What do purple slime, peanut butter bird feeders, fossils from the ocean floor, bicycle-generated energy, and an anthropomorphic Blue Heeler have in common?
At first glance, it may seem these items would make an odd team, but at the Mary F. Shipper Library on the campus of WVU Potomac State College, it was all part of Shipper Steam Days, an annual event designed to inspire young creative minds in Pre-K through fifth grade.
The event featured STEAM-themed activities on three floors of the library – each station with its own science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics theme. Each one was designed to engage young participants in fun engineering and scientific studies.
And a popular costumed character was there as well, posing for photos and engaging with children who came to see her.
The event is the brainchild of Library Director Nick Gardner and Rural Entrepreneurship Librarian Emily Zumbrun.
“This is a fantastic event that encourages people in the community to bring their younger children to become engaged in the activities, to see the library, and to bring the community to campus,” Gardner said. “And the entire staff here at Shipper should be commended for making this event what it is. It takes the entire team to make this successful.”
The event was free and open to the public. However, pre-registration was required.
While at Shipper Steam Days, staff and faculty from library sciences to biology, chemistry, agriculture, and even nursing manned interactive stations guiding the younger set through making their own colorful slime, crafting bird feeders with peanut butter and pine cones, riding a bicycle to generate enough energy to turn off and on a lightbulb, germinating marigold seeds, learning about sea and beach wildlife, and even engaging in interactive lessons about basic hygiene.
Shipper Steam Days was made possible by funding from WVU Potomac State College, Remake Learning Days, and the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative.
Did you attend the event? For more photo coverage or to obtain a photo taken by our photographer, visit the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/potomacstateweb/albums/72177720333680497