Zeppelin Development is teaming up with Denver Public Library to bring an interactive STEM program to the Freight Residences in the TAXI development in RiNo.

The partnership hopes to attract the youth community with free events to learn and grow during the summer.

This addition is part of the Summer of STEM initiative Denver Public Library is running. The programs create a fun environment for kids to learn about science, technology, engineering and math.

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TAXI residence. Photo courtesy of Taxi Community on Facebook.

There will be two series of STEM events at Freight Residences beginning June 28 and running through August. Freight Residences, in TAXI, is one of the first of its kind, hoping to bring family housing to an urban neighborhood.

“TAXI was designed to be a place for every generation,” said Kyle Zeppelin, principal of Zeppelin Development. “Bringing this program to Freight Residences, we continue that vision by providing a resource for kids and families living in TAXI, RiNo and the adjacent, underserved neighborhoods of Globeville and Elyria-Swansea. It’s the next chapter in creating a multi-dimensional neighborhood with community-driven services and programs, on top of the existing food and arts culture that RiNo is known for.”  

The neighborhood and libraries are creating a friendly learning environment.

“We are thrilled to partner with Zeppelin Development to create opportunities for at-risk kids and families in the River North and Globeville areas. Our STEM camps and Storytimes provide children fun and educational experiences that prepare them for success in the 21st century,” Michelle Jeske, Denver City Librarian, said. “It’s an honor to bring library services to an area that’s undergoing a vital transformation and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

The DPL’s STEM programming at Freight Residences will have two separate groups, one from toddler and one for tweens and teens. The summer 2016 schedule is as follows:

STEM Storytime: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

STEM Storytime is geared towards children ages two through five and their parents or caregivers. On select Fridays throughout the summer, each storytime will cover a specific STEM topic, with music, stories and a related activity. Dates and themes include:

  • July 1: Shapes
  • July 15: LEGOs
  • July 29: Bubbles
  • August 12: Color Mixing

Tween/Teen STEM Events: 1:30-2:30 p.m.

On select Tuesdays, the DPL will make STEM come alive with individual and group activities that combine play, creativity, and learning all in one. Dates and programs include:

  • June 28: Keva Planks – Wooden blocks may seem like child’s play, but Keva Planks take building to the next level. In this program tweens and teens will have the opportunity to construct a ball run, design a bridge, or explore on their own.
  • July 12: LEGO Wedo – Participants will have the opportunity to build LEGO models featuring working motors and sensors, program their model and then compete to win.
  • July 26: Makey Makey Mario Bros. – Makey Makeys turn everyday objects into video game controllers. This program challenges teens and tweens to play Super Mario Bros. with a common household object.
  • August 9: Trick Photography – This program will teach photo and editing tricks, creating illusions from walking up a wall or vacationing in Aruba. Participants should bring an email address or memory stick to save their digital creations.