Civic Labs for Kids and Teens
Leah Langby
September 17, 2018
Keeping Up With Kids
Civic Labs:  Think, Learn, Connect

Over the past year, after much gnashing of teeth on my part and the helpful advice of several IFLS-area librarians, I created a resource for libraries to use when hosting programs and displays that promote civic dialogue and engagement about pressing issues.  I am interested in figuring out ways to make that resource useful for people working with kids and teens, too. 

It seems to me that kids and teens get a few more opportunities (in school and maybe in other youth groups) than adults do to practice discussing challenging topics in a respectful way.  But it also seems like a natural fit to have displays and programs for all ages in this arena.  And probably some cool ways to incorporate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) concepts and civic concepts together, like the Girls Who Code project that encourages kids to create coding projects that will address a community problem or concern.

So, look for more in this regard (after significant additional teeth gnashing by me), and if you are interested in helping me think about it, please let me know!

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