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.
October Programs
Exploring the Science of Harry Potter
October 17, 2018, 3:00 - 6:00 PM | Pacific Beach 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!
Fire & Ice
October 20, 2018, 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Paradise Hills Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
Get up close and personal with erupting volcanoes and frozen icebergs – all without burning or freezing yourself. Learn fascinating and wacky facts, play silly games and become an Earth science genius.
Exploring the Science of Harry Potter
October 24, 2018, 5:00 - 7:00 PM | San Ysidro 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!
Coding with DIY Drones
October 27, 2018 | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Linda Vista 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.
Beginner's SketchUp: Designing 3D Graphics
October 27, 2018, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Mission Valley Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
Have you ever wanted to create imaginative computer-based 3-D graphics? Now’s your chance to design a bridge, a house, a monster or anything else you can dream up. With SketchUp Make 3D Modeling, students will use the familiar pencil-and-paper paradigm in a software context to create 3-dimensional graphic models.
Electronics Bread-Board Design Projects
October 28, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | City Heights Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
Using various electronic components, students will learn the basics of circuits and build mid-level bread board projects such as a lightsensitive nightlight, railroad crossing signal with timer, a sound effect board, pocket flashlight and much more! Students learn how to draw and identify circuit drawings; and working with integrated chips together we learn how capacitors and transistors can be used in a project for a specific purpose. All projects will be completed in class.
Gorging on Geology
October 30, 2018, 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Skyline Hills Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
Desserts meet geology in this delicious scientific mash-up class! Learn about rocks and minerals while making yummy treats inspired by Earth’s inner layers (for instance, sugar crystals!). If you love to cook and learn about Earth science, then Gorging on Geology is the class for you. Note: All students will be required to have an approved food release form signed by their parent or guardian. Students who do not have an approved form cannot participate in the class.
November Programs
Earthquakes in Your Backyard
November 3, 2018, 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Paradise Hills Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
Discover the geologic activity happening all around us by examining Southern California’s fault systems. We’ll explore recent earthquake activity using online tools from the US Geological survey and learn how to interpret an earthquake’s magnitude by conducting experiments to better understand the mechanics of earthquake faults. We’ll also investigate what happens to groundwater during a strong quake and you’ll leave this workshop with a better understanding of how best to prepare for a large earthquake.
Gorgin on Geology
November 3, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
Desserts meet geology in this delicious scientific mash-up class! Learn about rocks and minerals while making yummy treats inspired by Earth’s inner layers (for instance, sugar crystals!). If you love to cook and learn about Earth science, then Gorging on Geology is the class for you. Note: All students will be required to have an approved food release form signed by their parent or guardian. Students who do not have an approved form cannot participate in the class.
Mysteries of Human Genome
November 3, 2018, 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
What determines your eye color, straight or curly hair texture, and blood type? It all comes down to DNA! Learn the basics of genetics, including how DNA impacts the way traits are passed from one generation to the next. Students will create interactive models and play Sherlock Holmes to decode a series of genetic mysteries.
Rocket Science: Engineering Paper Airplanes
November 3, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Rancho Penasquitos Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
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!
Coding with DIY Drones
November 3, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Mira Mesa 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.
Squid Dissection
November 6, 2018, 4:30 - 7:30 PM | Logan Heights 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.
Exploring the Science of Harry Potter
November 10, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Rancho Penasquitos Library | Registration opens 10/10, 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!
Rocket Science: Engineering Paper Airplanes
November 10, 2018, 1:30 - 4:30 PM | Mission Valley Library | Registration opens 10/10, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
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!
Tiny Houses
November 10, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Linda Vista Library | Registration opens 10/10, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
The tiny-house movement is sweeping the U.S.! Get the inside scoop on how and why people are designing houses that take up about 15 percent of the space of a typical home. Learn about tiny-house architecture, social responsibility and community, and then design and build your own tiny house out of clay and found materials.
Exploring the Science of Harry Potter
November 14, 2018, 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Skyline Hills Library | Registration opens 10/13, 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!
Physics of Fidget Spinners
November 14, 2018, 5:00 - 7:00 PM | San Ysidro Library | Registration opens 10/14, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
Ever wonder why some fidget spinners spin longer or hum louder than others? You will discover answers to these questions and much more as we learn about motion, tension, gravity and other fantastic phenomena related to fidget spinners and the world at large.
Messy Science
November 17, 2018, 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Paradise Hills Library | Registration opens 10/20, Register Here
Level: Elementary (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.
Mysteries of Human Genome
November 17, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library | Registration opens 10/17, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
What determines your eye color, straight or curly hair texture, and blood type? It all comes down to DNA! Learn the basics of genetics, including how DNA impacts the way traits are passed from one generation to the next. Students will create interactive models and play Sherlock Holmes to decode a series of genetic mysteries.
Rocket Science: Engineering Paper Airplanes
November 17, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Mira Mesa Library | Registration opens 10/17, Register Here
Level: Elementary (3rd – 5th Grade)
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!
Electronics Bread-Board Design Projects
November 27, 2018, 4:30 - 7:30 PM | Mission Valley Library | Registration opens 10/27, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
Using various electronic components, students will learn the basics of circuits and build mid-level bread board projects such as a lightsensitive nightlight, railroad crossing signal with timer, a sound effect board, pocket flashlight and much more! Students learn how to draw and identify circuit drawings; and working with integrated chips together we learn how capacitors and transistors can be used in a project for a specific purpose. All projects will be completed in class.
Rocket Science: Engineering Paper Airplanes
November 28, 2018, 3:00 - 6:00 PM | Pacific Beach Library | Registration opens 10/24, Register Here
Level: Elementary (3rd – 5th Grade)
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!
December Programs
Being Sherlock: The Art of the Mystery and the Science of Forensics
December 1, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Mira Mesa Library | Registration opens 11/1, 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.
Electronics Bread-Board Design Projects
December 1, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Rancho Penasquitos Library | Registration opens 11/1, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
Using various electronic components, students will learn the basics of circuits and build mid-level bread board projects such as a lightsensitive nightlight, railroad crossing signal with timer, a sound effect board, pocket flashlight and much more! Students learn how to draw and identify circuit drawings; and working with integrated chips together we learn how capacitors and transistors can be used in a project for a specific purpose. All projects will be completed in class.
Rocket Science: Engineering Paper Airplanes
December 1, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library | Registration opens 11/1, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
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!
Ocean Series: Exlporing Kelp Forest
December 4, 2018, 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Logan Heights Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th 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.
Ocean Series: Exploring Kelp and Marine Mammals
December 4, 2018, 4:00 - 7:00 PM | College Rolando Library | Registration opens 10/23, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th 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.
Robotics: LEGO Mindstorm
December 8, 2018, 1:30 - 4:30 PM | Mission Valley Library | Registration opens 11/8, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
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.
Gorgin on Geology
December 8, 2018, 3:00 - 6:00 PM | Pacific Beach Library | Registration opens 11/3, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
Desserts meet geology in this delicious scientific mash-up class! Learn about rocks and minerals while making yummy treats inspired by Earth’s inner layers (for instance, sugar crystals!). If you love to cook and learn about Earth science, then Gorging on Geology is the class for you. Note: All students will be required to have an approved food release form signed by their parent or guardian. Students who do not have an approved form cannot participate in the class.
Ocean Series: Exploring Kelp and Marine Mammals
December 8, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Linda Vista Library | Registration opens 11/8, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th 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.
Tiny Houses
December 8, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Skyline Hills Library | Registration opens 11/8, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
The tiny-house movement is sweeping the U.S.! Get the inside scoop on how and why people are designing houses that take up about 15 percent of the space of a typical home. Learn about tiny-house architecture, social responsibility and community, and then design and build your own tiny house out of clay and found materials.
Messy Science
December 11, 2018, 4:00 - 7:00 PM | College Rolando Library | Registration opens 10/30, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th 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.
Messy Science
December 12, 2018, 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Skyline Hills Library | Registration opens 11/12, Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th – 8th 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.
Being Sherlock: The Art of the Mystery and the Science of Forensics
December 15, 2018, 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Paradise Hills Library | Registration opens 11/17, 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.
Recently Offered
Python
This course will introduce students to computer programming via the Python programming language. Each class will consist of a brief lecture, followed by a self-guided demo. The course will cover basic topics in programming, such as arithmetic and Boolean expressions, string manipulation, conditional statements, for and while loops, I/O, and abstract functions. Attention will be paid to helping students develop good programming habits and code documentation. Students will be evaluated with weekly problem sets and a final project.
Independent Film Making
Books and videos can transport us into any world we want! Join us to explore the basics of video production (composition, filming and editing) and storytelling in a 3-sessions amateur filmmaking series. Collaborate with friends to make a video about you and your neighborhood using equipment that's at your fingertips – phones and tablets!
Music and Your Brain
In this Library NExT program, students explore how music affects the brain and body in physical, cognitive, and emotional ways. Learn how every person has unique connections with music yet there are many shared reacts and interactions to music. Together we explore how music relates to cultural identity, history, math and science. This class is built around musical activities and group work as students discover new ways to think musically.
Introduction to Circuits using Makey-Makey
Do electronics and bananas go together? Absolutely! Learn how to create fun circuits using Makey-Makey circuit boards that can be expanded and accentuated with everyday items like a banana, tin foil or a bouncy ball. Science and art will collide as the technology of circuits is used to create art in the form of music, paintings and photographs.
Virtual Reality with Google Cardboard
Join the Virtual Reality technology movement that simulates experiences (like going on a roller coaster) using Google Cardboard (a Virtual Reality viewer). Work in groups to create your own virtual reality interactive tools and games and learn basic concepts of stereoscopy. Gain experience in C+ programming, 3D modeling and learn how to use the popular UNITY game engine. No prior experience with computer programming or 3D modeling is required.
Make Your Own Inflatables
Explore the fascinating world of bubbles! Discover the intersection of engineering, architecture, art and nature through amazing experiments with bubbles and inflatables. As inventors and designers we will be building our own unique constructions through the iterative design-to-build process and creating giant inflatables from ordinary plastic bags! No experience required.
Introduction to Robotics with LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3
Learn basic concepts of robotics and then build robots using the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 kit while using basic flowchart programming to create autonomous robots. Working in groups, compete in science instrument deployment competitions using multiple sensors on the robots. No prior experience with robotics or programming is required.
Introduction to Video game Programming with Unity
What better way to learn introductory concepts of computer science than within a video game environment powered by the popular Unity game engine as a visualization tool! Using the C# scripting language, learn code structure and syntax, conditional statements, loops, functions, data structures and write and run simple scripts. After learning how to handle user input, object collision and interface design, create your own simple video game!
Messy Science - Atmosphere
In this workshop format class we explore the beauty, mysteries and facts about our planet earth. Using tools and materials from our modern world we will re-enact some of the physics, chemistry, and biology that make earth unique in the Known Space. Hands-on activities will be punctuated with sounds of boom, crash, zip and slime! The class is configurable to different lessons each focusing on an aspect of that include topics of glaciers, volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, permafrost, sea level rise and tsunamis. During these workshops students will design things, test things, throw things, and stomp on things. Using our newfound knowledge of our earth system we will use our imaginations to make our planet a more fun place.
