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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 has expanded to 24 locations in 2021 with plans to be offered at all City of San Diego library locations. This San Diego Public Library program is a collaboration with UC San Diego Extension and Sally Ride Science.
For more information, contact us at LibraryNext@sandiego.gov.
Admit One College Prep Academy
Free SAT/ACT test preparation classes.
Registration for Summer 2022 coming soon.
Spring 2022 Virtual Library NExT Programs
April
Virtual Making of a Superhero: Fiction, Fantasy, and the Real World
Saturday, April 2, 2022 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
Explore the hero’s journey in literature and the real world! Students will learn about the concept of the hero’s journey as described by mythologist Joseph Campbell and examine heroes in literature, TV shows, graphic novels and movies, then explore how science, technology, psychology and medicine contribute to today’s heroes. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Being Sherlock: The Art of the Mystery and the Science of Forensics
Tuesday, April 5, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Level: Middle School (6th-8th)
If you like mysteries and are intrigued by crime investigation, this class is for you! Students will explore the exciting world of forensics, including DNA evidence, fingerprints and handwriting analysis as well as learn how mystery writers incorporate this science into their books. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Craftronics
Tuesday, April 5, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.| Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (6th-8th)
Learn about electronics and circuits while creating fun crafts projects! Possible projects include a moving origami swan, light-up LED bracelet or robot bug. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Stop-Motion Movie Making
Saturday, April 9, 2022 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (6th-8th)
Discover the basics of stop-motion animation! Students will learn to create subjects for their movies, brainstorm ideas, and create storyboards. Using the kid-friendly Stop Motion Studio app, students will create frames, add sound, and produce a final movie. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Surviving Space
Saturday, April 9, 2022|2:00 - 3:30 p.m| Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (6th-8th)
Explore the vastness of space! Students will research the environment of space, different types of planets, and the current technology keeping humans alive both on earth and outer space. This class will touch upon basic research. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual VR Programming
Saturday, April 9, 2022| 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: High School (Grades 9-12)
This class offers an introduction to Unity program. Unity program is commonly used to program virtual reality games. The students will learn key terms in VR development and a demonstration of how this is often done in unity. Ample examples of where this is used in real VR games will be provided. The instructor will also provide the student will free unity resources, so the student can access more resources after the class. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Craftronics
Monday, April 11, 2022| 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
Learn about electronics and circuits while creating fun crafts projects! Possible projects include a moving origami swan, light-up LED bracelet or robot bug. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Space Out
Monday, April 11, 2022 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (6th-8th)
Buckle your seatbelt and get ready to blast off as you plan your own mission to space! Explore our Earth and then move on to other planets, solar systems and faraway galaxies. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Rocket Science
Tuesday, April 12, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
Calling all future rocket scientists! Explore rocket technology and design, and then build and launch your own paper rocket model. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Electronics Breadboard Design Project
Saturday, April 16, 2022 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
Put electric circuits to use as you build a light-sensitve nightlight, sound-effects board or pocket flashlight. Students will learn how to interpret circuit drawings and how to use capacitors and transistors in fun projects. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Intro to Python Programming: Game On
Saturday, April 16, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
Learn Python programming and the basics of computer science! Students will learn how to program in the Python language and will become familiar with common computer science practices, such as variables, looping, and condition statements. Students will have a chance to make their own versions of common games, adding in features they like. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Slime and Non-Newtonian Fluids
Saturday, April 16, 2022 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: High School (Grades 9-12)
It’s slime time! Just like slime, Earth’s glaciers, mudslides and quaking bogs are made of fluids that are neither liquid nor solid. We’ll use slime to investigate how things work in the natural world. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual The Art of Mapmaking and GIS
Saturday, April 16, 2022 | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Dive into the wonderful world of maps! By tracing the evolution of maps from antiquity to cutting-edge technology, students will explore the history of maps and learn the basics of cartography by manually drawing maps. Student will get an introduction to GIS (Geographic Information Systems), GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and digital map creation. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Gorging on Geology
Monday, April 18, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Desserts meet geology in this delicious scientific mash-up! Students will learn about rocks and minerals while making yummy treats (for instance, sugar crystals) inspired by Earth’s inner layers. If you love to cook and learn about Earth science, then this is the class for you. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Discovery Through Reading and Writing
Saturday, April 23, 2022 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Analyze what it means to be “creative” by using critical thinking and rhetorical writing skills. Students will use academic approaches while looking at the mechanics of reading and writing as well as learn how to review and reflect on their skills as they collaborate to produce their work through the lens of our universe. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Messy Science
Monday, April 25, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
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 a virtual workshop.
Virtual Android App Design
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Using MIT's App Inventor, students will learn how to design and build their own gaming or utility apps with fun backgrounds, buttons and interactive features. Don’t worry, get appy! This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Craftronics
Saturday, April 30, 2022 | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Learn about electronics and circuits while creating fun crafts projects! Possible projects include a moving origami swan, light-up LED bracelet or robot bug. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Independent Filmmaking
Saturday, April 30, 2022 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: High School (Grades 9-12)
Get your camera ready to zoom in on issues you care about! Students will choose a topic that’s important to them and learn the ins and outs of documentary film making. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Making of a Super Hero: Fiction, Fantasy, and the Real World
Saturday, April 30, 2022 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Explore the hero’s journey in literature and the real world! Students will learn about the concept of the hero’s journey as described by mythologist Joseph Campbell and examine heroes in literature, TV shows, graphic novels and movies, then explore how science, technology, psychology and medicine contribute to today’s heroes. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Pirate Science
Saturday, April 30, 2022 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Ahoy! Life as a pirate isn’t just rough and rugged – it requires scientific ingenuity. In this class, students will learn about the traditional suite of nautical arts, including celestial navigation, sword fighting, weather prediction, knot tying, ship construction and sailing. Come aboard, mateys! This is a virtual workshop.
May
Virtual Slime and Non-Newtonian Fluids
Monday, May 2, 2022| 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
It’s slime time! Just like slime, Earth’s glaciers, mudslides and quaking bogs are made of fluids that are neither liquid nor solid. We’ll use slime to investigate how things work in the natural world. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Electronics Breadboard Design Project
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: High School (Grades 9-12)
Put electric circuits to use as you build a light-sensitve nightlight, sound-effects board or pocket flashlight. Students will learn how to interpret circuit drawings and how to use capacitors and transistors in fun projects. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Stop Motion Movie Making
Saturday, May 7, 2022 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Discover the basics of stop-motion animation! Students will learn to create subjects for their movies, brainstorm ideas, and create storyboards. Using the kid-friendly Stop Motion Studio app, students will create frames, add sound, and produce a final movie. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Craftronics
Monday, May 9, 2022 | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Learn about electronics and circuits while creating fun crafts projects! Possible projects include a moving origami swan, light-up LED bracelet or robot bug. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Game Development and Design
Monday, May 9, 2022 | 4:00- 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (6th-8th)
Take your first steps in learning how to build a professional 3D game! Students will explore game engines, tools to make video games, and databases to get the resources they need to build a video game. This class will also cover video game mechanics, the programming logic behind the mechanics, and how they work with popular games. This is a non-programming class. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Slime and Non-Newtonian Fluids
Monday, May 9, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (6th-8th)
It’s slime time! Just like slime, Earth’s glaciers, mudslides and quaking bogs are made of fluids that are neither liquid nor solid. We’ll use slime to investigate how things work in the natural world. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Animation and Video Game Design Using Scratch
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: High School (Grades 9-12)
Make zombies, princesses and flying carpets come to life as you develop your own online game! Using Scratch software, students will learn about character and storyboard design as you use basic animation to design games. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Squid Dissection
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Things might get a little inky as we work together to dissect a real squid. Students will develop scientific resarech skills as they learn about squids and other ocean animals. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Messy Science
Saturday, May 14, 2022| 3:00- 4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | 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 a virtual workshop.
Virtual Slime and Non-Newtonian Fluids
Monday, May 16, 2022| 5:00- 6:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
It’s slime time! Just like slime, Earth’s glaciers, mudslides and quaking bogs are made of fluids that are neither liquid nor solid. We’ll use slime to investigate how things work in the natural world. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Stop-Motion Movie Making
Monday, May 16, 2022| 4:00- 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Discover the basics of stop-motion animation! Students will learn to create subjects for their movies, brainstorm ideas, and create storyboards. Using the kid-friendly Stop Motion Studio app, students will create frames, add sound, and produce a final movie. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Internet Programming and Web Design
Tuesday, May 17, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (6th-8th)
Ever wanted to design your own website? Students will get famiiar with HTML and CSS as they use templates to build a website highlighting a topic of their choice. This is a virutal workshop.
Virtual Intro to Circuits Using Makey-Makey
Tuesday, May 17, 2022 | 4:00- 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Do electronics and bananas go together? Absolutely! With a simple program in scratch, students will create fun circuits that incorporate everyday items like bananas and aluminum foil in place of keyboard keys! This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Beginner's Sketchup: Designing a 3D Graphic
Saturday, May 21, 2022 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (6th-8th)
With 3D modeling, you can design a house, a bridge, a monster – or anything else you can dream up! Learn to use SketchUp Make 3D Modeling to create all sorts of three-dimensional graphic models. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Fire and Ice
Saturday, May 21, 2022| 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
Students will get up close and personal with erupting volcanoes and frozen icebergs – all without burning or freezing themselves. Learn fascinating and wacky facts, play silly games and become an Earth science genius! This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Game Development and Design
Saturday, May 21, 2022| 1:00 - 2:3 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Take your first steps in learning how to build a professional 3D game! Students will explore game engines, tools to make video games, and databases to get the resources they need to build a video game. This class will also cover video game mechanics, the programming logic behind the mechanics, and how they work with popular games. This is a non-programming class. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Craftronics
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Learn about electronics and circuits while creating fun crafts projects! Possible projects include a moving origami swan, light-up LED bracelet or robot bug. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Animation and Video Game Design Using Scratch
Saturday, May 28, 2022 | 2:00- 3:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: High School (Grades 9-12)
Make zombies, princesses and flying carpets come to life as you develop your own online game! Using Scratch software, students will learn about character and storyboard design as you use basic animation to design games. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Space Out
Saturday, May 28, 2022 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Buckle your seatbelt and get ready to blast off as you plan your own mission to space! Explore our Earth and then move on to other planets, solar systems and faraway galaxies. This is a virtual workshop.
June
Virtual Coding with DIY Drones
Saturday, June 4, 2022 | 2:00- 3:30 p.m. | Register Here
SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: High School (Grades 9-12)
This class shows you how to make a simple drone at home. The instructor will go through the materials to create a DIY drone, where to get them, the program that is used to get these drones in action and how to put it all together. There will be a demonstration of how to fly drones, including safety precautions when flying drones at home. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Tiny Houses
Saturday, June 4, 2022 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.| Register Here
SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
More and more people are making the move to small, sustainable dwellings. Learn about the Tiny House Movement and then build a model of your own tiny-house design. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Fire and Ice
Monday, June 6, 2022 | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.| Register Here
SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Students will get up close and personal with erupting volcanoes and frozen icebergs – all without burning or freezing themselves. Learn fascinating and wacky facts, play silly games and become an Earth science genius! This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Electronics Breadboard Design Projects
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.| Register Here
SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Put electric circuits to use as you build a light-sensitve nightlight, sound-effects board or pocket flashlight. Students will learn how to interpret circuit drawings and how to use capacitors and transistors in fun projects. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Exploring the Science of Harry Potter
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.| Register Here
SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Did you know a lot of the magic in the world of Harry Potter is rooted in real science? Explore how the Harry Potter books and movies reflect concepts in genetics, chemistry, herbology and more. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Intro to Trash to Treasures: Upcycling at its Best
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.| Register Here
SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: High School (Grades 9-12)
Discover how to put a creative spin on recycling by “upcycling” – turning trash into treasures such as art pieces or useful objects. Explore how trash can be transformed using different techniques and art mediums, while considering the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Animation and Marketing Using Scratch
Saturday, June 11, 2022 | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.| Register Here
SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Calling young entrepreneurs: If you have ever wanted to sell your own product or idea, here's your chance to develop strong marketing skills using the computer program Scratch. Students will learn how to create eye-catching online animations that they can use to advertise a product or idea. No prior coding experience is required. This is a virtual workshop.
Virtual Messy Science
Saturday, June 25, 2022 |2:00 - 3:30 p.m.| Register Here
SDPL Virtual Branch | 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 a virtual 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 with the State of California, administered by the California State Library, and with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the City of San Diego.
