When I first considered setting up a STEM event at the library, I saw it as an opportunity for Dotty's Place to branch out. It was a chance to meet new families, work with more children, and bring hands-on STEM learning into another community space. But I also had a lot of questions...

I used to dabble in outdoor STEM. They were usually teachable moments that sprang up in the middle of a lesson. Back then, I couldn’t see the full extent of what was happening...Many of the indoor experiences I struggled to create were already happening naturally outside.

These Kindergarteners are building a vehicle for a STEM challenge. As a kindergarten teacher, one of my favorite bonding activities was to tell the class we were going to do something sneaky. I would turn all hush-hush, while looking around. I’d pretend to noticeably think to myself. I’d whisper to the class that I was letting them do something they probably shouldn’t be doing. I’d say how I hoped we didn’t get caught. It usually involved a lot of giggles. It didn’t take my students long...