March is STEM Month in New Jersey
Did you know that the month of March marks a month-long celebration of STEM in New Jersey? You’ve likely heard the term STEM before. But if not, STEM is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, and math.
These four fields share an emphasis on innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. For the past decade or so, there has been a concerted effort to promote STEM fields, as the number of jobs often outpace the number of individuals with adequate training.
Examples of STEM disciplines include agriculture and environmental sciences, biology and biomedicine, computer and information science, engineering, health professions, mathematics, physical sciences, and psychology.
And STEM is having a significant impact on other fields far beyond traditional sciences. STEM is becoming heavily integrated with everything from music and art, to retail and manufacturing.
In celebration of STEM month, Westfield Memorial Library will be highlighting a variety of programs and services intended to support STEM learning, education, and skills development.
Tools
LinkedIn Learning is a premier asynchronous online learning platform offering current and aspiring technology professionals deep coverage of the platforms, applications, and programming languages that are driving economic growth around the globe.
It provides a variety of professional certificates related to technology, including Microsoft, LamdaTest, and SS&C Blue Prism. Other courses include cloud computing, data science, database management, DevOps, IT help desk, mobile development, network and system administration, cybersecurity, software development, web development, and much more.
LinkedIn Learning can be used simply to explore an overview of a broad topic, or learn a focused skill in great depth. Many residents are also using LinkedIn Learning to develop the secondary skills required for career advancement. For example, a software engineer might use LinkedIn Learning to develop the management skills necessary for a supervisor position.
Events
Afternoon Lego Club. Join us every other Wednesday for LEGO fun! Use your imagination to create awesome LEGO structures. Ages 5 and up. Every other Wednesday: March 1, 15, and 29 at 3:45 pm
Adult Crafting with Marge. Join us for a fun time learning a new craft. No sewing skills are required and all materials will be provided. Registration is required as space is limited. Thursday, March 16 at 1:00 pm
Mad Science: Fire and Ice. Children will be dazzled and entertained as they interact with the Mad Scientists. Learn about the amazing properties of fire and combustion. Then, cool off with spectacular demonstrations involving dry ice! Check out the “Big Burp”, and the famous “Mad Science Shower”, as we will explore the science behind this amazing frozen gas. Saturday, March 18 at 10:30 am
The Garden State: Where Ideas Grow, presented by Linda Barth. Join author Linda Barth as she explores groundbreaking, useful, fun, and even silly inventions and their New Jersey roots. Saturday, March 18 at 2:00 pm
Precious Pollinators: An Interactive and Fun Educational Fair, presented by Tamaques Girl Scout Junior Troop #40824. Free, kid-friendly activities and giveaways to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators. Saturday, March 18, 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
New Jersey Makers Day. Stop by the library and celebrate STEM with interactive workshops, drop-in demonstrations, and open exploration. This is an all-ages event. Saturday, March 25, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.