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Splash photo by Tammy Kimberley

Library IT specialist Travis Montgomery instructs kids on the difference between solar and battery power during a STEM-tacular Saturday event.

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In the December Wave: Revved up over robots; Looking for Santa?
11/24/2014 4:15:08 PM

Revved up over robots
Library hosts STEM-tacular events for kids 

By Tammy Kimberley
Splash Staff Writer

Energy of all types was flowing during a November STEM-tacular event held at Liberty Lake Municipal Library. 

Kids excitedly emptied boxes of all parts and then watched as library technical specialist Travis Montgomery showed them how to put together their own robots that could operate on solar energy or battery power. 

The afternoon class, which was made up of two girls and seven boys, was part of a recent series offered by the library to engage kids in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities. STEM education involves critical thinking, problem solving and hands-on learning to help students understand apply math and science skills. 

During the hour-and-a-half class, Montgomery led students through a step-by-step tutorial of how to assemble their robots, as well as provided explanations and demonstrations of solar power, voltage and resistance. 

He also helped various kids, such as Danielle Patchin, get their parts in the right places so that the robot would function at its best. Danielle, 8, said she learned that solar means something gets its power from the sun. 

"I like doing science," she said. "I've never built a robot before, but I'd like to do it again."

Library Director Pamela Mogen said the idea for a STEM series was first explored by Michelle Griffin, city parks and recreation coordinator, and Joan Peters, a private tutor who assisted with the Nov. 15 class. The library was asked to host the programs as well as invited to help with planning and teaching.

This first class was full within days of it being advertised in the library's newsletter, Mogen said. And the kids who attended seemed charged up over creating their own robots. 

Josh Rivera, 11, said he had an interest in robotics and programming, which is why he signed up for the class. 

"I knew some about solar power, but I learned more about resistors," he said. "I enjoyed putting together the parts and joints on the robot and figuring out how they all went together."

Some kids figured out which parts fit together by trial and error, and learning took place as they touched the wires to the battery pack Travis furnished since solar power was not readily available that day. And the time spent building did not disappoint, as excited gasps and big smiles spread across the room as the robots slowly took their first steps. 

Carolyn Rose, whose mom signed her up for the class, said putting together the robot was a lot like building Legos.  

"Building a robot was a little harder than I thought it might be, but I had fun trying," the 8-year-old girl said.

STEM-tacular Saturdays will take place on various Saturdays through April, Mogen said. City employees and community members have volunteered to teach on topics such as DC motors, bridge design, dinosaurs, soil, drones and more. 

"We hope to offer STEM opportunities again next winter," Mogen said. "We'd love to see the Bridge Design and Build become a yearly competition."

Most of the programs are for children eight years old and up, but some more complex programs will be for children 10 years old and up, Mogen said. There is a charge to attend but the amount varies to cover the expense of materials.

• • • 

What is STEM?
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education.
For more information and activities, visit www.stem-works.com

STEM-tacular Saturday
Dec. 6 •  2:30 to 4 p.m.
Liberty Lake Municipal Library
The project involves building your own DC motor. Cost is $3; space is limited. 
To register or for more: www.libertylakewa.gov

• • • 

Looking for Santa? 
Compiled by Tammy Kimberley
Splash Staff Writer

Santa Claus is making quite a few appearances in the Valley area before his rounds on Christmas Eve. Check out this list of a few places he can be found this holiday season. 

Visit Santa while shopping 
Nov. 15-Dec. 14, various times
Spokane Valley Mall
If you have to tag along with mom or dad while they're hunting for presents, convince them to stop by for a visit with the big guy. You can even bring your furry friend along for photos with Santa on Monday evenings through Dec. 15.  For more: www.spokanevalleymall.com

Pictures with Santa
Nov. 28-29 & Dec. 6, 13;10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson, Spokane Valley
Give a $5 donation to Toys for Tots and get your photo taken with Santa. For more: 927-7433

Visit Santa's workshop
Dec. 5, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Liberty Lake City Hall
During the city's Winter Festival tree lighting ceremony, families are invited to take a tour of Santa's Workshop. Be sure to bring a camera or smart phone so one of Santa's elves can take a picture for you! For more: www.libertylakewa.gov 

Breakfast with Santa 
Dec. 6, 8:30 to 11 a.m.
CenterPlace Regional Event Center
Enjoy a pancake breakfast, games and crafts along with the opportunity to have your picture taken with Santa while telling him your Christmas wishes. Cost is $5; pre-registration is strongly encouraged.  For more: www.spokanevalley.org/santabreakfast

Enjoy a donut and see Santa 
Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Krispy Kreme, Spokane Valley
Santa is stopping by Krispy Kreme to enjoy a treat while visiting with kids. Pictures will be free.  For more: 922-7101


Play in the park with Santa
Dec. 13, 1 to 2 p.m.
Rockford Park
Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, enjoy s'mores and hot chocolate and sing Christmas carols during this free event hosted by the Rockford Lions Club. 

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