Looking for a fun project or inspiration? Check out these past PNG activities!
Project Next Generation (PNG) is a FREE afternoon STEM/STEAM program at the Carbondale Public Library for students in grades 5-12. Participants explore science, technology, art, engineering, and math through a variety of entertaining and engaging activities. All supplies are provided. Registration is required for this very popular program.
Questions? Email Mr. Quinn, Teen and Youth Coordinator: qvana@carbondale.lib.il.us
2022 Fall: DIY LFL & DIY Game Design
PNGA (5th-8th): DIY Game Design
Wednesdays 3-5PM
September 14-28
Design, playtest, & release your dream game! Use our fabrication equipment to make pieces for a tabletop game, or use programs like Scratch and Unity to code video games.
PNGZ : DIY Little Free Library
Mondays 3-5PM
September 12-26
Work with SIU Art Professor Najjar Abdul-Musawwir to design a Little Free Library for installation in Attucks Park. Hone your digital skills as you research local history to inform your art, then level up your craftsmanship as Najjar guides us through painting the Little Free Library.
Photo Credits: Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Jimmy Thomson / Capital Daily ; Steve Matzker, The Southern
Update: The Attucks Park LFL has been completed and will be installed this spring!
2022 Summer: Camp PNG
In conjunction with Summer Reading’s “Camp iRead: Read Beyond the Beaten Path”, the Summer 2022 theme was CAMP PNG. We did nature science activities, camp crafts, and more. Below are links to PDFs of tutorials and info sheets for select projects.
2022 Spring: PNG in Motion
The Spring 2022 theme was PNG IN MOTION! We created digital and physical projects in aviation, animation, and more. The session included a field trip to SIU Aviation Facility, as well as a digital animation project with SIU Tech Dawgs. The session concluded with a special final project: designing and constructing a boat for The 47th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta!
2021 Fall: History of Printing
The Fall 2021 theme was HISTORY OF PRINTING. PNGers created projects like woodblock prints and other pre-digital photomechanical projects; HTML/CSS art; GIFs and flip books; 3D printing; and more.
2021 Summer: Science Colors Your World
The Summer 2021 session of PNG was themed SCIENCE COLORS YOUR WORLD. PNGers explored science, technology, engineering, and math while creating a whole variety of art in many mediums.
2021 Spring: PNG in Minecraft
The Spring 2021 session of PNG was themed SCIENCE COLORS YOUR WORLD. PNGers designed, built, and coded engineering and architectural creations in Minecraft: Education Edition multiplayer worlds.
2020 Fall: ALBUM DROP PARTY
The Fall 2020 session of PNG was themed ALBUM DROP PARTY. Participants made their own music using the littleBit Synth Kits and the DAW (digital audio workstation) Audacity. Note that a USB I/O bit is required to digitally record the Synth Kits. Participants who wished to share their completed projects had their songs included on the PNG Album Drop Party SoundCloud playlist.
2020 Summer: DIG DEEPER
The Summer 2020 session was themed DIG DEEPER. Participants got to explore geology, paleontology, exogeology, and stone age art through 4 weekly STEM kits and instruction videos.
2020 Spring: STEAM MACHINE
The Spring 2020 session was themed STEAM MACHINE. Participants made digital art, learned about fluvial geomorphology with the EmRiver table, and were slated to meet with Robbie Stokes from the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois before the pandemic cancelled the rest of the session; participants received a newsletter with PNG activities they could do at home.
Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).