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G2S Project Code: 2017-MN-79971
State: Minnesota
Fiscal Year: 2017

Grantee
SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Lisa Pollard
Director Phone: 952-496-8010
Director Email: lpollard@scottlib.org

General Information
Title: First Step STEM: Structured & Unstructured STEM Exploration for At-risk Early Learners
State Project Code:
Start Date: 11/12/2017
End Date: 09/30/2018
Abstract:

The library created curriculum and portable activities around 12 STEM themes for engagement by early learners and their families and caregivers, and provided First Step STEM training to 11 library staff and seven project partner Public Health Home Visitors. The library also created a First Step STEM online learning component for use by families not able to attend events or who were looking for more ways to explore STEM concepts.

Each First Step STEM theme's activities, signage and handouts incorporated Every Child Ready to Read 2 early literacy practices and Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) investigative and exploration skills to help early learners prepare for kindergarten and beyond. Signs and handouts were translated in Spanish and Somali. Additional activities and supplies were provided for the Home Visitors to use with children ages 2 and under.

Staff presented First Step STEM activities to 1,033 participants at 40 events in all seven Scott County libraries, to 932 participants at 38 Readmobile visits to priority community locations chosen for their access to low-income and immigrant families, and to 41 families through the Public Health Home Visiting program Targeted at-risk families received materials for continued use in exploring STEM activities

State Goal: Increase access to library resources

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$9,241.56

$0.00

$12,884.89

$22,126.45

Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Early Literacy
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Building Curriculum for First-Step STEM Activites
Narrative:

The library created 12 themed kits for ages 2-6, plus additional content for ages 0-24 months was developed for four of the 12 themes for use by Public Health Home Visitors.

Each kit included: a non-fiction book, a fiction book and hands on manipulatives to engage the theme; activities for each theme to encourage development of the ECIPs; multi-lingual signage with guidance for parents and caregivers with the themes, activities and early literacy practices; a take-home sheet with activity ideas for parents and caregivers to extend the theme concepts; instructions for presenters and additional related book titles. All of the Public Health and some of the Readmobile kits also contained copies of books and learning materials to be left in the home

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Physical

Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 54
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 17
Number of plans/frameworks: 16

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No

Activity Details
Title: Online Module
Narrative:

The library created a First Step STEM online learning component in Beanstack with 24 possible activities for children to complete in the four STEM areas. Activities included reading from a STEM-themed booklist, activities to do at home, links to online content and links to library First Step STEM events.

Ninety-six preschoolers registered for the online program where they could complete three out of six activities to earn a virtual badge in each of the four STEM areas. Participants completed 164 activities in all, with the following badges completed: 8 engineering, 11 math, 7 science, 7 technology. Six participants completed all four badges.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 10
Number of sessions in program: 24
Average number in attendance per session: 7
Number of times program administered: 96

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: No
Library Types

Public Libraries: 140
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: In-Library Events
Narrative:

In-library, drop-in events with multiple themes: Each of the library's seven branches held a minimum of two events The loose structure and multiple themes allowed participants to self-select which themes they were most interested in and spend as much time as they wanted engaging in those themes. Thirteen of the events were held in the evening to expand attendance. The First Step STEM Aide, a fluent Spanish speaker, worked at all but five of these events and engaged Spanish-speaking participants.

In-library, single-themed events: Several branches also used First Step STEM kits for additional single-theme events and storytimes. Single-theme events allowed presenters to get more in-depth on a single topic and encouraged participants to try activities they may not have otherwise been drawn to.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 45
Number of sessions in program: 40
Average number in attendance per session: 26
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Suburban
Rural
For what age groups: 0-5 years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
For what ethnicity types: Black
Hispanic
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: Yes
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Belle Plaine Library
Address: 125 W Main St
City: Belle Plaine
State: MN
Zip: 56011
Name: Elko New Market Library
Address: 110 J Roberts Way
City: Elko New Market
State: MN
Zip: 55054
Name: Jordan Library
Address: 275 Creek Lane S
City: Jordan
State: MN
Zip: 55352
Name: New Prague Library
Address: 400 E Main St
City: New Prague
State: MN
Zip: 55372
Name: Prior Lake Library
Address: 16210 Eagle Creek Ave SE
City: Prior Lake
State: MN
Zip: 55372
Name: Savage Library
Address: 13090 Alabama Ave S
City: Savage
State: MN
Zip: 55378
Name: Shakopee Library
Address: 235 S Lewis St
City: Shakopee
State: MN
Zip: 55379
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Readmobile Programming
Narrative: The library's new Readmobile (mobile outreach vehicle) used First Step STEM kits on community visits. Readmobile visits were very effective in reaching more low-income and English Language Learner families (particularly Spanish speakers). The Readmobile made weekly visits to three manufactured home communities, Shakopee Community Assistance and the CAP Agency of Scott & Carver, and one-time visits to in-home childcare sites and community events. First Step STEM activities were very popular on these visits and even engrossed older children. During visits that used the Shape Play theme, participating children were given either a shape-themed board book or set of large magnetic tangrams, along with a guide for parents in English or Spanish. Our First Step STEM Aide and Learning & Outreach Specialist were present at most of these events and engaged with Spanish-speaking participants.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 90
Number of sessions in program: 38
Average number in attendance per session: 25
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Suburban
Rural
For what age groups: 0-5 years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
For what ethnicity types: Black
Hispanic
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: Yes
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Bonnevista Mobile Home Park
Address: 11750 Bonnevista Dr
City: Shakopee
State: MN
Zip: 55379
Name: CAP Agency of Scott & Carver
Address: 712 Canterbury Road S
City: Shakopee
State: MN
Zip: 55379
Name: Cleary Lake Regional Park
Address: 18106 Texas Ave
City: Prior Lake
State: MN
Zip: 55372
Name: Mobile Manor Mobile Home Community
Address: 12325 Johnson Memorial Dr
City: Shakopee
State: MN
Zip: 55379
Name: Project Community Connect
Address: 1100 Canterbury Road
City: Shakopee
State: MN
Zip: 55379
Name: Sand Point Beach Park
Address: 14349 Crest Ave NE
City: Prior Lake
State: MN
Zip: 55372
Name: Scott County Fair Grounds
Address: 7151 190th St W #145
City: Jordan
State: MN
Zip: 55352
Name: Shakopee Community Assistance
Address: 350 Atwood St
City: Shakopee
State: MN
Zip: 55379
Name: Shakopee International Festival at Huber Park
Address: 150 Filmore St N
City: Shakopee
State: MN
Zip: 55379
Name: Valley Green Manufactured Home Community
Address: 300 Valley Green Park
City: Jordan
State: MN
Zip: 55352
Name: Veterans Havest Market
Address: 16306 Main Ave SE
City: Prior Lake
State: MN
Zip: 55372
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Home Health Visits
Narrative:

Seven Home Visitors and the Maternal Health Coordinator were trained and given their own kits built around four of the First Step STEM themes and extended with multiple copies of books to loan out, and manipulatives and activities for ages 0-24 months. Target populations for enrollment in the Home Visiting Program include adult women or adolescents in Scott County who are pregnant, postpartum, and/or parenting, with risk factors such as substance use disorders, mental illness or disability, new immigrants or non-English speakers, low income, unemployed, and more. Home Visitors used First Step STEM kits in these visits when appropriate. During home visits that used the Shape Play theme, participating children were given either a shape-themed board book or set of large magnetic tangrams, along with a guide for parents in English or Spanish.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: In-person

Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 41
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 6

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The First Step STEM intended project outcomes were: To develop skills needed to succeed in kindergarten and beyond: investigate STEM concepts through interactive props and manipulatives as well as books; teach resiliency through self-directed interactions while providing high-quality science and math foundations. To positively engage parents and caregivers in their child's learning: prompt families to explore STEM topics together; encourage further STEM activities outside of structured visits or events through extended learning tool handouts and board book or magnetic tangram sets at Readmobile visits and Public Health Home Visitors. These outcomes were achieved for over 2000 enthusiastic participants in Frist Step STEM programs: attendees of events in the libraries, explorers of activities on the Readmobile, and investigators of topics with Public Health Home Visitors. Using the ECIPs and Every Child Ready to Read early literacy practices ensured that the activities and supporting content would increase participants' base knowledge of STEM concepts. Through the Readmobile, Public Health Home Visiting program, and Spanish-language outreach, the activities and content were extended beyond the library and into the homes and neighborhoods of at-risk early learners, including low-income and non-English speaking families. More than 150 of these families received books or tangram sets to add to their home learning environment. Quantitative Measures: My favorite STEM activity at library events: Families answered questions to determine their engagement with STEM activities and skill acquisition including self-direction, resiliency and creativity. Yes/No question to determine resiliency and exploration ("I tried something new. . ."); 222 total responses with 204 (92%) answering Yes and 18 (8%) answering No. Qualitative Measures: Observation Questionnaire -- Public Health Home Visitors observed families during one-on-one visits to determine engagement, exploration, and investigation skills. All families showed some interest in the activities, and 93% were somewhat or very engaged. Out of 44 families, 24 were very engaged, 17 were somewhat engaged and 3 were difficult to keep engaged. Presenter Responses -- The most popular First Step STEM kit on the Readmobile was Robo-A-GoGo. The Code-a-pillar has become a friend to some of the kids at our stops. They had so much fun programming that they wanted to write and create further adventures. The result has been three books written and illustrated by children ("Code-a-Pillar Escapes!", "Code-a-pillar Drives the Bus", and "Code-a-Pillar goes on an adventure") and art to decorate the Readmobile walls.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
This was the library's first major partnership with Scott County Public Health and both organizations are energized to do more. This partnership gave the library the ability to reach more at-risk early learners, as did the Readmobile. The library intends to continue use of the First Step STEM kits in libraries and on the Readmobile, and Public Health will continue to use them in home visits. Planning the project also introduced library staff to the ECIPs, which they will continue to use alongside the early literacy practices in developing future library projects and activities. After seeing the level of engagement that preschoolers exhibited when interacting with the manipulatives, the staff intends to pursue more hand-on elements in library events. The library hired a Spanish-speaking STEM Aide who made impressive connections with Spanish-speaking families.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Libraries and public health departments have many common goals, and can complement each other's strengths to achieve more together than they can individually.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
Yes
Explain:
The number of First Step STEM events in the library will probably drop somewhat, as it may be difficult to sustain participant interest in repeated events.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:

Exemplary: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeThis project is exemplary for its focus on partnership building and community engagement.

Project Tags: partnerships, public health