STEAMing into Ringwood Public Library
Science. Technology. Engineering. Arts. Mathematics.
Click here for STEAM Newsletters
February in our STEAM area
It's Black History Month!
- Learn about influential black scientists and mathematicians.
- Continue to enjoy our rock and mineral collection.
- Try your hand at some critical thinking puzzles.
Highest Resolution Photo of Sun
This photo of the sun was taken by the powerful Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST), which is currently being developed in Maui. DKIST is so powerful that it requires cooling systems to dissipate the heat its mirror gathers to view the sun.
*Note that each of the "cells" shown is about the size of Texas.
Read the stories here:
MIT Tech Review
Science Magazine
Coronavirus
Rapidly changing news
The Coronavirus is beginning to spread world-wide. Countries are taking action to contain outbreaks with quarantines and travel embargoes. As China's work production slows due to the outbreak there, economies around the world may also take a hit.
Learn about the virus and how it's spread here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/index.html
Read updated news with the New York Times here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/30/world/asia/coronavirus-china.html
Graphic Credit: https://www.scientificanimations.com - https://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86358105
Science-Sational Day
The Passaic County 4-H Youth Development Program is holding their annual Science-Sational Day on Saturday, February 29th at Passaic County Community College in Wanaque. Youth in grades 4-8 are invited to explore new ideas, put their designs to the test, and discover a new love for science. They will participate in four hands-on science workshops that explore various science concepts. Topics include engineering, physics, chemistry and more!
Click here for the flyer.
Questions? Call 973-684-4786 or email kunicki@njaes.rutgers.edu
Space Junk!
We're polluting outer space.
Since humankind's first foray into space, we have been polluting it. Most of what is floating in space is from rocket launches and satellites. Used rocket stages, debris from explosions, paint flakes, and tools lost during space walks are all objects that can be found beyond our atmosphere. Most of the particles are between 1 mm and 10 cm. But, at the high speeds they travel in space, they pose a collision threat to manned space craft. Scientists are working on ways to clean up space. Read more about it here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2016-12-06/space-junk-why-it-is-coming-back-to-bite-us/7884396Watch a simulation of the debris orbiting Earth by the European Space Agency here:
AC or DC?
Thre are two types of currents used for electricity:Alternating Current and Direct Current.
The flow of electricity in a DC system is one-directional. In AC, the flow of energy alternates. Thomas Edison was the developer of the DC system, which is simpler. Nikola Tesla developed the AC system, which is more efficient.
Confused about Recycling?
Check out these websites to learn how to recyle properly:EPA website
recyclingnj.com
npr.org
See Ringwood's graphic about what we can recyle at the town's recycling center.
Resources for learning how to code
Interested in learning how to program computers and robots?Try these apps, websites and kits:
https://scratch.mit.edu/
https://code.org/
https://www.letsstartcoding.com/: Kits are required. We have the Code Speaker kit available for check-out at the library!
Grasshopper: app available in Google Play and Apple App stores.
Hopscotch: app available in the Apple App store.
Tynker: app available in the Apple App store.
Science-to-go Kits
We currently have kits available to check out for Ringwood residents.Choose from Code Speaker, the Circuit Maze Game, Snap Circuits Jr., the Optics Creator kit, Simple Machines, and K'Nex.
Look for information about them in our STEAM area!
Ask how to check them out at the Circulation Desk.
3D printing is here!
You design, we'll print it!Check out some hints for designing and printing here.
Check out our Printing Policies here.
Print a Request for a 3D Print-out form here.
