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 MoreCambridge STEAM Initiative

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.
Adult Education and Training
Educator Resources
The Hive
STEAM News
STEAM Habits of Mind
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 MoreEvents
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Mar19 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.
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Mar19 Wed
Make Music with Artificial Intelligence Workshop (for Older Adults)
The North Cambridge Senior Center is hosting a workshop where participants can create their own songs using an AI-powered music tool. No musical experience required!
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Mar19 Wed
Read to a Dog (Valente)
Read to Dante, our local cuddly therapy dog! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 15-minute time slot is required and begins on Wednesday, March 12 by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015). 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
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Mar19 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 on the iFp website and submit an application .
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Mar19 Wed
After School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Join us in the Children's Room for a fun craft and related stories. For more information, call 617-349-4010. This program is recommended for ages 5-10.
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Mar19 Wed
“Still Marching 1970-2017” Photography Exhibit (Main)
Liane Brandon’s photographs of the historic International Women’s Day March of 1970 and the Boston Women’s March of 2017 will be on exhibit. The photographs of the International Women's March are of great historical impact and are, additionally, beautiful works of art in and of themselves. Viewing times are as follows: Saturday, 3/15: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, 3/18: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, 3/19: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, 3/20: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, 3/22: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, 3/25: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, 3/26: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, 3/27: 5-8 p.m.
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Mar19 Wed
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. No registration required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
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Mar19 Wed
Leprechaun-O Orienteering Event at Fresh Pond Reservation
Join Navigation Games for Leprechaun Orienteering, a free and fun outdoor event for all ages at Kingsley Park in Fresh Pond Reservation. Teams of 2–4 people will travel through the park and use a special map to look for checkpoints — before tricky leprechauns move them! The event is sponsored by the City of Cambridge.
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Mar19 Wed
Fiber Arts Adventure with Lenni: A Machine-Sewing Workshop Series (Main)
Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND create bespoke sewn crafts! Design your own fiber arts adventure as you choose from a menu of options which may include: bento bag, fleece hat, fleece mittens, work belt, earbud case and fanny pack. 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. Wednesday, March 5 Wednesday, March 12 Wednesday, March 19 Wednesday, March 26 This workshop is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines.
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Mar19 Wed
INCORRECT DATE Open Data Review Board Meeting March 2025
Regular meeting of the Open Data Review Board. Join us!
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Mar19 Wed
Joint Meeting of Transportation Committees (March 2025)
Joint meeting of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Advisory Committees. The agenda will be posted to the Transportation Committees Joint Meetings webpage.
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Mar19 Wed
Collins Branch Book Group (Boudreau/Virtual)
This month's selection: How I Won a Nobel Prize by Julius Taranto. While Collins is closed for construction, this book group will meet virtually and in person at the Boudreau Branch. Please register below if you would like to attend via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Print copies are available at the Boudreau Branch during library hours. For more information, contact Jo Percell (they/them) at jpercell@cambridgema.gov
Contact Us
Sharlene Yang (she, her, hers)
Director
Cambridge STEAM Initiative
617-349-4672
syang@cambridgema.gov