July 18, the Extension Office was fortunate enough to team up with the Kiowa County Public Library to do some programming for their Build a Better World Summer Reading Program.  We were also fortunate enough to invite Miss Jessi Harris from the Americorp Program to come and help us out. 

Jessi began the presentation by talking about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and discussing ways that STEM affects all of our lives.  The kids then were grouped by table and given the choice of constructing a building, bridge, or catapult and picking a team name.  Once everyone settled on a name and project, they were given the task of creating a blueprint for their project including materials.  Imaginations soared as designs of all shapes and sizes were funneled into one final design concept. 

Then, like any engineering classroom at MIT, construction commenced and models began to take shape.  The furious sound of tape ripping, glue squirting, and tongue depressors being manipulated filled the air.  After 30 minutes or so, bridges that rival those of ancient Rome came to life and marshmallows from the catapults painted the sky like that of a war zone.  It was truly an impressive sight to behold.

Finally, like the last episode of the Sopranos, it was over.  But not before a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction reigned throughout the room from a job well done.  We want to thank the library staff for including us in their summer programming and we look forward to doing it again next year!