From the Harford County Public Library:
Harford County Public Library recognizes the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in an increasingly technological world. Studies show many elementary age children express a high interest in science but interest drops rapidly by middle school. LEAP bridges that gap, targeting upper elementary and middle school age children with hands-on activities and materials that inspire interest and curiosity.
Science Applications International Corporation, (SAIC) also recognizes the importance of engaging our youth in the STEM fields and has teamed up with Harford County Public Library in its efforts to providing programming targeted to the 3rd through 8th grade student. “The American economy and our standard of living have been built on innovation,” said SAIC Chief Technology Officer Amy Alving, Ph.D. “And innovation is created by people educated in the STEM disciplines. Our nation’s future depends on maintaining a strong pipeline of students in these fields. That is why SAIC supports science-based programs like LEAP that engage and motivate students to pursue STEM careers.” To find out more about SAIC please go to www.saic.com.
The LEAP programs at Harford County Public Library cover a variety of science topics including Harry Potter Science, Maryland Archeology, Dinosaurs and Chemistry’s Cool Blue Light. An example of the kits includes Weather, Solar Energy, Bridge Engineering and Who Owns These Bones kits.
“The funds we received from SAIC have given us the chance to expand our science programming to new audiences and to build new partnerships,” stated Jeannine Finton, Harford County Public Library LEAP librarian. “We’ve been able to offer programs that aren’t normally seen in libraries. The LEAP programs usually reach around 30 children per month, but with the SAIC funds we were able to reach over 150 children and adults this month.”
The LEAP kits and most LEAP programs are at the Edgewood branch. For more information on LEAP or to reserve a kit online please go to www.hcplononline.info/programs/LEAP.
LEAP programs for children grades 3-8 feature many different topics such as chemistry and engineering as well as a fun environment for science experiments and learning.
LEAP kits and programs provide hands-on opportunities for budding scientists to be encouraged in their pursuit of STEM fields.
SAIC is a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company’s approximately 43,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. Headquartered in McLean, Va., SAIC had annual revenues of $10.8 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2010. For more information, visit www.saic.com. SAIC: From Science to Solutions®
Harford County Public Library operates eleven branches located throughout Harford County, Maryland. The library serves over 210,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of almost 4,700,000. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.
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