PENDLETON — James Simpson has ramped up STEAM offerings at the Pendleton Public Library in the last few months thanks to an InCommunities grant from Amazon Web Services.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Simpson is the assistant library director, and he started offering STEAM programs in November for ages 8 to 12.

The grant, he said, helped buy more materials for the kids program, such as refurbished iPads and two additional rover cars, as well as items for the “Library of Things,” which are nontraditional offerings, such as telescopes, that can be checked out, just like a book.

The next STEAM Games is happening Thursday, Feb. 29, starting at 4:30 p.m. at the library, 502 SW Dorion Ave.

Kids who haven’t attended previous STEAM Games are welcome to join.

Simpson said they use a block program to code robots to perform certain movements, such as spinning in a circle or traveling to a certain spot.

He said frustration can be part of the learning process.

“I remind the kids they are scientists and use trial and error,” he said.

He encourages the young scientists to think critically, ask themselves “why is it not working?” and then look for a solution.

Perseverance is a key component of the project.

“Trying and failing and trying and failing until we get it right,” he said.

The February challenge is “Space Rock Harvest.” Simpson said participants will use code to direct a Sphero Bolt rocket ship to a planet of their choice, where they will search for their element, harvest it and bring it back to the ship.

Then they’ll have to write code to get the ship back to Earth.

The program will run about 90 minutes.

STEAM Games are usually held on the last Tuesday of the month. The March 26 theme will be March Mathness. Simpson said the program is funded at least through July.

For updates to library programs, check the website, pendletonlibrary.com, or the Facebook page.

March at the library

Here are some special events coming up in March at the Pendleton Public Library:

Teen Gamer Deluxe Tournament for grades 6-12: March 23, 2 p.m. This two-in-one gaming tournament features a game for each console, PS5 (Street Fighter 6) and Nintendo Switch (Mario Kart). Each teen will compete in a double-elimination bracket for each game, accruing points from each one, and the player with the greatest overall score at the end will be crowned the “Gaming Champion.” No registration needed.

STEAM Games: March 26, 4:30 p.m. This month’s edition of STEAM Games is called “March Mathness” and it includes different activities related to mathematics. For ages 8-12; no registration needed.

Minecraft World Build: March 28, 4 p.m. Ready to bring Minecraft to life? Build up to six different Minecraft structures including villager and dirt houses, a cave, and a large “first night house.” No harvesting necessary, all supplies will be ready-to-go. Larger, registered groups will receive enough supplies for larger builds, small groups will receive a single kit for easier builds. Don’t delay, register your group today by calling 541-966-0380.