Summer is a time where we have boundless freedom to explore, play and create. We see so many fun crafts and engaging science activities in books and online, but who has time to gather all the supplies and do all of them? Never fear, San Mateo County Libraries is here! This Summer, we'll provide "Take and Make" craft kits as part of our Families Create series of programs!
Families Create is a series of STEAM programs with two parts: free craft kits that you can pick up (while supplies last) at your local library, and a virtual meet-up when library staff will show you and your children how to make the projects in the kits. Kits are divided by age: 6-8 years old and 9-11 years old based on the complexity level of the kit. Every other week, families can stop by the library to pick up kits that follow a specific theme. The following week on Tuesday (for kids 6-8 years old) and Thursday (for kids 9-11 years old) at 4:00 PM, families can create together virtually.
The take and make projects include making an insect aspirator, a Chia-pet style grass friend, a solar jitterbug, sun prints, a hovercraft, and a pinwheel. All parts of the project will be included in the kits. If you cannot make it to the library to pick up a kit, you can still attend the meet-up and learn about the science topics we are exploring.
Our weekly Families Create kits consist of science-inspired themes. Want more science fun? Check out these book lists created by our Families Create experts that go along with each event!
Families Create: Insects
Join Beetlelady Stephanie Dole in learning about the wonders of insects from the comfort of your home. She'll even teach you how to make your very own pooter, an insect collection tool.
Pick up a kit from any San Mateo County Libraries location starting June 14, while supplies last.
Families Create: Insects (For 6-8 year-olds): Tuesday, June 22 at 4:00 PM
Families Create: Insects (For 9-11 year-olds): Thursday, June 24 at 4:00 PM
Families Create: Grass Friends
Grow a new friend with us! Join us on Zoom where we'll learn about plants and make a new friend.
Pick up a kit from any San Mateo County Libraries location starting June 28, while supplies last.
Families Create: Grass Friends (For 6-8 year-olds): Tuesday, July 6 at 4:00 PM
Families Create: Grass Friends (For 9-11 year-olds): Thursday, July 8 at 4:00 PM
Families Create: Sun Dials and Solar Energy
Learn about the power of the sun! Make a sundial to tell time with the position of the sun! We'll also be making sun prints with items found in and around your house (for 6-8 year-olds). Learn about solar energy and create a self-propelled jitterbug that's powered by sunlight (9-11 year-olds).
Pick up a kit from any San Mateo County Libraries location starting July 12, while supplies last.
Families Create: Sun Dials and Sun Prints (For 6-8 year-olds): Tuesday, July 20 at 4:00 PM
Families Create: Solar Jitterbug (For 9-11 year-olds): Thursday, July 22 at 4:00 PM
Families Create: Hovercrafts and Windpower
Learn about the science of motion and forces like friction and air pressure with a hovercraft that will gracefully glide along on a thin cushion of air.(for 6-8-year-olds). Learn about the science of motion and forces like friction and air pressure, with this hovercraft that will gracefully glide along on a thin cushion of air (9-11 year-olds).
Pick up a kit from any San Mateo County Libraries location starting July 26, while supplies last.
Families Create: Hovercraft (For 6-8 year-olds): Tuesday, August 3 at 4:00 PM
Families Create: Windpower (For 9-11 year-olds): Thursday, August 5 at 4:00 PM
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