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G2S Project Code: 2020-IL-85380
State: Illinois
Fiscal Year: 2020

Grantee
BRIMFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

Project Director
Director Name: Katie Hahn
Director Phone: 309-446-9575
Director Email: khahn@brimfieldlibrary.org

General Information
Title: Project Next Generation: Imagine, Innovate, Inspire
State Project Code: 21-2032-PNG
Start Date: 07/01/2020
End Date: 06/30/2021
Abstract: Between July of 2020 and June 2021, the Brimfield Public Library provided youth in rural Illinois with during and after-school technology training and career exploration opportunities. With the help of library staff and 22 mentors, a total of 149 individual students ages 10-17completed one or more projects involving 2D or 3D design, chemistry, circuits, coding, filmmaking, photography, physics, and/or robotics. Grant funds were used to purchase technology and supplies including 3D pens, circuit boards, iPads, drones, and MacBook laptops. Grant funds were also used to provide project mentors with honorariums. As a result of participating in classroom collaborative projects, after school workshops, at-home projects, and robotics team practice sessions, students acquired a wide range of technology skills, developed their critical thinking and communication skills, and learned about the educational and technical requirements for finding work in fields including archaeology, cinematography, engineering, game design, and photography. This project provided educational opportunities, supported information fluency and lifelong learning; aligned with the federal LSTA priority to expand services for learning and access to information and education resources; and improved learners’ general knowledge and skills.

State Goal: Goal 2: Lifelong Learning.

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$36,190.00

$0.00

$36,190.00

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

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Robotics, Engineering, and Programming
Narrative: During the 2021 grant period, the Brimfield Public Library’s Youth Services Manager, six coaches, and four advisors supported three FIRST robotics teams. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international organization that seeks to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in mentor-guided robotics programs. The library facilitated two FIRST LEGO League (FLL) robotics teams for students in grades 4-7 as well as a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team for students in grades 7-12. The 18 students on the teams met with their coaches one to two times per week for six months to build and program robots that could complete specific tasks. In lieu of competing in live tournaments, the students filmed their robots and submitted their videos for judging. In order to provide additional students with opportunities to learn about robotics, engineering, and programming, the library partnered with 2 additional mentors to offer 1 drone programming, 3 virtual video game programming, and 3 robot engineering and programming workshops. Students utilized and strengthened their math skills, applied the engineering design cycle to their projects, and helped their peers problem solve. Grant funds were used for robotics parts, filming and editing equipment, 6 drones, 12 iPad minis, 12 Makey Makey circuit boards, and mentor honorariums.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 90
Number of sessions in program: 127
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: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Rural
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
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: BRIMFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 111 SOUTH GALENA STREET
City: BRIMFIELD
State: IL
Zip: 61517
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: 2D and 3D Design
Narrative: In October 2020 the Brimfield Public Library partnered with a local social studies teacher and an archaeologist from the Illinois State Archaeological Survey to help 44 6th grade students deepen their understanding of the role 3D scanning, design, and printing technology plays in modern archaeology. The archaeologist met virtually with the students to talk about the technology he uses when working with artifacts and answer student questions about his education and work experiences. Following the conversation, students explored 3D design technology themselves by using Tinkercad, a free 3D design software, to create 3D models of Mesopotamian ziggurats that met specifications set by their teacher. The library printed the ziggurats using filament paid for with grant funds. Over the course of the remaining grant year, the library offered 7 additional workshops focused on 2D or 3D design. Students explored basic 3D design principles using 3D pens, developed or strengthened their Tinkercad skills while creating iron-on designs for backpacks and succulent planters, learned how to prepare the library’s 3D printers for printing, created 3D pet homes that could be viewed with Virtual Reality goggles, and worked with a graphic designer to screen print t-shirts. Grant funds were used for 3D pens, filament, backpacks, t-shirts, other workshop supplies, and mentor honorariums.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Combined in-person & virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 7
Average number in attendance per session: 11
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: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Brimfield Grade School
Address: 216 East Clinton St.
City: Brimfield
State: IL
Zip: 61517
Name: BRIMFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 111 SOUTH GALENA STREET
City: BRIMFIELD
State: IL
Zip: 61517
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: Photography and Filmmaking
Narrative: As part of the Project Next Generation grant, the Brimfield Public Library partnered with an English teacher, a TV producer, cinematographer, and documentary filmmaker to provide students in 8th grade with the training and resources they needed to create their own mini documentaries about the Holocaust. Students met virtually with the guest professionals, who shared about their education and work experiences and answered students' questions. In follow-up surveys, students reported learning things such as how to prepare to interview someone, how much preparation and editing it takes to finish a film, and that trying different classes in high school and college might result in finding something they want to pursue as a career. After meeting with the professionals, the 48 students were divided into small groups. Each group researched a focused topic related to the Holocaust, wrote a documentary style script, and filmed and edited their documentaries over several class periods. During the grant period the library also offered six after-school photography workshops for students in 4th-6th and 7th-12th grade. With the help of two professional photographers, students learned about both digital and drone photography. Grant funds were used to purchase iPads, tripods, and backdrops for filming, MacBook laptops for editing, and drones for photography. Funds were also used to pay mentor honorariums.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Combined in-person & virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 11
Average number in attendance per session: 23
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: Rural
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
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: Brimfield Grade School
Address: 216 East Clinton St.
City: Brimfield
State: IL
Zip: 61517
Name: BRIMFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 111 SOUTH GALENA STREET
City: BRIMFIELD
State: IL
Zip: 61517
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: STEM Kits
Narrative: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students' ability to attend in-person Project Next Generation programs fluctuated throughout the 2021 grant year. In an effort to continuously provide students with opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics, the Brimfield Public Library used grant funds to create or purchase 5 unique STEM kits that students could either do at home or the library while following safety guidelines. Students explored circuits by creating light-up Holiday and Valentine cards, practiced both circuitry and sewing skills while creating a light-up felt robot, learned about physics and design while building a lantern suspended using tensegrity, and observed chemical reactions while making slime. Several participants shared with the Youth Services Manager that successfully completing projects increased their willingness to try new things and made them feel more confident about using skills like circuit building and sewing in the future.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Combined in-person & virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 5
Average number in attendance per session: 13
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
There was a 25% increase in the number of individual PNG participants compared to the previous year, in spite of barriers created by the COVID-19 pandemic. 95% of the 109 students surveyed after projects either strongly agreed or agreed with the statement “I learned something by participating in this library activity," and 87% reported feeling confident about what they learned.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
As hypothesized in the grant proposal, collaborating with teachers from local schools to provide technology enhanced lessons did result in a greater number of students taking part in technology training and career exploration opportunities. Classroom projects paired with related after-school technology workshops at the library allowed students to deepen their understandings, resulting in higher levels of self-reported and observed student confidence.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The library had a high return rate for digital exit surveys given to students during class time and for paper surveys given after in-person library workshops. The return rate dropped dramatically when a link to a digital survey was included as part of a take-home kit. Consider your community's access to the Internet and Internet capable devices when choosing assessment methods.
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 Brimfield Public Library is already working with a greater number of area educators to schedule and facilitate technology-enhanced lessons and career exploration opportunities during the 2021-2022 grant year. The Youth Services Manager will need to devote more time to communication and logistics. As a result, other library staff and guest mentors will be needed more frequently to provide after-school PNG programming.
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: library/school collaboration, robotics, 3D design