Events

This drop-in program gives kids and their caretakers a chance to build early STEM skills through experiments and activities. Ideal for ages 2-5.

LaterLab is a space for Makers to freely design, create and connect! Using the tools, machines and materials already available at CREATE, Makers will have the freedom to build on our 3D printers, etch designs with our laser cutters, woodwork using our tools and machinery, and sew up unique creations with our sewing machines. Wednesday – Saturday nights, CREATE will stay open from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. to allow aspiring artists, handiwork enthusiasts and curious creatives to explore a new skill, hone their craft and meet like-minded Makers.

The Mansfield FLL Explore Festival is a chance for Discover and Explore teams to celebrate their learning. In addition to sharing their team’s mission model, poster, and core values, kids will enjoy a school gym full of hands-on STEM stations they can explore as they make new friends. We will celebrate with a “high-five” ceremony in which all teams receive an award. Our Festival is held on a weekday to accommodate school teams, though all teams are welcome. Because we do not charge for our event, we ask that only teams committed to attending complete the sign-up. Contact e-mail for Christina Dotson: missdotson@gmail.com

The Little STEAMers Preschool is based on the Montessori principles that children learn best when they are given the freedom to move, to choose their own work, and follow their interests, operating within boundaries that include respect for themselves, others, and their environment. In Little STEAMers Preschool students learn through guided exploration and build skills with independent hands-on learning. Using Montessori methods, our teachers progress students’ exploration skills and use a complete preschool curriculum to develop students’ understanding of STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and communication (language arts & literacy).

Katelyn Ripplinger will be hosting a STEM activity every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 10:30am at the library! All are welcome to attend including homeschool families.

Work as a team. Step into the blocky world of Minecraft and work together to solve all the pixelated puzzles before time runs out. Ideal for ages 10-18.

Are you up for a LEGO challenge? Meet us at the Barr Library to build, create and play with other master builders! Ideal for ages 5-12.

Tinker Club is where kids ages 8–12 can create, get messy, get techy, experiment, and just hang out together! This week we'll take a field trip to the Creative Lab! Activities include things like 3D printing, DIY comics, button making, and more. This week's Tinker Club will still meet in the Children's Library at Main, but the activity will take place in the Creative Lab!

Two robots compete in the Teamwork Challenge as an alliance in 60 second long teamwork matches, working collaboratively to score points. Teams also compete in the Robot Skills Challenge where one robot takes the field to score as many points as possible. These matches consist of Driving Skills Matches, which will be entirely driver controlled, and Autonomous Coding Skills Matches, which will be autonomous with limited human interaction.

A festival for creativity and innovation. Attend to view presentations about Robotics and Computer Science with Computational Thinking, and various Technical Presentations.

The Aerial Drone Competition offers an exciting educational drone sporting event that focuses on hands-on, student-centered learning. Teams learn about drones, flight principles, programming, documentation and communication skills while expanding their understanding and building interest for Drone-related workforce and career opportunities.

The Annual Arkansas STEM Festival is the premier free admission STEM showcase in the state of Arkansas and certainly has much to offer for students and adults alike. Schools from across the state bring their students to present and view the 100+ demonstrations on display, and with the countless benefits for the students it’s no wonder why. Students have the extremely valuable opportunity to get up on stage and present their demonstration to a large audience of their peers. This “share and shine” experience allows students to improve their communication and presenting skills in a formal scientific environment at a young age.

The Aerial Drone Competition offers an exciting educational drone sporting event that focuses on hands-on, student-centered learning. Teams learn about drones, flight principles, programming, documentation and communication skills while expanding their understanding and building interest for Drone-related workforce and career opportunities.

Families are invited to enjoy a short storytime and get hands-on with a fun related STEM activity for all ages!

Join us every Friday afternoon for a new LEGO building challenge! Your LEGO creations will be on display until the following Friday.