to print 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 certification 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.

  • Jan
    26 Mon

    LEGO Time (Main)

    It's a weekly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! For children ages 5 and up (children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver). 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. This program can accommodate 30 builders. . 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.

  • Jan
    26 Mon

    STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)

    Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-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 on the iFp website.

  • Jan
    26 Mon

    STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)

    In Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs, students dive into the exciting world of social robots—machines designed to interact, learn, and connect. From brainstorming ideas to building prototypes, students explore how AI and robotics can foster fairer, more inclusive communities. They design robots that serve as friendly companions, offering support, connection, and solutions to real-world challenges. Teens in 7th and 8th grade are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose. Skills Learned: Human-Centered Design, Mechanics, Electronics, Computer Programming, AI, and more.

  • Jan
    27 Tue

    Open Shop (Main)

    During Open Shop, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Additionally, individuals are welcome to drop in to work on their projects independently. The Hive staff will assist with questions as they are able! New makers are also welcome to come in during open shop for a 10min drop in video safety training! Tool Reservations for this date will open two weeks prior from this date.

  • Jan
    27 Tue

    STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)

    Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-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 on the iFp website.

  • Jan
    27 Tue

    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.

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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