LA SALLE - The LaSalle Public Library will host two free NASA workshops in April for formal and informal educators - this includes librarians, youth leaders, and home-school teachers. The workshops will include certification for borrowing lunar and meteorite samples and hands-on experiments with soil and water that meet Next Generation Science Standards and can be adapted to any grade level.

Facilitator for the workshops will be Susan Kohler, Education Professional Development Specialist at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Kohler serves the states of Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota and has more than 25 years of progressively responsible K-12 educational leadership experience. She has served as assistant principal, principal, curriculum director, math/science consultant and assistant superintendent. She has also taught science for 13 years at the high school level and her expertise in STEM and professional development is combined with her knowledge of new technology trends and innovative instructional strategies.

Registration is open now and the library must have a minimum of 15 participants in order to proceed (maximum 28). Registration can be completed by e-mailing LaSalle Library Director, Cristy Stupegia at cstupegia@lasalle.lib.il.us. Registration deadline is April 13. Box-lunches from Hy-Vee may be ordered when registering (menu at https://www.hy-vee.com/webres/File/Store/Peru-2016CateringGuide.pdf) or bring a brown bag lunch. Beverages and snacks will be provided.

Workshop schedule

Tuesday, April 24, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. “Picking Up STEAM with Moon Rocks: Lunar and Meteorite Certification” - In this program, learn how to use lunar rock samples to engage students in STEM lessons and activities. Teach physical and earth science content expectations using rock samples. Participants, who are certified through this workshop, may borrow the lunar and meteorite samples from NASA Johnson Space Center to use their formal classrooms or institutions.

Wednesday, April 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Environmental Science...Water and Soil!” - Ideal activities for springtime, in this hands-on workshop participants will learn to facilitate soil and water experiments that can be adapted to any grade level and for family events. All NASA modules meet Next Generation Science Standards, and can generally be completed with simple, inexpensive materials and/or recyclables. Teach students or colleagues with information learned at this event.

The LaSalle Public Library is located at 305 Marquette St., LaSalle. For more information, please call the Library at (815) 223-2341.