Lending Library 101
STEAM Lending Library 101: Borrow. Explore. Create.
The ARIN STEAM Lending Library has resources for every comfort level — from screen-free maker tools to robotics, drones, science kits, virtual field trips, and more.
In this session, you’ll try out selected items, learn how borrowing works, and leave with ideas for using resources with students. No prior experience necessary!
You’ll Leave Able To...
- Find resources on the lending library website
- Reserve, borrow, and return materials
- Try screen-free, low-tech, and high-tech tools
- Match resources to grade levels, content areas, and STEELS connections
- Plan one classroom use for a lending library item
Quotes from Past Participants
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- "I loved most that we actually got to interact with all of the items—it was so much more meaningful than just hearing about what the lending library has to offer."
- "The best part was having the opportunity to 'play' with the various Lending Library options available and learn how to check out the materials to use for your classroom."
- "This was a fantastic day and I learned a lot of information that I will be able to take back to my classroom."
- "I like how she modeled the lesson for how you would do it for students."
Borrow
Learn what’s available and how to sign out materials.
Explore
Try hands-on stations featuring different lending library items.
Create
Plan how you could use one resource in your classroom.
Details
Who Should Attend?
This session is for K–12 educators who want more hands-on learning options. Great for:
- Classroom teachers
- STEM/STEAM/science teachers
- Special education and gifted teachers
- Instructional coaches
- Curriculum and technology coordinators
- After-school or enrichment staff
No coding, robotics, or maker experience needed.
Dates: September 11, 2026 (Fall Session),
January 8, 2027 (Winter Session), or
May 10, 2027 (Spring Session)
Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: ARIN Intermediate Unit 28
Act 48: 6 hours
Cost: FREE
Bring: Laptop or device
Want us to come to you?
A customized half-dayor full day version can be offered on-site for districts.
The on-site version can focus on your district’s grade levels, content areas, or goals. Since the full library cannot travel, available items will be slightly limited due to transportation constraints.
Possible focus areas:
- Screen-free STEAM
- Maker tools
- Robotics and coding
- Science and environmental kits
- Breakout EDU
- Elementary or secondary STEAM
Contact Stacie Isenberg at sisenberg@iu28.org to discuss options.