ACCESS Lending Library Program
K-12 Educators: Join our STEM Lending Library in the National Capital Region!
The ACCESS Lending Library allows K-12 teachers in the D.C. Metro area to reserve and check out a variety of STEM resources for their classrooms. There is no cost to join, and we offer free professional learning sessions at the National Air and Space Museum for all of our members!
Registrations open for the 2024-2025 season on Monday, January 1, 2024, and we will host our first introductory session on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Update: Registrations have officially closed.
Please contact us at the bottom of this page if you would like to be added to the waitlist for the 2024-2025 season.
Benefits to Joining the ACCESS Program:
Free access to educational resources for your classroom, including PocketLabs, DroneBlocks, Spheros and Edison Robots!
Lessons and hands-on demonstrations with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research STEM Team
$800 stipend for participating in our 2024-2025 program (+ 16 recertification points)
On-site professional learning at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
Networking, collaboration, and leadership opportunities
How to Join:
Register to join the ACCESS Program - there is no cost to take part, and we welcome K-12 STEM educators from throughout the Washington, D.C. region (including VA and MD).
Join us for our introductory session on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the National Air and Space Museum! We will teach you how to use the lending library reservation system, explore some fun resources, and introduce you to the AFOSR STEM team.
You’re in! You can begin reserving classroom resources and connect with our team for demos and tips. We will offer three more on-site sessions during the 2024-2025 academic year (see below).
KEY dates:
January 1, 2024: Registrations open for the ACCESS Program 2024-2025 season
March 5, 2024: Registrations close for the ACCESS Program 2024-2025 season
March 9, 2024: On-Site Introduction, Tour, and Program Overview*
September 21, 2024: On-Site Professional Learning: Edison Robots*
December 7, 2024: On-Site Professional Learning: PocketLabs*
March 22, 2025: On-Site Professional Learning: DroneBlocks*
* All on-site professional learning events will take place at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., from 9 AM - 1 PM
Our lending library includes:
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DroneBlocks classroom sets
DroneBlocks has partnered with Swedish company Bitcraze to create the ultimate STEM drone kit for classrooms of all levels. These new drones are versatile open-source flying development platforms that only weigh 27g and fit in the palm of your hand.
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PocketLab stem bundle
PocketLab Bundles offer a comprehensive solution for educators who want to equip an entire classroom with tools that will engage students and simplify lesson planning. The STEM bundle includes Voyager 2 sensors, Thermo sensors, Air Sensors, Temperature Probes, and more!
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Snap Circuits Green: Alternative Energy Kits
This innovative kit contains real circuit components that snap together to create working electronic circuits and devices, featuring projects designed specifically to illustrate different sources of electricity. The kit includes over 40 pieces and a manual with 129 different projects
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littlebits STEAM classroom kits
Developed with educators, this electronics kit is designed to teach STEAM principles and encourage exploration, experimentation, and hands-on learning. Each kit serves up to 3 students and can be used in a range of grades and content areas.
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edison robots
Edison is a programmable robot designed to be a complete STEM teaching resource for coding and robotics education for students from 4 to 16 years of age. Designed for the classroom environment, Edison robots are durable, have no loose parts to manage, and are easy to store. Edison works right out of the box, fully pre-built with all sensors ready to use. There’s no software to install or manage, making it easy to use Edison with different device types and platforms.
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sphero bolt power pack
The Sphero BOLT Power Pack is the perfect classroom tool for engaging students in hands-on STEAM activities. It has a waterproof design, all-day battery life, and advanced programmable sensors. The BOLT Power Pack includes 15 programmable robots, an inductive charging case, an Educator Guide, and accessories.
FAQs
How much does it cost to participate?
There is no cost for teachers to participate. The only costs you need to consider are related to transportation and meals. Every participant will receive a $800 stipend for participating in our on-site programming.
Who can join the access program?
Our goal is to build as diverse as a cohort as possible, which includes STEM practitioners working with a wide range of students. We will consider all K-12 STEM educators in the National Capital Region.
Where is the lending library located?
Our lending library is located in the Ballston neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia. We will provide specific instructions on where and how to pick up resources and materials at our introductory session on March 9, 2024.
What counts as the national capital region?
You can use this handy National Capital Region Map as a guide. We will prioritize educators from within this zone.
What if I can’t make all of the on-site sessions?
We highly encourage you to make as many of these professional learning opportunities as possible; they provide hands-on experience with the lending library resources and a chance to connect with the learning community. If there is a date you know you cannot make, please indicate this in your registration.
How long can I take out a resource?
Typically, class resources are reserved for 1-2 weeks at a time; if you have specific needs for your classroom, we may be able to offer extensions on a case-by-case basis.
Have questions about the ACCESS Program? Please fill out this form and a member of the AFOSR STEM team will respond shortly.
The A.C.C.E.S.S. (Advancing Collaborative Curriculum Engagement for STEM Stakeholders) Lending Library Program is led by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research STEM Team.