Library NExT
Library NExT (Network of Education x Training) is a series of workshops for elementary, middle, and high school students on topics including circuits, Python programming language, virology, and 55+ other STEAM courses. Initially started as a pilot program at six San Diego libraries in 2017, it expanded to 24 locations in 2021, and to all City of San Diego library locations in 2022. This San Diego Public Library program is a collaboration with UC San Diego Extended Studies and Sally Ride Science.
For more information, contact us at LibraryNext@sandiego.gov.
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Free SAT/ACT test preparation classes.
Manage Your Future
Free business management course.
Fall 2023 STEAM Programs
Fall 2023 Courses are now live!
Programs for October through December are either in-person or virtual via Zoom. Registration opens approximately one month prior to course dates for all programs. If supplies are needed for virtual programs, you will receive an email directing you to your requested City of San Diego library branch location to pick up your supplies. Zoom links for virtual programs will be sent to your provided email address within 24 hours of the programs.
October
Slimy Sea Creatures
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 | 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Ocean Beach| Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
How do octopuses change color and why do oysters make pearls? Investigate how slimy sea creatures live and thrive in their underwater homes. Then create an artwork inspired by what you have learned. This is an in-person workshop.
Virtual Disney Style: Act, Sing, and Stretch
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
In this workshop, discover how to use active vocal warm-ups, physical stretches, and tongue twisters to loosen up before acting out familiar movie scenes and songs. This is a virtual workshop.
Eclipse
Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Tierrasanta | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Did you observe Solar Eclipse 2023? Are you fascinated by Earth's celestial events? Join us for this workshop, where you can explore the evolution of the science that led to the current view of the Earth-Moon-Sun system and learn how to predict and observe eclipses. Students will build pinhole cameras that will allow them to observe an eclipse safely. This is an in-person workshop.
Messy Science
Monday, October 16, 2023 | 4:15 - 6:15 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Otay Mesa-Nestor | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Ready to get messy in the name of science? We’ll conduct noisy and colorful experiments as we explore the science of volcanoes, rain clouds, glaciers, and more. This is an in-person workshop.
Rocket Science
Friday, October 27, 2023 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: City Heights/Weingart | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Get ready to explore current rocket science and rocket design. The class will culminate in the creation and launch of a testable paper rocket model. Earth-bound space exploration has never been so fun! This is an in-person workshop.
Messy Science
Saturday, October 28, 2023 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Oak Park | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Ready to get messy in the name of science? We’ll conduct noisy and colorful experiments as we explore the science of volcanoes, rain clouds, glaciers, and more. This is an in-person workshop.
November
Stop Motion Movie Making
Saturday, November 4, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Pacific Beach/Taylor | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Discover the basics of stop-motion animation! Students will use different materials to create subjects for their movies and will start by brainstorming ideas and creating storyboards. Then they will use an app to create frames, add sound, and produce a final movie. This is an in-person workshop.
Squid Dissection
Saturday, November 4, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Logan Heights | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Things may get a little inky as students work together to dissect a real squid. Students will develop scientific research skills as they learn about squids and other animals that make their homes in ocean ecosystems. This is an in-person workshop.
Marine Mammals of California
Saturday, November 4, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Linda Vista | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Get to know the mammals that live off San Diego’s coast, from playful dolphins to majestic whales. Through a variety of activities, we’ll explore the amazing adaptations of these marine mammals. This is an in-person workshop.
LEGO Mindstorm Robotics
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: San Ysidro | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Step into the shoes of an engineer! In this workshop, students will learn the basics of robotics and build autonomous robots using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit. Students will engage in both independent learning and group robotics competitions. No prior experience is required. This is an in-person workshop.
Rocket Science
Friday, November 17, 2023 | 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. | Register Here
Location: North University Community | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Get ready to explore current rocket science and rocket design. The class will culminate in the creation and launch of a testable paper rocket model. Earth-bound space exploration has never been so fun! This is an in-person workshop.
December
Meteorites, Crystals & Gems
Monday, December 4, 2023 | 4:15 - 6:15 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Otay Mesa-Nestor | Level: Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
Take a journey into the fascinating history of jewelry and gemstones! Explore how ancient civilizations created jewelry and take a peek at the gemstones discovered in outer space. Finally, get hands on with the tools used in lapidary--the engraving, cutting, and polishing of gemstones. This is an in-person workshop.
LEGO Mindstorm Robotics
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Carmel Mountain Ranch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Step into the shoes of an engineer! In this workshop, students will learn the basics of robotics and build autonomous robots using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit. Students will engage in both independent learning and group robotics competitions. No prior experience is required. This is an in-person workshop.
The Intertidal Zone: Where Land Meets Sea
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Skyline Hills | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
What is it about the intertidal zone – the area that is above water at low tide and underwater at high tide – that makes it so incredibly diverse? We will explore the unique characteristics of this habitat and learn how marine invertebrates adapt to its extreme conditions. Working as a team, students will gain an understanding of the extraordinary dynamics of an ecosystem found right here along the California coast! This is an in-person workshop.
Virtual Animation and Video Game Design Using Scratch
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch| Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Make zombies, princesses, and flying carpets come to life as you develop your own online game! Using Scratch software, you will learn about character and storyboard design as you use basic animation to design games. This is a virtual workshop.
Rocket Science
Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Clairemont | Level: Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
Get ready to explore current rocket science and rocket design. The class will culminate in the creation and launch of a testable paper rocket model. Earth-bound space exploration has never been so fun! This is an in-person workshop.
Tiny Houses
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Rancho Bernardo | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
The tiny-house movement is sweeping the country! Get the inside scoop on how and why people are designing houses that take up about 15 percent of the space of a traditional home. Students will learn about tiny-house architecture, social responsibility and community. Then they will design and build their own tiny houses. This is an in-person workshop.
STEAM Videos
The San Diego Public Library is excited to present a series of videos for our Library NExT STEAM programs! These fun videos will inspire and engage students of all ages to keep up on their STEAM studies while experiencing STEAM subjects and entertaining exploration!
For more Library NExT videos click here!
The Great Geography Clues Game
Do you have what it takes to earn the crown of The Great Geography Clues Game? You will be exploring the world, while given several clues along the way in order to guess the famous place or city in question. Take the quiz and then challenge your family and friends to beat your score. Good luck!
Glowies: Crafting with Instamorph
Learn about plastic casting and electronics with Instamorph - a safe, non-toxic, low temperature thermoplastic. Similar to hot glue but you can mold it, or shape it by hand. When it cools, it turns hard again. Put an LED in it while it's soft and attach a coin cell battery to make a "Glowie". The molds are also easy to make, from 100% silicone and cornstarch.
Craftronics: Popsicle Stick Flashlight
Learn how to create a simple circuit flashlight project using the items around the house like popsicle sticks, binder clips and aluminum foil.
Introduction to Python Programming
Get a jump start into python programming. This video covers the installation of python with Anaconda, print statements, and variables. After viewing the video, you have a chance to study python programming with a free textbook provided in the links below.
SketchUp
SketchUp is a free 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architecture, furniture design, 3D printing, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design. In this short video, you will learn how to build a simple 3D object using basic commands and tools which will allow you to turn all your ideas into 3 dimensions.
Partners
This project is funded in whole or in part by the Library Foundation SD.
