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Public Library

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.

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Program Your Future

FREE College and Career Pathway Programs for High School Students

Saturdays, January 25, 2020 - September 27, 2020 | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
San Ysidro Branch Library
 

Students will receive instruction from local industry experts using UC San Diego Extension curriculum. This educational approach provides students with the foundational skillset required for professional opportunities, internships and collegiate pursuits-whatever their goals may be. Students need to complete all three courses to earn certificate.

Front End Web Development Certificate

Cost: Free
Location: San Ysidro Library
9 Month Program

Program Your Future San Ysidro Library flyer

 
Course Day of Week Dates Instruction Time
Introduction to Front End Technologies Saturdays 1/25/20 - 4/18/20 1 - 4 p.m.
HTML5 and CSS Saturdays 4/25/20 - 7/11/20 1 - 4 p.m.
HTML and JavaScript Saturdays 7/25/20 - 9/27/20 1 - 4 p.m.

Please select the San Ysidro Library when you register.

Media

Program Your Future

FREE College and Career Pathway Programs for High School Students

Saturdays, January 25, 2020 - September 27, 2020 | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
San Ysidro Branch Library
 

Students will receive instruction from local industry experts using UC San Diego Extension curriculum. This educational approach provides students with the foundational skillset required for professional opportunities, internships and collegiate pursuits-whatever their goals may be. Students need to complete all three courses to earn certificate.

Front End Web Development Certificate

Cost: Free
Location: San Ysidro Library
9 Month Program

Program Your Future San Ysidro Library flyer

 
Course Day of Week Dates Instruction Time
Introduction to Front End Technologies Saturdays 1/25/20 - 4/18/20 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
HTML5 and CSS Saturdays 4/25/20 - 7/11/20 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
HTML and JavaScript Saturdays 7/25/20 - 9/27/20 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Please select the San Ysidro Library when you register.

 

Programs

Please select appropriate month tab to view complete programs for that month.

January Programs

Envisioning a Sustainable City of the Future
Tuesday, January 7, 2020 | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | University Community Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
What will the city of the future look like? In this hands-on workshop, students will consider principles of urban design, user experience, climate and sustainability as they design a futuristic city. Participants will use blocks, clay, paper, yarn and small wood elements to model their designs. Dynamic, fast-paced activities will encourage students to generate solutions to real-world challenges through creative expression and brainstorming.
 
Your Amazing Brain
Saturday, January 8, 2020 | 5:00 - 8:00 PM | College-Rolando Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
In this interactive workshop, students will discover how brains work by examining sheep brains, building neurons out of pipe cleaners and harnessing the power of music to make a cockroach leg dance. Using tools like those used by real neuroscientists, students will explore the anatomy of our brains and experience first-hand how our brains communicate with our senses.
 
Medicine and the Heart
Saturday, January 11, 2020 | 1:00- 4:00 PM | Mira Mesa Library | Register Here
Level: High School (9th - 12th)
 
Students will explore the body’s circulatory system with a focus on the heart. They will get an introduction to human anatomy and physiology and learn about different diseases linked to the heart. This workshop is aimed at students with an interest in anatomy, especially those considering careers in medicine. Note: Students may use surgical scissors during a dissection activity.
 
Tiny Houses
Saturday, January 11, 2020 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Rancho Peñasquitos Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
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 out of clay and found materials.
 
Craftronics
Saturday, January 11, 2020 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
Students will explore the basics of circuits and electronic elements by using them in craft projects. Possible projects include a moving origami swan, light-up LED bracelet, moving robot bug, Play-Doh electronic sculpture, paper-circuit game or light-effects card. Each student will take home a working electronic craft.
 
Your Amazing Brain
Saturday, January 11, 2020 | 2:30 - 5:30 PM | Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
In this interactive workshop, students will discover how brains work by examining sheep brains, building neurons out of pipe cleaners and harnessing the power of music to make a cockroach leg dance. Using tools like those used by real neuroscientists, students will explore the anatomy of our brains and experience first-hand how our brains communicate with our senses.
 
Nature All Around Us
Tuesday, January 14, 2020 | 4:30 - 7:30 PM | Mountain View/Beckwourth Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
Ever wonder why airplanes resemble birds? Why submarines are shaped like whales? It's because of biomimicry, an approach to development that creates solutions to human challenges by imitating the designs of nature. In this class, we will explore the development of biomimicry and learn how fields like engineering, architecture and music intertwine with biology to influence the structures, technologies and sounds we see and hear every day. Students will create a prosthetic hand, biology-inspired structure or musical recording to take home.
 
Coral Reef Eco Art
Wednesday, January 15, 2020 | 3:00 -6:00 PM | Pacific Beach/Taylor Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
The Ocean Series workshops teach students important concepts in marine science while sparking curiosity and sharing life lessons learned by scuba divers, researchers and ocean explorers. Lessons are brought to life through the creation of art that tells the stories of the sea.
 
Lego Mindstorm Robotics
Saturday, January 18, 2020 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | City Heights/Weingart Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
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.
 
Kitchen Chemistry
Saturday, January 18, 2020 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Linda Vista Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
Explore the many wonders of Kitchen Chemistry! 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. Note: Each student must have a food release form signed by a parent or guardian. Students who do not have an approved form cannot participate in the class.
 
Marine Mammals
Tuesday, January 21, 2020 | 5:00 - 8:00 PM | College-Rolando Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
This workshop introduces students to the many marine mammals native to San Diego, including seals, sea lions, dolphins and great whales. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about marine mammal adaptations, such as echolocation in whales and locomotion in seals and sea lions. Then students will sculpt their favorite animal out of clay for a fridge magnet souvenir.
 
Tiny Houses
Wednesday, January 22, 2020 | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | San Ysidro Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
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 out of clay and found materials.
 
Introduction to Circuits Using Makey Makey
Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Mission Valley Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
Do electronics and bananas go together? Absolutely! Using Makey Makey circuit boards, students will create fun circuits that incorporate everyday items like bananas, gummy bears, aluminum foil or bouncy balls. Students will then use their new circuitry skills to make games, music or art.
 
Marine Mammals of California
Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Paradise Hills Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
This workshop introduces students to the many marine mammals native to San Diego, including seals, sea lions, dolphins and great whales. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about marine mammal adaptations, such as echolocation in whales and locomotion in seals and sea lions. Then students will sculpt their favorite animal out of clay for a fridge magnet souvenir.
 
Your Amazing Brain
Tuesday, January 28, 2020 | 4:30 - 7:30 PM | Logan Heights Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
In this interactive workshop, students will discover how brains work by examining sheep brains, building neurons out of pipe cleaners and harnessing the power of music to make a cockroach leg dance. Using tools like those used by real neuroscientists, students will explore the anatomy of our brains and experience first-hand how our brains communicate with our senses.
 

February Programs

Nature All Around Us
Saturday, February 1, 2020 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Mira Mesa Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
Ever wonder why airplanes resemble birds? Why submarines are shaped like whales? It's because of biomimicry, an approach to development that creates solutions to human challenges by imitating the designs of nature. In this class, we will explore the development of biomimicry and learn how fields like engineering, architecture and music intertwine with biology to influence the structures, technologies and sounds we see and hear every day. Students will create a prosthetic hand, biology-inspired structure or musical recording to take home.
 
Your Amazing Brain
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | University Community Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
In this interactive workshop, students will discover how brains work by examining sheep brains, building neurons out of pipe cleaners and harnessing the power of music to make a cockroach leg dance. Using tools like those used by real neuroscientists, students will explore the anatomy of our brains and experience first-hand how our brains communicate with our senses.
 
Stop-Motion Movie Making
Saturday, February 8, 2020 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Rancho Peñasquitos Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
Students will 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. Students will start by brainstorming ideas and creating storyboards. Then they will use the kid-friendly Stop Motion Studio app to create frames, add sound and produce a final movie.
 
Introduction to Circuits Using Makey Makey
Saturday, February 8, 2020 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
Do electronics and bananas go together? Absolutely! Using Makey Makey circuit boards, students will create fun circuits that incorporate everyday items like bananas, gummy bears, aluminum foil or bouncy balls. Students will then use their new circuitry skills to make games, music or art.
 
The Interidal Zone: Where Land Meets Sea
Saturday, February 15, 2020 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Pacific Beach/Taylor Library | Register Here
Level: High School (9th - 12th)
 
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!
 
Envisioning a Sustainable City of the Future
Thursday, February 20, 2020 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Tierrasanta Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
What will the city of the future look like? In this hands-on workshop, students will consider principles of urban design, user experience, climate and sustainability as they design a futuristic city. Participants will use blocks, clay, paper, yarn and small wood elements to model their designs. Dynamic, fast-paced activities will encourage students to generate solutions to real-world challenges through creative expression and brainstorming.
 
Nature All Around US
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Mission Valley Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
Ever wonder why airplanes resemble birds? Why submarines are shaped like whales? It's because of biomimicry, an approach to development that creates solutions to human challenges by imitating the designs of nature. In this class, we will explore the development of biomimicry and learn how fields like engineering, architecture and music intertwine with biology to influence the structures, technologies and sounds we see and hear every day. Students will create a prosthetic hand, biology-inspired structure or musical recording to take home.

March Programs

Your Amazing Brain
Saturday, March 7, 2020 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
In this interactive workshop, students will discover how brains work by examining sheep brains, building neurons out of pipe cleaners and harnessing the power of music to make a cockroach leg dance. Using tools like those used by real neuroscientists, students will explore the anatomy of our brains and experience first-hand how our brains communicate with our senses.
 
Ocean Series: Exploring Kelp Forests
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 | 4:30 - 7:30 PM | Mountain View/Beckwourth Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
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 animals, including invertebrates, fish and sharks. Students will apply what they learn about marine biology as they create an art project using watercolor pencils.
 
Medicine and the Heart
Saturday, March 14, 2020 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | City Heights/Weingart Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
Students will explore the body’s circulatory system with a focus on the heart. They will get an introduction to human anatomy and physiology and learn about different diseases linked to the heart. This workshop is aimed at students with an interest in anatomy, especially those considering careers in medicine. Note: Students may use surgical scissors during a dissection activity.
 
Earthquakes in Your Backyard
Saturday, March 14, 2020 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Linda Vista Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
Students will discover the geologic activity happening all around them right now. We will examine Southern California’s fault systems and look at recent earthquake activity using online tools from the US Geological Survey. Students will learn how to interpret an earthquake’s magnitude, and they will conduct an experiment to help them understand the mechanics of earthquake faults.
 
Craftronics
Saturday, March 14, 2020 | 1:00 -4:00 PM | Mira Mesa Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
Students will explore the basics of circuits and electronic elements by using them in craft projects. Possible projects include a moving origami swan, light-up LED bracelet, moving robot bug, Play-Doh electronic sculpture, paper-circuit game or light-effects card. Each student will take home a working electronic craft.
 
Your Amazing Brain
Saturday, March 14, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Pacific Beach/Taylor Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
In this interactive workshop, students will discover how brains work by examining sheep brains, building neurons out of pipe cleaners and harnessing the power of music to make a cockroach leg dance. Using tools like those used by real neuroscientists, students will explore the anatomy of our brains and experience first-hand how our brains communicate with our senses.
 
Marine Mammals of California
Saturday, March 14, 2020 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM | Rancho Peñasquitos Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
This workshop introduces students to the many marine mammals native to San Diego, including seals, sea lions, dolphins and great whales. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about marine mammal adaptations, such as echolocation in whales and locomotion in seals and sea lions. Then students will sculpt their favorite animal out of clay for a fridge magnet souvenir.
 
Slime & Non-Newtonian Fulids
Saturday, March 14, 2020 | 12:00 - 3:00 PM | San Carlos Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
Slime: It’s slippery, gooey and oozy. But did you know you can use slime to model 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!
 
Kitchen Chemistry: Fun with Flavors
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 | 3:30 - 6:30 PM | Central Library | Register Here
Level: Middle School (6th - 8th)
 
Join us to explore cooking through a scientific lens. Students will sniff and taste different spices and learn about combining flavors. We will also test the validity of the traditional taste-bud map. Then students will choose a base of applesauce or plain yogurt, add flavors and textures, and enjoy their tasty snacks in class. 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. Note: Each student must have a food release form signed by a parent or guardian. Students who do not have an approved form cannot participate in the class.
 
Ocean Series: Exploring Kelp Forests
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 | 5:00 - 8:00 PM | College-Rolando Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
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 animals, including invertebrates, fish and sharks. Students will apply what they learn about marine biology as they create an art project using watercolor pencils.
 
Marine Mammals of California
Saturday, March 21, 2020 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Mission Valley Library | Register Here
Level: Elementary School (3rd - 5th)
 
This workshop introduces students to the many marine mammals native to San Diego, including seals, sea lions, dolphins and great whales. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about marine mammal adaptations, such as echolocation in whales and locomotion in seals and sea lions. Then students will sculpt their favorite animal out of clay for a fridge magnet souvenir.
 

December Programs

Squid Dissection
December 3, 2019 | 4:30 -7:30 PM | Mission Valley Library |Register Here
Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
 
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.
 
Quest Space Kit: Heat Experiments On The ISS
December 7, 2019 | Noon - 3:00 PM | Mira Mesa Library |Register Here
Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
 
In this workshop, students will build and program experiments to see how microgravity affects three types of heat transfer – radiation, convection and conduction. Students will build the hardware for each experiment using heating bulbs, resistors and temperature sensors. They will write code for their experiment in the Arduino environment and C programming language. Finally, students will upload their code to the International Space Station and analyze the resulting data to see how microgravity affects the different types of heat transfer.
 
Fire and Ice
December 11, 2019 | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Skyline Hills Library |Register Here
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!
 
  • Photo of student working in a computer lab.
  • Photo of two students handling purple slime.
  • Photo of student's hand covered in red and orange pigments.
  • Photo of student working in a computer lab.
  • Photo of students coding in a computer lab.
  • Photo of two students working on a project in a classroom.

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.

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