Utilizing programming and a little square robot, Clift's librarian provided scholars with a choice of continuous learning opportunities in the form of quests.  ​​ Whether their journey took them on an adventure to a botanical garden or atop a snowy mountain peak in search of a Yeti, Clift's scholars fully immersed themselves in the library STEAM activity as self-motivated and independent learners.  As interdisciplinary learning activities quests are purposeful challenges which open up a new ways to learn, engage and develop skills. 

As part of a library project scholars learn a variety of transferable skills by creating a Dash dance party.  Dance introduces learners to the poetic language of movement which allows them to think creatively.  Through the process of choreographing and coding students become problem solvers as they make aesthetic choices using reasoned logic. 

During a Black History Month library lesson students were introduced to African American designers who left their mark on the world of fashion.  Then scholars were challenged to engineer a themed outfit, become fashion photographers and program a Dash robot to walk the runway matching the costume they created.

April is Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month.  In preparation, scholars learned that necessity is the mother of invention, but it is the kindness of understanding that actually meets people's needs.  During a library enrichment lesson students were challenged to create a KEVA ramp, a simple inclined plane that is essential for  individuals with mobility challenges to be more independent.

Mazes are perfect for learning how to break down a problem into smaller pieces.  During a library enrichment activity scholars created and solved mazes requiring them to constantly think about the next move. These same skills can be applied to reading a mystery, test question or solving a mathematics word problem which requires them to find a solution.  

During library enrichment K-2nd creators discovered that K'NEX building helps scholars connect with a variety of subjects and skill.  During a Critter Creations challenge learners not only developed an understanding of structures but they also gained knowledge in animal behavior, habitats and classifications.

Location, location, location!  As future home buyers Clift's 3rd-5th students learned to understand this very important characteristic when they were challenged to design and build a house.  During library enrichment scholars discovered that geography determines where people live and how their homes had to be constructed.  

Real or imaginary, prehistoric or current 3rd-5th scholars learned, as part of a Clift library enrichment activity, that all creatures are similar.  Learners were challenged not only to design a creature (known or unknown), but also write its story.  As future biologists students had to consider where their creations lived and what characteristics they would need to survive.      

As part of a library enrichment STEAM challenge Clift's K-2nd learners discovered that the type of materials used matter.  Scholars were tasked with constructing the tallest tower.  During the design process young architects had to consider not only which shapes would be the most stable, but also the properties of their construction resources.   

During Clift Library's STEAM Nation Fun Fridays, 1st grade scholars modeled how to create a garden with the K'NEX building system.   As they clicked together different parts they grew their skills in hand-eye coordination, fine motor, problem-solving, and spatial awareness.

The Library's first STEAM Nation Fun Friday, saw a team of 2nd graders complete their first Skills-Up challenge.  Scholars experimented with K'NEX connectors and rods teaching themselves to create 2D geometric shapes.  Through trial and error plus resilience they determined the best way to transform the shapes into 3D models.

As part of their very first Library STEAM Nation Station Fun Friday, 3rd-4th scholars created digital music with electrical currents. Using online bongo drums they were able to test the dual meaning of conductor.  With each tap, fist-bump and high-five they became music conductors (electronically and musically)!

Scholars in 4th-5th grades during Library Enrichment began learning programming using an interactive circuit board.  With Makey Makey students experienced the connection between choices and the "Make their own Keyboards" programming.  They also learned about grounding, electric connections and loops.  

Scholars in K-2 library enrichment classes began their kinesthetic learning adventure by transforming letters and numbers into flat plank designs.  These screen-free learning mini-projects help develop spatial thinking and problem solving through the use of basic physics, art, math, and engineering concepts. 

Clift's 3-5 scholars jumped straight into an intermediate level task by designing a bridge.  During Library Enrichment students researched the appearance, structure, constraints and function of various bridges.  Next step is proof of concept where they will construct and test their bridges for safety. 

Scholars in the 3rd-5th grade applied their 2D research of bridge designs to actual 3D construction.  They applied their knowledge and skills related to structures, stability, safety, and testing.  During this process scholars learned that bridges are major engineering works requiring a team of designers and an army of construction workers.

During a Library Enrichment challenge K-2 used Cubetto's screenless computer language to send their robot on a journey.  They learned about environments, maps and cardinal directions by reasoning and sequencing right, left and forward commands to help Cubetto reach its destination.