Reach for the stars with SPHERES robots

I’m not one to drop names, but we are pretty tight with NASA. Yep, we are locking arms on a big partnership that could put East Bonner County Library District and Sandpoint Middle School on the astronomical map.

Zero Robotics is a five-week robotics coding challenge for 6th-8th graders. Participants will compete against other middle school students across the country in a colossal game that involves experimental satellites. Students will program SPHERES robots (very scientific sounding acronym: Synchronized Position Hold Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellites) inside the International Space Station (ISS) to navigate obstacles and pick up virtual objects while conserving resources and staying within specified time and code-size limits. After several rounds of competition - within the local team, and within the state - finalists will be selected to compete in a live championship aboard the ISS. The final competition will be conducted and judged by an astronaut via web broadcast.

The program initially launched in 2013 with only four states participating, including Idaho. Last year, Idaho placed second in the nation, missing first place by a very slim margin.

The program is designed to engage middle school students in STEM (another acronym: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education by connecting it to something cool, like space. Students will also learn about careers in STEM fields.

“It’s a great opportunity for our kids to gain real life experience and skills that they can build a career on while having fun,” said Morgan Gariepy, Teen Services librarian.

Zero Robotics is a partnership between NASA, MIT and several other national science education-based organizations, along with state and local partners; Idaho Afterschool Network, The Library and Sandpoint Middle School.

“I just like to see kids get really excited about education … because I get really excited about it too,” said Dinah Gaddie, Sandpoint Middle School teacher.

Registration is open until Tuesday, July 5, the first day of Zero Robotics, but space is limited (no pun intended). To register, visit www.ebonnerlibrary.org and look for the Zero Robotics flyer in the scrolling images.

Explore the Sandpoint and Clark Fork branch libraries, the Bookmobile and ebonnerlibrary.org to find even more cool stuff your library offers for people of all ages. The following classes, workshops and events will take place at the Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar, unless otherwise indicated.

• Saturday, July 2 — Sandpoint Friends of the Library Books by the Box Sale. 10a.m.– 2 P.m. It is the sequel to last month’s sale in the garage of the adjacent Cedar Street property. Get genre books by the box for pocket change. Also visit the regularly scheduled sale in the Library lobby.

• Monday, July 4 — Closed for the Fourth of July holiday.

• Tuesday, July 5 — Zero Robotics ISS Programming Challenge. A 5-week program for building and programming robots. July 5 – August 5. For information visit zerorobotics.mit.edu.

• Tuesday, July 5 — Mother Goose – 10:15 a.m. A story/singing program for children ages 0 to 3 and their caregivers.

• Tuesday, July 5 — Preschool Storytime - 11a.m. For children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers.

• Tuesday, July 5 — Make It at The Library. 2 p.m. Teens, kids and families create with robotics, Arduinos, needlework, Legos and other projects.

• Wednesday, July 6 — Clark Fork Stories and More. 10:30a.m. East Bonner County Library Clark Fork branch. Stories, crafts, prizes and snacks for kids ages 3-8.

• Wednesday, July 6 — Make It at The Library (CF). East Bonner County Library Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main St. Kids make a variety of age appropriate crafts from 2-3:30 P.m.

• Wednesday, July 6 — Clark Fork 3D Printing Workshop for Adults. 4 p.m. A beginner class. Explore the potential of 3D printing and design a 3D printable object. At the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main. Preregistration required: 266-1321.

• Wednesday, July 6 — Clark Fork Life Sized Clue Game. 7 P.m. A free Teen Summer Reading activity to help you Get In The Game & Read! The library director has been murdered! Come search the library for clues and use your powers of deduction to figure out whodunit at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main St.

Thursday, July 7 — Sing-a-Long with Alexis. 10:30a.m. Free family fun.

Thursday, July 7 — Life Sized Clue Game. 8 P.m. Get In The Game & Read! The library director has been murdered! Come search the library for clues and use your powers of deduction to figure out whodunit. Part of Teen Summer Reading.

Friday, July 8 — Juggling Camp. 3 p.m. Make juggling balls and learn to juggle at the East Bonner Co. Library Dist. Clark Fork Branch, 601 Main St.

Saturday, July 9 — Computer Class – Library Online Educational Resources. 8:15a.m.sharp. Learn more about online resources available through the library’s website. Preregistration required 263-6930.

Saturday, July 9 — Seed Saving Workshop. 9a.m. A free, hands-on workshop on harvesting seeds from vegetable garden plants. Call 263-6930 for location details and to preregister.

• StoryWalk — New StoryWalk locations and stories! Visit Farmin, Kootenai and Northside elementary schools and Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School.

StoryWalk is a community partnership between the East Bonner County Library and Kaniksu Land Trust.