Hackathons at the Library!
Miami-Dade Public Library System, Fla.
Innovation Synopsis
Hackathons at the Library! offer Miami-Dade County children and teens the opportunity to develop science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) skills through coding. Events are designed around a S.T.E.A.M. topic and present a challenge or problem for participants to solve. Family participation is encouraged.
Challenge/Opportunity
Hackathons at the Library! broadens access to quality S.T.E.A.M. programs for young county residents. Factors like over-populated classrooms, costs and a lack of teachers often limit exposure to these types of programs during key formative years. This is an even greater challenge in high-need communities. This family-friendly program seeks to even the playing field by offering children and teens equal access to instruction and hands-on experience using cutting-edge tools, assisting them to prepare for their future.
Key Elements of Innovation
Hackathons at the Library! are four-hour events conducted at libraries across the county. Topics include: aeronautics, digital circuitry, robotics, creative design and various other S.T.E.A.M. related themes.
Key objectives are as follows:
- Encourage teamwork and collaboration
- Teach the basics of coding, science and engineering
- Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to problem-solve
- Encourage computer programming literacy among all genders
- Provide a family-friendly learning environment
Achieved Outcomes
Hackathons at the Library! events are very popular and well received. Since the program began in March 2018, the library has presented seven major hackathons programs. Attendance has been over 100 participants at each event. Children and teens have learned about Design Thinking, art, math, coding, robotics, leadership, teamwork and problem solving, working with tools such as Tynker, Sam Labs, Lego Mindstorms, Snap Circuits, Little Bits, Merge Cubes, paper circuits and drones.
