Parks and Libraries Can Lead the Way

Why GL2 is Different…

Strategy:

• Involve entire community in the education of children
• Park Districts and Libraries support STEM education
• After school/summer programs accelerate STEM learning
• Involve community and industry advisory boards during program planning and implementation
• Broadcast STEM activities on a community-wide basis to 
  foster participation of parents and stakeholders
   

Comprehensive, Unique, Highly Engaging After School Programs (ASP)

• Co-ordinated between Park and School Districts, and the full range of
  Community Organizations (e.g. industry, colleges, government programs)    
• Supports instructional and curriculum sequence of schools (Activities are exciting, highly engaging and conducted in teams to optimize learning) 
• Involves local STEM subject experts to assist with diverse topics, mentors provide support for individual and team activities including homework
• Participants are provided diverse experiences defined by curriculum specialists and offered by organizations highlighting workplace activities 
• Participants gain an awareness of local and regional career opportunities
• Program operates during the entire time of the school year

Summer Programs (SP) Build on Progress Achieved by ASP

• Builds on current programs of schools, park districts, libraries and community organizations
• Engages children and youth with local and regional businesses to demonstrate and experience real world STEM applications
• Provides summer training and employment opportunities for teachers
• Optimize the retention of STEM material during the summer months
• Provides a forum to experience STEM applications that may be difficult to conduct during the normal school day
• STEM camps and clubs arranged for age groups, boys, girls, and combined
• Program operates for 10-12 weeks during the summer

Benefits from Implementation of GL2 STEM Programs

• Extends the school day and year in an engaging manner for everyone
• Not just one day events with minimal impact
• Stronger participation by parents and stakeholders
• Longer programs ensure learning impact on students
• Encourages multiple organization cooperative approach 
• Enhances the investment by sponsoring organizations
• Greater program efficiencies by cooperation among organizations
• Data give a comprehensive picture of students’ STEM progress
• Fosters the development of new and stronger levels of support from business, industry, colleges, labor, civic groups and government agencies 

Sample Programs (Coordinated with Math, ELA, and Science Standards)

• VEX Robotics Program
• Fun with Food
• Magnificent Structures
• Bio-Tech and Health
• Natural Sciences in the Field
• Nature in our Parks
• Computer Science
• Manufacturing
• Environmental
• Gardening
• Electronics
• Weather
• Engineering
• Science and Art 
• Rocketry
• Chemistry
• Hydrology
• Others developed by staff

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