Middle and high school students are invited to check out the new Teen STEM program currently being offered at the Middletown Public Library. During the program, which meets at the library on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.., not only do youths enjoy learning about science, technology, engineering and math, but they also take part in hands-on activities. The program is free, and registration is not required.

The program is being taught by student volunteers from the Penn State Harrisburg chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). So far, they have talked about subjects such as robotics, computer coding using Scratch and "Logic Gates" and how they are used in electrical engineering.

"I think it's great that the college students are doing this. It's a different relationship. It's not like professor/student; it's more peer-to-peer," said library director John Grayshaw. "The kids that come look up to (the older students)."

In a recent session, students learned how to create a circuit board that flashed a series of LED lights. "Basically, we showed them the basic components of the circuit board and how to solder and let them put together a kit," explained Penn State student Michael Cieslak. "It's not a fancy circuit; it flashes the LEDs one by one as you push the button. And when you let go, the lights go off."

"They were very excited at being hands-on and connecting wires," added Jeremiah Ddumba, Penn State Harrisburg IEEE president, who was also on hand during the session. "Students stay engaged as long as you talk about interesting things. When we were working with the circuit boards, we got a little off topic. We talked about microwave ovens and how they work and how that relates to engineering."

Future projects include learning about robotics and computer coding. "They will do some hands-on programming using the library's public computers and use Scratch to make games," noted Grayshaw.

Ddumba said the goal of the program is to teach attendees about electrical, mechanical and civil engineering. "We are happy to help teach kids. When I was that age, there were not too many STEM programs until about 10th grade," he said.

Grayshaw pointed out that the library also offers a STEM Club for elementary age students that meets on Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. "STEM Club is aimed at a slightly younger age. They have the different circuit boards where they can make different types of STEM 'toys,'" he said. "It's not as formal. There's not a lesson that's taught. Kids can play and explore."

Grayshaw is hoping that the Teen STEM program will continue to grow and attract more teenagers. "We get three to five students, and we would ideally like to see at least a dozen," he said. "(The class) takes place in the children's section. If it gets bigger, it would move to the assembly room."

Middletown Public Library is located at 20 N. Catherine St., Middletown. For more information about the STEM programs and other library activities, visit http://www.middletownpubliclib.org. Those with questions may contact Grayshaw at 717-944-6412 or John.Grayshaw@middletownpubliclib.org.