Little Free STEM Libraries

Unlock the World of STEM!

In collaboration with John Deere Ottumwa Works’ Women in Manufacturing, our Little Free STEM Library Boxes make hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math fun and accessible for elementary-age kids and their families.

Inspired by the beloved Little Free Library concept, these unique boxes are stocked with curated grab-and-go STEM activity kits — no books — just engaging, screen-free activities!

These free STEM kits are designed to ignite curiosity, creativity, and learning in elementary-age children and their families.

You can find STEM Library Boxes at the Ottumwa Public Library and the Ottumwa YMCA.

    • 🎒 Grab & Go Kits – Kids can stop by a box, pick up a fun, hands-on STEM kit, and take it home—no check-out required.

    • 🔄 Refreshed Monthly – Each box is restocked with new and exciting activities at the beginning of every month.

    • 📍 Multiple Locations – Find STEM Library Boxes at the Ottumwa Public Library, the Ottumwa YMCA, and more locations coming soon!

  • We believe every child should have access to tools that spark innovation and learning.

    By offering engaging, screen-free STEM experiences, we help families bond over discovery—and help kids develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

  • We're looking for partners to sponsor or host additional boxes across Wapello County.

    Together, we can nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers, and creators.

    Let’s make STEM fun and accessible for everyone!

    Interested in hosting a box?

    Contact Ali: 📞 641.682.1264 | 📩a.wilson@wapellocouw.org

    Want to help sponsor a free STEM kit? Make a donation here!

  August’s Free STEM Kit: Paper Frisbees

  • Air and Lift: A frisbee flies because of the way air moves over and under it. The curved top helps create lift, kind of like an airplane wing.

    Gravity: Gravity pulls the frisbee down, so you have to throw it with the right angle and speed to keep it in the air longer.

    Spin: When you spin the frisbee, it stays stable in the air. That’s called gyroscopic stability—like how a spinning top doesn’t fall over right away.

  • Materials: Frisbees are made from special plastics that are light but strong. Some glow in the dark or float on water!

    Shape: Engineers test different shapes to see which ones fly the farthest or the straightest. Even tiny changes can make a big difference.

  • Prototyping: Kids can design their own frisbees using paper plates or 3D printers and test how well they fly.

    Problem Solving: If a frisbee wobbles or crashes, they can tweak the design—change the weight, shape, or how they throw it.

  • Angles: The angle you throw the frisbee (called the “angle of attack”) affects how high or far it goes.

    Distance and Speed: Kids can measure how far their frisbee flies and how fast it goes using a stopwatch and measuring tape.

    Data Collection: They can record results and make graphs to see which designs or throwing styles work best.

You can find this month’s free STEM kit in the STEM Library Boxes at the Ottumwa Public Library & the Ottumwa YMCA!


🛠️Kits are refreshed monthly to keep kids engaged & coming back for more!