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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

  • Apr
    19 Fri

    Vacation Week Program: Sea Life and Sea Perch (O'Neill)

    MIT Sea Grant Marine Biology and Robotics Labs will host hands-on activities, including driving a Sea Perch ROV, microscopes with local marine life and a touch tank with live animals to interact with!

  • Apr
    20 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.

  • Apr
    20 Sat

    CPL Nature Club: The Poop Museum (Main)

    The Poop Museum is the place to come if you’re curious and have questions about poop! Susie Maguire at The Poop Museum is a poop expert who thinks poop is THE most interesting subject in the world. She has studied poop for years and loves nothing more than sharing her expansive knowledge of poop. Just a few of the poopers you will meet include: the world’s messiest pooper the animal that has poop attack power the insect that uses poop as protection the animal that can poop every color of the rainbow the insect that cannot poop in the winter the animal that has poop diapers and many, many more Recommended for children ages 5-10 and their caregivers

  • Apr
    20 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.

  • Apr
    22 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
    22 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
    22 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
    23 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.

  • Apr
    23 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
    23 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.

  • Apr
    23 Tue

    CANCELLED: 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. 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 using the camera on the Glowforge to focus and scan your own 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.

  • Apr
    24 Wed

    CANCELLED: 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.

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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