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Library NExT
Library NExT (Network of Education x Training) is a series of workshops for middle and high school students on topics including robotics, circuits and 3D modeling. Initially started as a pilot program at six San Diego libraries in 2017, it expanded to 10 locations in 2018 with plans to be offered at more City of San Diego library locations. This San Diego Public Library program is a collaboration with UC San Diego Extension and Sally Ride Science.
Program Your Future
With the addition of “Program Your Future” to the program, Library NExT offers high school students in-depth knowledge and training for high demand career tracks or collegiate pursuits. Students receive digital badges when they complete each course. When all courses of a track are complete, students receive a certificate from the globally-recognized UC San Diego Extension, which can set them apart when applying for college or pursuing a career.
Programs
Please select appropriate month tab to view complete programs for that month.
April Programs
Marine Mammals of California
April 20, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 | Paradise Hills Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
A large number of creatures call the ocean home, and many of them are mammals. In this workshop, students will explore the characteristics of marine mammals, especially the dolphins, whales and seals found off the California coast. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about marine mammal adaptations, such as echolocation in whales and locomotion in seals and sea lions. Students will also study coloration and fur patterns by sculpting marine mammals in clay to take home. The goal of this course is to leave students with a better understanding of California marine mammals and how we can make simple changes in our lives to help preserve these fascinating creatures.
Marine Mammals of California
April 24, 2019 | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | San Ysidro Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
A large number of creatures call the ocean home, and many of them are mammals. In this workshop, students will explore the characteristics of marine mammals, especially the dolphins, whales and seals found off the California coast. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about marine mammal adaptations, such as echolocation in whales and locomotion in seals and sea lions. Students will also study coloration and fur patterns by sculpting marine mammals in clay to take home. The goal of this course is to leave students with a better understanding of California marine mammals and how we can make simple changes in our lives to help preserve these fascinating creatures.
Slime and Non-Newtonian Fluids
April 24, 2019 | 3:00 - 6:00 PM | Pacific Beach Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Slime: it’s slippery, gooey, malleable and oozy. But did you know you could use it to illustrate phenomena in the natural world? Just like slime, Earth’s glaciers, mudslides and quaking bogs are made of fluids that are neither liquid nor solid. Prepare for slimy fun as we investigate the interplay between viscosity, friction and gravity. Slime recipes included!
Exploring the Science of Harry Potter
April 27, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Rancho Penasquitos Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
Explore the science and magic of the world of Harry Potter through video clips, presentations, discussions, activities and artwork. Topics include genetics and trait prediction (parseltongue, giants, squibs), acid/base chemistry (Marauder’s Map), fantastic beasts and herbology. Science has never been so magical!
Animation and Video Game Design Using Scratch
April 30, 2019 | 3:00 - 6:00 PM | Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library | Register Here
Level: High School (9th - 12th Grade)
Make zombies, princesses and flying carpets come to life as you develop your own online game! Using the computer program Scratch, students will learn about character and storyboard design as well as basic animation to create their own games. No prior computer coding experience is required.
Virtual Exploration for a Sustainable World
April 30, 2019 | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Skyline Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
In this workshop, students will gain a deeper understanding of geography, world history and sustainable design through a virtual exploration of world regions using Google Maps and Google Earth. Students will examine historical sites, study their development and consider why those sites were successful. After analyzing several case studies, students will understand the basic concepts of sustainable design and then use their new perspective as they sketch a house of the future for a specific global site. They will present their sustainable designs to their classmates and offer justifications for specific design elements.
May Programs
Introduction to Circuits Using Makey-Makey
May 4, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Mission Valley Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
Do electronics and bananas go together? Absolutely! Using Makey Makey circuit boards, students will create fun circuits that incorporate everyday items like gummy bears, aluminum foil or bouncy balls. Students will then use their new circuitry skills to make games, music or art.
Quest Space Kit: Heat Experiments on the ISS
May 4, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Mira Mesa Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
The Quest for Space Heat Starter Kit provides you an opportunity to explore the science of heating and cooling by building and programming three different experiments in radiation, convection, and conduction. You will build and customize the hardware for each experiment using heating bulbs and resistors, temperature sensors, various mounts, wires and screws. After the mechanical assembly, you will spend time programming and customizing in the Arduino environment and C programming language to your experiment and collect data automatically. Finally, you will run your experiment configuration on the ISS and analyze the data to determine how different types of heat transfer affect heating and cooling behavior in microgravity.
Messy Science
May 11, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Learn about Earth science as you never have before – by handling messy slime and conducting noisy and colorful experiments. Discover the physics, chemistry and biology of volcanoes, rain clouds, rock formation and other natural phenomena as you stomp, squeeze and sometimes eat your way through hands-on activities.
Slime and Non-Newtonian Fluids
May 18, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Paradise Hills Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Slime: it’s slippery, gooey, malleable and oozy. But did you know you could use it to illustrate phenomena in the natural world? Just like slime, Earth’s glaciers, mudslides and quaking bogs are made of fluids that are neither liquid nor solid. Prepare for slimy fun as we investigate the interplay between viscosity, friction and gravity. Slime recipes included!
Being Sherlock: The Art of the Mystery and the Science of Forensics
May 18, 2019 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM |Pacific Beach Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
If you like reading mysteries and are intrigued by crime investigation, then this class is for you! Explore the exciting world of forensics, including DNA evidence, fingerprints and handwriting analysis. Then learn how mystery writers incorporate this information into their books. No experience is required.
Introduction to Circuits Using Makey-Makey
May 25, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Linda Vista Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
Do electronics and bananas go together? Absolutely! Using Makey Makey circuit boards, students will create fun circuits that incorporate everyday items like gummy bears, aluminum foil or bouncy balls. Students will then use their new circuitry skills to make games, music or art.
June Programs
Messy Science
June 4, 2019 | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Skyline Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Learn about Earth science as you never have before – by handling messy slime and conducting noisy and colorful experiments. Discover the physics, chemistry and biology of volcanoes, rain clouds, rock formation and other natural phenomena as you stomp, squeeze and sometimes eat your way through hands-on activities.
Slimy Sea Creatures
June 8, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library| Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Want to learn about sea stars, sand dollars, moon snails and other slimy creatures? In this class, you will act as a marine biologist as you discover the secrets of how octopuses change color and how oysters make pearls. Finish the class by creating artwork inspired by your underwater exploration.
Slimy Sea Creatures
June 10, 2019 | 3:30 - 6:30 PM | Central Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Want to learn about sea stars, sand dollars, moon snails and other slimy creatures? In this class, you will act as a marine biologist as you discover the secrets of how octopuses change color and how oysters make pearls. Finish the class by creating artwork inspired by your underwater exploration.
Squid Dissection
June 11, 2019 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM | College-Rolando Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
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 found in ocean ecosystems.
Eclipse
June 15, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | City Heights/Weingart Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Throughout history, the movement of the skies has been a source of fascination and an inspiration for both mythology and exploration. Much folklore surround eclipses, when one celestial body passes through the shadow of another. Often these have been interpreted as powerful portents or divine acts. In this class, we will explore the history of human understanding of eclipse events and trace the evolution of the science that led to the current view of the mechanics of the Earth-Moon-Sun system and the solar system as a whole. From this foundation we develop the means to predict and observe directly these events when they occur. Finally, we build pinhole cameras that allow participants to SAFELY observe the sun and its interactions with all that orbit in its gravitational pull. These classes are led by high-level, fun-loving, scientists who will also introduce and discuss exciting new research revealing the existence other earths, moons and suns similar to our own.
July Programs
Quest Space Kit: Heat Experiment on the ISS
July 13, 2019 | 2:30 - 5:30 PM | Mission Valley Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
In this workshop, students will use circuit elements to build hardware they can use to explore heat transfer on Earth and in space. Students will work in teams to design an experiment and test a hypothesis of their choosing. In the Arduino environment, they will be able to translate their experimental design into code and upload it to the International Space Station to see how microgravity and the space environment affect heat transfer.
Coding with DIY Drones
July 19, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Valencia Park/Malcolm X Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
Get ready to program and fly pocket-sized drones through aerial acrobatic missions! Working in groups, students will build a remote controller and program a drone to compete in a high-flying race. DIY Drones are for in-class use only. The class is recommended for students with little or no experience with circuits and computer programming.
Kitchen Chemistry: Fun with Flavors
July 23, 2019 | 4:30 - 7:30 PM | Logan Heights Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
Join us to explore cooking through a scientific lens. Students will sniff and taste several test tubes bursting with different spices and learn about combining flavors. We will test the “map of the tongue” theory and talk taste buds. In our food lab, students will choose a base of either applesauce or plain yogurt, add flavors and textures for customized pizzazz, and enjoy their tasty snack in class. Together we will learn about Chaim Gur-Arieh, PhD, and Pamela Low, food science biochemists who co-invented Cap'n Crunch cereal. For safety reasons, no open flame will be used in this class. Any necessary cooking will be accomplished using a small toaster oven, a single hot plate or a microwave. All participants must abide by the safety rules. No prior experience is necessary.
Eclipse
July 25, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Central Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Throughout history, the movement of the skies has been a source of fascination and an inspiration for both mythology and exploration. Much folklore surround eclipses, when one celestial body passes through the shadow of another. Often these have been interpreted as powerful portents or divine acts. In this class, we will explore the history of human understanding of eclipse events and trace the evolution of the science that led to the current view of the mechanics of the Earth-Moon-Sun system and the solar system as a whole. From this foundation we develop the means to predict and observe directly these events when they occur. Finally we build pinhole cameras that allow participants to SAFELY observe the sun and its interactions with all that orbit in its gravitational pull. These classes are led by high-level, fun-loving, scientists who will also introduce and discuss exciting new research revealing the existence other earths, moons and suns similar to our own.
Kitchen Chemistry: Glorious Chocolate
July 25, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Tierrasanta Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Explore the many wonders of chocolate, including its biochemistry and history. Learn why cocoa was revered by ancient cultures, why it can be harmful to dogs and cats, and how chocolatiers turn this ingredient into a luxurious dessert. All cooking will be done with a small toaster oven, a hot plate or a microwave. Safety rules will be enforced; there will be no open flame. No prior cooking experience is necessary.
Slime and Non-Newtonian Fluids
July 26, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Valencia Park/Malcolm X Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Slime: it’s slippery, gooey, malleable and oozy. But did you know you could use it to illustrate phenomena in the natural world? Just like slime, Earth’s glaciers, mudslides and quaking bogs are made of fluids that are neither liquid nor solid. Prepare for slimy fun as we investigate the interplay between viscosity, friction and gravity. Slime recipes included!
Marine Chemistry
July 27, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Rancho Penasquitos Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Do you love the ocean and want to know how you can turn that love into a STEM career? This course provides a history of oceanography, an overview of basic concepts of marine chemistry and a view into what field research is like.
Medicine and the Heart
July 27, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Mira Mesa Branch Library | Register Here
Level: High School ( 9th - 12th Grade)
Explore the body’s circulatory system, with a focus on the heart. Get an introduction to human anatomy and physiology and learn about different diseases linked to the heart. This workshop is for students with an interest in anatomy, especially those considering careers in medicine. *Disclaimer: Students may be using surgical scissors during a dissection activity.
Quest Space Kit: Heat Experiment on the ISS
July 27, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 pm | Linda Vista Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
In this workshop, students will use circuit elements to build hardware they can use to explore heat transfer on Earth and in space. Students will work in teams to design an experiment and test a hypothesis of their choosing. In the Arduino environment, they will be able to translate their experimental design into code and upload it to the International Space Station to see how microgravity and the space environment affect heat transfer.
Slimy Sea Creatures
July 27, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Want to learn about sea stars, sand dollars, moon snails and other slimy creatures? In this class, you will act as a marine biologist as you discover the secrets of how octopuses change color and how oysters make pearls. Finish the class by creating artwork inspired by your underwater exploration.
Kitchen Chemistry: Fun with Flavors
July 31, 2019 | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Skyline Hills Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
Join us to explore cooking through a scientific lens. Students will sniff and taste several test tubes bursting with different spices and learn about combining flavors. We will test the “map of the tongue” theory and talk taste buds. In our food lab, students will choose a base of either applesauce or plain yogurt, add flavors and textures for customized pizzazz, and enjoy their tasty snack in class. Together we will learn about Chaim Gur-Arieh, PhD, and Pamela Low, food science biochemists who co-invented Cap'n Crunch cereal. For safety reasons, no open flame will be used in this class. Any necessary cooking will be accomplished using a small toaster oven, a single hot plate or a microwave. All participants must abide by the safety rules. No prior experience is necessary.
August Programs
Craftronics
August 2, 2019 | 10:30 - 1:30 PM | Mission Valley Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Explore the basics of circuits and electronic elements by using them in various craft projects. Build a moving origami swam, fashion wearable light-up LED bracelets and pins, construct moving robot bugs, erect a Play-Doh electronic sculpture, create paper circuit games and light effects cards. The workshop combines crafting and technology to bring your creations to life. Each student will take home a working electronic craft.
Craftronics
August 3, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Central Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Explore the basics of circuits and electronic elements by using them in various craft projects. Build a moving origami swam, fashion wearable light-up LED bracelets and pins, construct moving robot bugs, erect a Play-Doh electronic sculpture, create paper circuit games and light effects cards. The workshop combines crafting and technology to bring your creations to life. Each student will take home a working electronic craft.
Stop Motion Movie Making
August 6, 2019 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM | Logan Heights Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Discover the basics of stop-motion animation by working in two-person teams to make an animated movie. Teams will use different materials (construction paper, foam, Legos and other props) to create subjects for their movies. You’ll start by brainstorming ideas and creating storyboards, then use the kid-friendly Stop Motion Studio app to create frames, add sound and produce a final movie.
Marine Mammals of California
August 8, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Tierrasanta Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
A large number of creatures call the ocean home, and many of them are mammals. In this workshop, students will explore the characteristics of marine mammals, especially the dolphins, whales and seals found off the California coast. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about marine mammal adaptations, such as echolocation in whales and locomotion in seals and sea lions. Students will also study coloration and fur patterns by sculpting marine mammals in clay to take home. The goal of this course is to leave students with a better understanding of California marine mammals and how we can make simple changes in our lives to help preserve these fascinating creatures.
Marine Mammals of California
August 10, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Paradise Hills Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
A large number of creatures call the ocean home, and many of them are mammals. In this workshop, students will explore the characteristics of marine mammals, especially the dolphins, whales and seals found off the California coast. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about marine mammal adaptations, such as echolocation in whales and locomotion in seals and sea lions. Students will also study coloration and fur patterns by sculpting marine mammals in clay to take home. The goal of this course is to leave students with a better understanding of California marine mammals and how we can make simple changes in our lives to help preserve these fascinating creatures.
Kitchen Chemistry: Teenycakes Falvor Mash-Up
August 12, 2019 | 10:00 - 1:00 PM | College-Rolando Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
Students will learn about combining flavors and explore baking through a scientific lens. We will vote on what flavors to use and make teeny-sized soda-can cupcakes. Once the cupcakes are in the oven, we will learn about the science behind the reactions at play while they bake. In the hands-on component of the class, students will make and color the frosting, inject the complementary flavored filling and decorate! Class ends with a food party where we all enjoy the tasty snacks we have created together. We will also learn about a culinary master, Dominique Crenn. For safety reasons, no open flame will be used in this class. Any necessary cooking will be accomplished using a small toaster oven, a single hot plate or a microwave. All participants must abide by the safety rules. No prior experience is necessary.
Eclipse
August 13, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | College-Rolando Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Throughout history, the movement of the skies has been a source of fascination and an inspiration for both mythology and exploration. Much folklore surround eclipses, when one celestial body passes through the shadow of another. Often these have been interpreted as powerful portents or divine acts. In this class, we will explore the history of human understanding of eclipse events and trace the evolution of the science that led to the current view of the mechanics of the Earth-Moon-Sun system and the solar system as a whole. From this foundation we develop the means to predict and observe directly these events when they occur. Finally we build pinhole cameras that allow participants to SAFELY observe the sun and its interactions with all that orbit in its gravitational pull. These classes are led by high-level, fun-loving, scientists who will also introduce and discuss exciting new research revealing the existence other earths, moons and suns similar to our own.
Slimy Sea Creatures
August 14, 2019 | 3:00 - 6:00 PM | Pacific Beach Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Want to learn about sea stars, sand dollars, moon snails and other slimy creatures? In this class, you will act as a marine biologist as you discover the secrets of how octopuses change color and how oysters make pearls. Finish the class by creating artwork inspired by your underwater exploration.
Craftronics
August 17, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | City Heights-Weingart Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Explore the basics of circuits and electronic elements by using them in various craft projects. Build a moving origami swam, fashion wearable light-up LED bracelets and pins, construct moving robot bugs, erect a Play-Doh electronic sculpture, create paper circuit games and light effects cards. The workshop combines crafting and technology to bring your creations to life. Each student will take home a working electronic craft.
Exploring the Science of Harry Potter
August 17, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
Explore the science and magic of the world of Harry Potter through video clips, presentations, discussions, activities and artwork. Topics include genetics and trait prediction (parseltongue, giants, squibs), acid/base chemistry (Marauder’s Map), fantastic beasts and herbology. Science has never been so magical!
Kitchen Chemistry: Teenycakes Falvor Mash-Up
August 17, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Mira Mesa Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
Students will learn about combining flavors and explore baking through a scientific lens. We will vote on what flavors to use and make teeny-sized soda-can cupcakes. Once the cupcakes are in the oven, we will learn about the science behind the reactions at play while they bake. In the hands-on component of the class, students will make and color the frosting, inject the complementary flavored filling and decorate! Class ends with a food party where we all enjoy the tasty snacks we have created together. We will also learn about a culinary master, Dominique Crenn. For safety reasons, no open flame will be used in this class. Any necessary cooking will be accomplished using a small toaster oven, a single hot plate or a microwave. All participants must abide by the safety rules. No prior experience is necessary.
Discovering the Mysteries of Kelp Forests
August 24, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Paradise Hills Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th Grade)
Delve into the underwater ecosystem of San Diego’s kelp forest as you learn about algae and other incredible organisms. Interactive “creature features” will highlight a variety of marine creatures, including invertebrates, fish and sharks. Students will apply what they learn about marine biology as they create an art project using watercolor pencils.
Kitchen Chemistry: Glorious Chocolate
August 24, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Rancho Penasquitos Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
Explore the many wonders of chocolate, including its biochemistry and history. Learn why cocoa was revered by ancient cultures, why it can be harmful to dogs and cats, and how chocolatiers turn this ingredient into a luxurious dessert. All cooking will be done with a small toaster oven, a hot plate or a microwave. Safety rules will be enforced; there will be no open flame. No prior cooking experience is necessary.
Marine Mammals of California
August 28, 2019 | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Skyline Hills Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
A large number of creatures call the ocean home, and many of them are mammals. In this workshop, students will explore the characteristics of marine mammals, especially the dolphins, whales and seals found off the California coast. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about marine mammal adaptations, such as echolocation in whales and locomotion in seals and sea lions. Students will also study coloration and fur patterns by sculpting marine mammals in clay to take home. The goal of this course is to leave students with a better understanding of California marine mammals and how we can make simple changes in our lives to help preserve these fascinating creatures.
Introduction to Circuits Using Makey-Makey
August 31, 2019 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Linda Vista Branch Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
Do electronics and bananas go together? Absolutely! Using Makey Makey circuit boards, students will create fun circuits that incorporate everyday items like gummy bears, aluminum foil or bouncy balls. Students will then use their new circuitry skills to make games, music or art.
Partners
This project is funded in whole or in part 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.
