Stories and STEM is designed to excite children and youth about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), build on prior knowledge, promote curiosity and help children learn important cooperation and teamwork skills. Children learn that STEM is a way of thinking and exploring the world, not just a collection of facts. Each session ties literacy and science together. Participants engage in fun, hands-on activities related to a book and are introduced to creative minds, both famous and lesser-known, who can serve as role models to interest children in STEM careers.
Stories and STEM is provided in 1-hour sessions to children in kindergarten through fifth grade. A site can request up to 6 different sessions each semester or in the summer!
For more information, contact Callie Sharkey, Stories and STEM Manager, email: CSharkey@LiteracyPBC.org or call: (561) 767-3365
Stories and STEM is made possible with support from Prime Time Palm Beach County, Inc., which receives significant funding for its overall operations from the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County.
Stories and STEM brings literature-based science, technology, engineering and math lessons to children in afterschool and camp programs. Through hands-on activities, students are able to make tangible connections between the topic and the text being read.
Community Impact
-
More than 4,300 books were distributed to children and afterschool sites.
-
1,156 K-5 children were enriched by the program throughout Palm Beach County.
-
273 interactive sessions were held at 22 sites.
In addition to the book that each participant took home after every session, the afterschool and summer camp sites also received lesson plans and extra supplies for staff to expand on the activity later. “The extra supplies were very helpful! On rainy days when we had to switch our schedule around, these resources were very helpful,” said Chavez. “My favorite activity was the bee buzzers, it sounded like an actual bee flying around!” At Benoist Farms Elementary Afterschool program, the Literacy Coalition also provided a variety of book titles in addition to the program-related texts. Parents took note and expressed their appreciation for diverse literature their kids could relate to.
