Sharpsburg Community Library has transformed its courtyard into a hands-on creative station for summer.

Elementary-aged students last week were treated to one-hour mini camps, through Carnegie Science Center, where budding engineers tangled with experiments fit to test their inner Thomas Edison, organizers said.

“The kids are learning electrical and structural engineering, both of which require participants to think critically and problem solve based on a given prompt,” the library’s STEAM Coordinator Erin Thompson said.

For example, students at camp on July 19 were tasked with creating a hospital buzzer that patients could use with only one finger.

“Kids have the opportunity to create a buzzer that requires use of two fingers or a hand first, so they can see how this would be difficult for someone who can only use one finger,” Thompson said.

“This is a wonderful program to bring to Sharpsburg because it provides kids access to programs they may otherwise not have access to.”

Thompson said a priority for the STEAM programming at the library is to make science and math accessible to all.

Partnering with the Carnegie Science Center broadens the library’s reach, she said.

Sara Mariacher, library manager, said programs will continue into the fall to engage children in engineering, arts and science.

Coding Camp is scheduled to begin July 26, while Pokemon Camp is set for Aug. 2. Art Camp is scheduled to begin Aug. 9.

Registration is required at engagedpatrons.org.

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