LaunchPads are guided learning tablets with pre-loaded apps, stories, and videos, generally around a particular theme. They do not connect to the internet. These multi-sensory learning tools bring together a combination of sound, sight, and interactive play, giving kids the tools to learn the way they learn best. The library has three specific types of launchpads currently: Pre-K Academy, Reading Academy, and STEAM Academy.
The Pre-K Academy groups certain developmental skills into 5 different paths and offers many ways for preschool-aged children to practice, develop, and succeed within each path. Using this Academy can help develop the skills needed to enter their first year of school and perhaps inspire them to try new things with confidence.
View only pre-k academy launchpads in the catalog. View all launchpads in the catalog.
Reading Academy is a guided reading system that helps children master verbal, reading, and writing skills. There are 5 levels, so children can start with their current reading level and go from there.
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Conversions
Skills
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STEAM Academy launchpads are designed to create well-rounded problem solvers who ask questions like "how?" and "why?" It is an interdisciplinary approach that weaves together the science, technology, engineering, art, and math skills learned in the classroom and connects them to things kids see every day. The guided learning helps students understand how these subjects come together to create architecture, music, well-designed products, and much more. They help develop the critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems with their own innovative solutions.
View only STEAM academy launchpads in the catalog. View all launchpads in the catalog.
The goal of the Creation & Sound Module is to teach kids how creativity and self-expression apply to identifying and solving problems. Topics in this module include art, sound, color, tempo, rhyming, and literature.
The goal of the Engineering & Design Module is to teach kids to recognize challenges, turn them into opportunities, and identify scalable solution to solve them. Topics in this module include puzzles, invention, construction, machines, architecture, and curiosity.
The goal of the Nature & Environment Module is to ignite kids' curiosity to explore the connectedness of the natural world around them. Topics in this module include cause and effect, biology, plants, weather, geology, and wildlife.
The goal of the Technology & Space Module is to build kids' fascination with the solutions of tomorrow and get them excited to look beyond the world they see today. Topics in this module include mechanics, astronomy, robotics, coding, and communication.
The goal of the Evaluation & Calculation Module is to teach kids to identify and analyze the details, data, and patterns that define the world around them. Topics in this module include quantification, research, algebraic thinking, statistics, association, and measurement.
