Step Up For STREAM
Step Up For STREAM is a fundraising campaign sponsored by the Friends of the Pennsauken Free Public Library.
The monies raised by the fundraiser will help the library acquire the tools, equipment, materials, and resources necessary to provide a framework for the community to engage in lifelong Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STREAM) programs and services.
STREAM FAQs
Why STREAM instead of STEM or STEAM?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is meant to be a comprehensive approach; instead of teaching each subject separately, educators aim to incorporate some or all four elements together into a single, cross-disciplinary program or project.
STEAM incorporates all the elements of STEM, but adds 'Art' to the discipline. Projects are often science-based but also incorporate artistic expression and innovative thinking induced by arts. Thus, arts make the growth and development brought by STEM inclusive and sustainable. STEAM removes limitations and replaces them with wonder, critique, inquiry, and innovation.
STREAM takes STEAM to the next level by adding the element ‘Reading”. Expanding STEAM into STREAM makes education more accessible and inclusive.
Advocates of STREAM see literacy as an essential part of a well-rounded learning experience, as it requires critical thinking as well as creativity. STREAM projects are similar to STEM or STEAM, but fold in the components of reading and writing.
By introducing reading as a core element, it encourages those with analytical minds to be more creative and think out of the box. They induce innovation which is critical to navigating through today’s rapidly changing world.
“STREAM has the potential to be more approachable and inclusive than STEM. “Incorporating design, art, and reading into STEM is a way for anyone, regardless of their technical ability, to be exposed to STREAM in a highly impactful and engaging way,” she says. “It should be accessible to everyone no matter what their background, gender, or comfort level with technology is.” - Dr. Azi Jamalian, head of education strategy at littleBits
Why is STREAM Important in Libraries?
Libraries have always been the venue for learning science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and mathematics. So it only makes sense as libraries involve and enhance their programs and services and increase outreach initiatives; they integrate more self-directed learning that meets the STREAM criteria that foster literacy. In addition STREAM is an important lifelong endeavor and libraries are in a unique position to support these lifelong learning opportunities for its community.
How does STREAM benefit individuals in our community?
- Support local talent by offering services that help participants develop the professional skills needed for a trade career.
- Provide more educational classes and workshops for the public to engage in learning, problem-solving and be inspired.
- Address the need to attract new individuals to its creative community.
- To provide a space and the necessary tools for organizations, local businesses, and entrepreneurs to utilize these resources to help develop or grow businesses.
- Offers free and open community engagement offerings, including innovative education programs, maker meetups, and basic skills training. In addition, partnering with local schools and sponsors provides students with opportunities to further their studies and prototype their ideas.
Now that you know about Step Up For STREAM, you may ask, how can I support this initiative?
You can help in 1 or 3 ways by supporting the below fundraisers:
or by writing a check to the Friends of the Pennsauken Library and noting it's for the Step Up For STREAM.
For more information about Step Up For STREAM, please contact Friends of the Pennsauken Free Public Library, Program Coordinator, Ellyn McMullin at STREAM@pennsaukenlibrary.org or call 856-665-5959 ext. 7.