OKLAHOMA CITY– The Metropolitan Library System’s “Sensational Science Camp” engages gradeschoolers and preschoolers in hand-on activities to teach science concepts and problem-solving skills.

Ruff Ruffman’s Sensational Science Camp, funded in part by OETA Ready to Learn, encourages children ages 4 to 8 to explore core science concepts by modeling science skills to learn the value of failure and exploration and help children learn to tackle challenges. The program introduces the topic using OETA’s Ruff Ruffman science show. A trained librarian then helps children explore the concepts discussed in the show further with hands-on activities.

The program uses four key concepts to help children learn to tackle challenges including curiosity, perseverance, risk-taking, and creative and critical thinking. In addition to the four problem-solving skills, the program encourages children to use their five senses and ask questions like, “what will happen if…?”.

“This program is a great opportunity for children to work together and learn to solve problems,” Downtown Library children’s librarian Chelsee Bumann said. “The Ruff Ruffman show is also really engaging and fun – it’s a great opener to get them excited about science.”

Ruff Ruffman’s Sensational Science Camp is one of many STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) programs offered at the library. STEAM programs focus on areas of high employment in the U.S. and particularly in Oklahoma. These programs make up over 6 percent of all occupations in the U.S. workers in these fields earn higher wages, and degree holders in STEM fields earn 12 percent more than non-STEM degree holders, according to a March 2017 report from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Oklahoma has seen a 24 percent uptake in STEM employment since 2016, compared to the national STEM employment growth rate of 10 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Upcoming Ruff Ruffman’s Sensational Science Camps

Sept. 19, 2018, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Downtown Library

Sept. 26, 2018, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Downtown Library

Oct. 18, 2018, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Northwest Library

Oct. 18, 2018, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Northwest Library

Nov. 15, 2018, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Northwest Library

Nov. 15, 2018, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Northwest Library

Registration is required for Ruff Ruffman’s Sensational Science Camp. To register visit the library’s calendar at metrolibrary.org/events.