Library staff, camp programmers, and other out-of-school time facilitators are invited to join STAR_Net<http://www.starnetlibraries.org/> and the Lunar and Planetary Institute<lpi.usra.edu/education/explore> on March 1 for two FREE professional development webinars on the Playful Building<http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/index.php?id_category=97&controller=category> activities. Register<https://spacescienceevent.webex.com/spacescienceevent/onstage/g.php?MTID=ef40eded5d9174de41bf158636591320f> to receive connection information and directions to help you better participate in the activities during the webinar (the password is "star"). Playful Building: Simple Machines Wednesday, March 1st, 2017 at 2pm Eastern/1pm Central/12 Mountain/11am Pacific This 30-minute webinar will model Team Machine<http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/index.php?id_product=33&controller=product>, Water Wedges<http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/index.php?id_product=34&controller=product>, and Levers at Play<http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/index.php?id_product=35&controller=product> as examples of simple machines that children can plan, design, test, and revise. Elements of the engineering design process will be explored in each. Playful Building II: Design Challenges Wednesday, March 1st, 2017 at 3 pm Eastern/2 pm Central/1 pm Mountain/12 pm Pacific This 90-minute webinar will explore the engineering design process through open-ended activities to design a park<http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/index.php?id_product=32&controller=product>, a water filter<http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/index.php?id_product=36&controller=product>, and a wind turbine<http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/index.php?id_product=37&controller=product>. Participants will discuss various options for implementation, and share ideas in how to best conduct these programs. Registration for our December and January webinars on this topic quickly filled; we hope that you will be able to join us for even more building activities to incorporate into your programs this summer! Keliann <<<<< >>>>> Keliann LaConte Professional Development Manager National Center for Interactive Learning Space Science Institute Boulder, Colorado 720-974-5835 www.nc4il.org<http://www.nc4il.org/> www.starnetlibraries.org<http://www.starnetlibraries.org/> Inspire - Explore - Discover The STAR Library Education Network (STAR_Net)<http://www.starnetlibraries.org/> is a hands-on learning network for libraries and their communities across the country. STAR_Net focuses on helping library professionals build their STEM skills by providing "science-technology activities and resources" (STAR) and training to use those resources. Plus, engage public audiences nationwide in informal and lifelong learning with the excitement of NASA exploration and discovery through new NASA@ My Library resources! STAR_Net is built upon a strong network of collaborators and partners, led by the Space Science Institute's (SSI) National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL). Partners include the American Library Association's Public Programs Office, Afterschool Alliance, Cornerstones of Science, Datum Advisors, Education Development Center, Lunar and Planetary Institute, and the Pacific Science Center. Major funding is provided by the National Science Foundation, NASA Science Mission Directorate, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Statewide Library Services Library of Michigan 517-335-8129 517-373-5700 f LancasterC5@michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan>