Resources
Resources developed through this research project will be made available in 2025 after the completion of the project.
01 Family Makers Curriculum
We are so excited that you are accessing our curriculum materials. For each session, we’ve prepared the following three documents. When you open the curriculum for each session, you will be able to find them.
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Cheat sheets: Highlight key terminology, core concepts, required materials, and important reminders for each individual session. Provide a quick overview of activities covered in each session for easy planning and preparation.
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Word Doc curriculum: Provide comprehensive information, including facilitation scripts to guide you step-by-step through each program.
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PowerPoint slides: Provide visual presentations with slides, videos, and graphics that help participants grasp key concepts in each session.
Ready to start planning? Here is the full curriculum for Sessions 1 through 6 (links for each curriculum webpage can be accessed directly by clicking each session).
02 Supplementary resources for the curriculum
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Ready to start session 1? Download the Schedule flyer template to quickly communicate the program schedule to your patrons.
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Print out the Family Makers booklet before session 1, which will provide instructions and offer some space for brainstorming. The booklet also includes an at-home component (i.e., a deepening activity) to reinforce what was explored during the online program and continue engaging in engineering practices at home.
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The PPT slides include a link to a video featuring a rural engineer for each session. Feel free to choose alternatives by browsing through our complete playlist.
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Before implementing Session 6, download the Celebration slideshow template to create a simple slideshow/video and share the children's amazing creations from all six sessions.
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Download and print out the Certificate of completion! It’s a great way to celebrate the children's achievements and inspire them to keep learning.
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Want to offer more? Use our prepared STEM resource flyer. We’ve included links to STEM kits and magazines—just be sure to verify those links before sharing.
03 Facilitation tips and technology guidelines
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One of the most common hurdles for library staff is a lack of confidence in facilitating engineering programs. If you’ve felt nervous, scared, or even terrified about offering engineering activities, you are not alone. Ready for some helpful advice? Check out the Facilitation tips. We developed these helpful suggestions with our rural library partners—give them a try!
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Share these Zoom instructions with your library patrons who need a little help getting connected.
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If your library can host a guest engineer (in person or via Zoom), please share the Guidelines for engineers with them in advance. This will help the engineer communicate more effectively with children!
04 Resources for flexible implementation
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The Family Makers program adapts to your library’s specific needs and resources. Select the format that best suits your community or consider combining multiple approaches for maximum impact.
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In-person workshops: If you think your library patrons would not benefit from online programming and would prefer in-person workshops, feel free to use the existing Family Makers curriculum as drop-in programs, pop-up events, or partner with local schools to provide a series of programs.
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Take-and-make kits: If you need a flexible, self-paced option for families with busy schedules or those who are geographically dispersed, print out our Instruction sheets and prepare the materials to develop take-and-make STEM kits for patrons.
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Social media challenges: Use our Ready-to-go posts for Instagram and other platforms! This is an easy way for libraries with a digital presence to engage patrons with a fun engineering challenge.
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Drop-in stations: Are you looking for a simple, low-staffing solution? Set up materials and print out the Instruction sheets for families to use as self-paced, interactive stations throughout the library.
