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G2S Project Code: 2017-MN-79958
State: Minnesota
Fiscal Year: 2017
Grantee
SIBLEY COUNTY LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Barb Krantz
Director Phone: 507-237-2280
Director Email: libtsg@tds.lib.mn.us
General Information
Title: STEM Open Lab Exepriences for Gaylord and Arlington At-risk Preschoolers
State Project Code:
Start Date: 11/12/2017
End Date: 09/30/2018
Abstract: STEM kits were created and used with over 200 children. Patrons checked kits out from the library or used them at the library with their children.

State Goal: Increase access to library resources
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$7,453.53
$0.00
$2,944.00
$10,397.53
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Early Literacy
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Staff Training
Narrative: The STEM kits were available for staff to explore how they work and the learning objectives for children. Staff asked questions and tried out the kits out so they were better able to explain them to patrons
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 5
Number of times program administered: 1


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


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


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: Yes
Name: Arlington Public Library
Address: 321 E Main St
City: Arlington
State: MN
Zip: 55397
Name: City of Gaylord -- Gaylord Public Library
Address: 428 Main Avenue
City: Gaylord
State: MN
Zip: 55334
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: Open Labs
Narrative: The STEM kits were put on display in the library. When patrons with young children came in, staff explained and demonstrated the kits and that they could be checked out for three weeks. One summer school teacher planned a week of STEM activities using the kits. The kits were displayed at the Fall Festival at the local public elementary school, half of the 400 people in attendance stopped to play with the kits. The librarian explained that the kits are available for free check out and in-library use. Two storytimes used the kits as an activity after reading books. The children enjoyed playing with them and some parents checked out a kit for use at home.  
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 30
Number of presentations/performances administered: 6
Average number in attendance per session: 8


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


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


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: Rural
For what age groups: 0-5 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: Yes
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: Yes
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: Yes
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: Yes
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: City of Gaylord -- Gaylord Public Library
Address: 428 Main Avenue
City: Gaylord
State: MN
Zip: 55334
Name: Sibley East School District School Readiness Program
Address: 222 Lincoln Ave E
City: Gaylord
State: MN
Zip: 55334
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Parents and children were excited about taking the STEM kits home to discover and learn with them. When the children returned the kits they excitedly told library staff what they had discovered. Parents asked what kits were available and how to use each. In turn, parents told other families about the kits. A teacher reported watching children think about how to solve a problem and try different ways until they got it to work.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Teachers use these kits in their curriculum. The kits have different levels to grow with children. Families can check kits out with harder levels, which parents appreciated. Teachers, caregivers and parents loved being able to use the kits to advance children's learning. All reported that the children learned new things form the kits and that they would recommend others check them out. The kits are an excellent resource for learning about STEM.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Word of mouth was the fastest and best way to promote the kits, taking every opportunity to talk with teachers, parents and caregivers about them.
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:
No
Explain:

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: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: STEM, early literacy