STEM materials headed to tribal libraries

Two tribal college libraries will be receiving special kits aimed at getting more students interested in STEM activities — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The educational materials will come from Montana State University’s Extended University and are headed to the Aaniiih Nakoda College library at the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation and Stone Child College Library at Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.

The materials are designed to spur interest in the science field and to attract young people into science professions, said Suzi Taylor, the director of outreach for the extended university.

Library personnel will get help in explaining the kits to young people, she said.

Taylor said the materials are designed for young people, but older people are also fascinated and are anxious to learn.

There will be special emphasis on nanoscience, she said, the study of especially small molecules.

People are fascinated in how small nanometers are, she said. The exhibits in the kits explain just how small.

For instance, people will be able to measure their height in nanometers.

“It can get up into the billions of nanometers,” she said.

In another exhibit, people are encouraged to fill a balloon with lilac-scented perfume.

She said people often think that the balloon will trap the scent inside, but they soon learn that people can smell the scent coming out of the balloon. The lilac scent can be measured in nanometers, she said, and it can escape through the balloon, even as the air is trapped inside the balloon, she said.

“It’s a very hands-on project,” she said. “We want to encourage people to ask questions.”

People with knowledge about STEM subjects are in great need in the workplace, she said, but some people are turned off by the subjects.

“Our goal is to get this into people’s hands and show them it can be fun,” she said.