View Project

G2S Project Code: 2021-AZ-88505
State: Arizona
Fiscal Year: 2021

Grantee
Yavapai County Free Library District

Project Director
Director Name: Priscilla Phelps
Director Phone: 928-427-3191
Director Email: priscilla.phelps@yavapaiaz.gov

General Information
Title: Tinker Zone
State Project Code: 2021-0260-09
Start Date: 05/14/2021
End Date: 09/01/2022
Abstract: With this program available, children were helped with their reading abilities, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and self-confidence. Funds were used to purchase tablets, engineering kits, Legos, robots, snap circuits with many other tools to help the children learn. Community members benefited as the adults were also interested, which led to the creation of an adult Tinker Zone.
State Goal: Informal Education

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$33,143.00

$0.00

$8,726.57

$41,869.57

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

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Tinker Zone for Children
Narrative: Tinker Zone gives children a fun learning experience as well as ideas for their future careers. This learning experience enhances and broadens hands-on STEM skills using tools not readily available to them in a rural community.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 62
Average number in attendance per session: 9
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: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: YAVAPAI COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 172 EAST MERRITT STREET SUITE E
City: PRESCOTT
State: AZ
Zip: 86301
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: Tinker Zone for Adults
Narrative: Tinker Zone gave adults a STEM learning experience. The adults enjoyed coding, robots and snap circuits. This program has also helped the older adults in the community keep their minds active and learning new technology.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 16
Average number in attendance per session: 4
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
One of the larger projects was the LEGO rollercoaster. This project focused on teamwork and self-confidence. One child in each program got to make the decisions about who was going to start building and decide which child would go next. With this approach they felt confident about being in charge. Parents reported that the children were doing more science projects and building things at home, and look forward to each week’s program. Some reported the desire to pursue aviation technology, mechanics and design.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
One of the female participants exceled at mechanical construction and logical thinking. She began interacting more with people and demonstrated a marked difference in her confidence. It was amazing to see the transformation in this child, which was due in part to the program and the encouragement she received.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
One of the lessons learned was to keep hands off. Staff wanted to help, but the children needed to struggle through the processes in order to learn to think for themselves and solve the problems.
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:
Staff will continue creating new projects for the children to increase their STEM skills.
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: