Clackamas Education Service District is pleased to introduce a valuable new resource designed to enhance hands-on learning across our region – the Clackamas ESD STEAM Lending Library.
This curated collection of classroom-ready kits is intended to foster curiosity, creativity and engagement in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Whether educators are introducing early learners to the basics of programming or guiding older students through more advanced engineering or computer science projects, the STEAM Lending Library provides tools and activities to enrich instruction and deepen student learning.
The collection supports a variety of learning experiences, including transforming everyday objects into digital touchpads, engaging students in video game design, experimenting with circuits and sensors, or exploring environmental science through hands-on investigation. From Bee-Bots programmable robots that help K–2 students develop foundational coding skills to Tello Drones that support middle and high school learners in exploring programming languages like Scratch, Python and Swift, the library includes a wide range of interactive technologies for all ages of learners.
All materials are available to borrow at no cost to K–12 educators in Clackamas County, with free delivery to schools facilitated by Clackamas ESD. Educators can browse the collection and submit kit requests online, and all logistics are handled by Clackamas ESD staff.
“The STEAM Lending Library is a game-changer,” says Angie Arends, Clackamas ESD STEM specialist. “It removes the barrier of cost and access, making it possible for any teacher in the region to bring engaging, hands-on STEAM experiences into their classroom without needing to purchase expensive equipment.”
Educators who have already used the STEAM Lending Library are seeing meaningful benefits in their classrooms.
“The STEM BeeBots have been a valuable addition to my kindergarten and first-grade curriculum,” says Andrea Terry, a summer school teacher in the Molalla River School District. “They offer an engaging way to introduce sequencing and computer coding concepts, and I’ve found that they not only help students build early problem-solving skills but also make programming fundamentals accessible and fun.”
In another Molalla River classroom, a hands-on lesson with MakeyMakey kits sparked excitement and deeper understanding of circuitry.
“Last week in our classroom, we ditched the textbooks and dove hands-first into the wild and wonderful world of MakeyMakey. Our mission? To learn about circuits — but with a twist,” shared Patrick Doody, fifth grade teacher. “Instead of wires and batteries, we used playdough, drawings, and even ourselves to bring electronics to life. There’s something magical about watching kids realize that technology isn’t just something they use, it’s something they can make. That spark? That’s the real power of hands-on learning.”
To support educators in becoming familiar with the available resources, Clackamas ESD will host three “STEAM Lending Library Playground” events, where teachers can explore the full collection of kits in person. These events will take place at the Clackamas ESD administrative offices on Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 17 from 3 to 6 p.m., and Oct. 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. Please register here.
The Clackamas ESD STEAM Lending Library is a collaborative initiative between Clackamas Education Service District and the South Metro-Salem STEM Partnership. Together, we are committed to advancing equitable access to high-quality STEAM resources for all students across our region.
