science Archives – Spokane County Library District

Microorganisms, Machine Learning & More: Check Out Fascinating Books on STEM Topics for Adults

Posted in Explore and Discover on September 13, 2023 at 6:00 am

I’m still lousy at science and math, but my interest in how these fields affect the world around me has grown. I’ve come to learn that you don’t have to be good at STEM to enjoy discovering some of the latest advances in these fields. So as summer winds down and children get ready to dive back into STEM at school, why not dive in with them? […]

Sky-Watching Spectacular: Get Ready & View the 2023 Solar Eclipse at the Library

Posted in Explore and Discover, News on August 22, 2023 at 6:00 am

On October 14, 2023, sky-watchers around the world will be treated to the spectacular sight of an annular solar eclipse. During this celestial event, the moon will pass between Earth and the sun, creating a stunning ring of fire as the sun’s outer edges remain visible around the dark moon. Learn about and safely enjoy this breathtaking celestial […]

Journey of a Citizen Scientist: Finding Meaningful & Helpful Interactions with Nature

Posted in Explore and Discover on April 26, 2023 at 6:00 am

By Savannah Stewart For the past few years, I’ve been working on connecting more with my environment—not just in a meditative sense, although I have been doing that as well. I’ve been focusing on doing things that are impactful to our community and that get me outside more. A couple years ago, I stumbled across […]

15 Minutes of Community Science Can Make a World of Difference

Posted in Explore and Discover, News on February 2, 2023 at 7:00 am

When you hear someone say that that something is “for the birds,” they mean it is foolish and not to be taken too seriously. This month, the Great Backyard Bird Count on February 17–20 invites everyone to do something for the birds that isn’t foolish, is in fact helpful, and could be quite fascinating... […]

Space Exploration You Can Do, Inspired by Amazing Images from the Webb Telescope

Posted in Explore and Discover on August 17, 2022 at 6:00 am

By Caitlin Wheeler On July 12, 2022, NASA released its first images from the James Webb Space Telescope, and they are both breathtaking and groundbreaking in their ability to detect infrared light at a high resolution. The telescope operates with two cameras: NIRCam (near infrared camera), which looks at the shortest infrared wavelengths, and MIRI […]

Earth Week Celebration & Exploration of Plants, Animals & Insects for All Ages

Posted in Explore and Discover on March 16, 2022 at 6:00 am

by Gwendolyn Haley Earth Week is the perfect time to get outside and explore while also learning about the importance of conservation and biodiversity. We’ve planned a week of activities for you! BioBlitz 2022 A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species of plants, animals, and insects as possible […]

New STEM Explorer Kits offer hands-on activities for students in grades K–5

Posted in News on February 22, 2021 at 6:00 am

BY GWENDOLYN HALEY You may have already checked out the Ready for School with STEM kits for younger children (ages 3–5) from the library. Or perhaps you’ve borrowed our Snap Circuits set for elementary school students. We have heard positive reviews from library customers for both of these kits. In response, we are pleased to […]

A peek into EnviroKids’ Club: Q&A with two partner agencies

Posted in Explore and Discover on August 19, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Erin Dodge Next week, we’re hosting three EnviroKids’ Club programs (sign up before they fill up!), each showing kids and their families different ways that they can champion the environment and take action to make changes at home and in their neighborhoods. In case you missed the announcement, here are those three programs: EnviroKids’ […]

STEM at home: Learning anywhere and everywhere

Posted in kids, News, Parents and Teachers on May 19, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Alison Johnson The DIY approach to learning fun activities at home can be a great boredom buster. We miss having your kids and families at our in-person library programs. You are what make those programs so enjoyable and interesting for us! And you can continue to explore STEM at home. Here, I share the […]

DIY Earth Day outdoor and indoor celebrations

Posted in Explore and Discover on April 15, 2020 at 6:00 am

By Abra Cole Earth Day is next week. Our celebrations of planet Earth might be a little more DIY this year, instead of joining with others. You might get out in your yard and enjoy some dirt or take a walk around the neighborhood on a bear hunt, while social distancing, or enjoy a virtual […]

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