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G2S Project Code: 2022-IL-91107
State: Illinois
Fiscal Year: 2022
Grantee
LASALLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Cristy Stupegia
Director Phone: 815-223-2341
Director Email: cstupegia@lasalle.lib.il.us
General Information
Title: Project Next Generation: Destination Discoveries
State Project Code: 23-3024-PNG
Start Date: 07/01/2022
End Date: 09/30/2023
Abstract: Destination Discoveries, serving youth from 11 to 14 years old, was a successful, hands-on, mentor-supported distance-learning enrichment experience that offered unique and flexible learning opportunities via science/technology kits and field trip experiences. Two programs were offered. The Fall program focused on day and night astronomy. The Spring program focused on “change in Illinois,” and included study of geologic time, glaciation, solution cave formation, cave ecosystems, wetlands restoration, and agriculture in the early 19th century. Participants acquired new knowledge and skills as evidenced by mentor interactions and documentation.
State Goal: Goal 2: Lifelong Learning.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$40,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$40,000.00
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Destination Discoveries - Procurement Report
Narrative: [Hardware]: Telescopes (6), Apple iPad (36), MakerBot Method Extruder (1), MakerBot Method PLA (2), iPad Storage and Charging Cabinet [Supplies]: Telescope solar filters (6), American Geoscience Institute: Earth Science Week Resources (1), Table Covers (11), Ink/Maintenance Tank (1 of each), Solar Beads and Ink (2 of each), Solar Eclipse Glasses (50), Tablet Sleeve Case (36), Cord for Beads (1), Screen Protector (6, 3-packs), Screen Protector (18), Planisphere (18), Pencil Sharpener (24), Pencils (1), Triple A Batteries (1 pack), Fairy Lights (1, 20-pack), Claw Hammers (6), USDA Soil Flow Chart (6), USDA Soil Sample Kit (1), Pollinator Seed Packets (80), Granite (24), Epson Salt (6), White Spray Paint (2), Rulers (10), Plastic Cups (250), Balsa Wood Sheets (20), Sharpie Markers (12), Scissors (12), Paper Knives (100), Fish Gravel (1), Clear Tape (6), Plastic Bags (300), Paper Trays (100), Sand (1), Storage Totes (18), Limestone (24), Pencil Sharpeners (16), Colored Pencils (6), Baking Soda (6), Sponges (6), Ice Cube Tray (6), Shale (24) Glowforge Supplies (acrylic, wood, veneer, slate), Ink Cartridges, Office Supplies: Cardstock/Poster Paper
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 46
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0


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: LASALLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 305 MARQUETTE STREET
City: LA SALLE
State: IL
Zip: 61301
Activity Details
Title: Educational Field Trips - Instruction Activity
Narrative: The grant funded five field trips that supported kit learning. Participants explored both day and nighttime astronomy with kits. Learning was furthered by a group field trip to the Adler Planetarium. In addition to touring the planetarium, youth viewed two educational films, and gained an overview of the history of astronomy and the advances over millennia. The field trip visit underscored the youth learning as they recognized key principles and information. The three “change in Illinois” kits facilitated youth exploration of three areas of information -- geology and geologic change in Illinois, particularly glaciation and solution cave formation; Tallgrass Prairies; 19th century plow technology and agriculture; and wetlands restoration. The concepts in these kits were supported with learning experiences at three independent field trip sites, specifically the Illinois State Museum (geologic time, Ice Age, glaciation in Illinois, solution cave development and Illinois cave ecosystems) the John Deere Historic Site (engineering the steel plow, destruction of Tallgrass Prairie environments, agricultural impacts) and the Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge (Wetlands restoration, biodiversity, river health, flood control, carbon sequestration.) The “change in Illinois” kits were also supported with a group field trip to the Burpee Natural History Museum. This field trip further explored the topics covered in the kits via lecture and four labs.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 420
Number of sessions in program: 5
Average number in attendance per session: 15
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: Yes
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: Adler Planetarium
Address: 1300 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr.
City: Chicago
State: IL
Zip: 60605
Name: Burpee Museum of Natural History
Address: 737 N Main St
City: Rockford
State: IL
Zip: 61103
Name: Deere Historic Site (Grand Detour)
Address: 8334 S Clinton St
City: Dixon
State: IL
Zip: 61021
Name: Illinois State Museum
Address: 502 S Spring St
City: Springfield
State: IL
Zip: 62706
Name: LASALLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 305 MARQUETTE STREET
City: LA SALLE
State: IL
Zip: 61301
Name: Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge (Hennepin)
Address: 780 E Rd
City: Hennepin
State: IL
Zip: 61327
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 21
Agree: 6
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: 7
Agree: 12
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 8
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 27
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: 8
Agree: 19
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: 5
Agree: 19
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
All participants acquired new knowledge and understanding of science topics and technologies. Learning was demonstrated via mentor-interactions, videos of hands-on experiments, photos, and questionnaires.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The Astronomy program was effective and popular and would require no changes. The Change in Illinois program was effective in structure and its success in teaching science/technology topics. However, the delay of the launch of this program put participation in conflict with sports/other youth activities which hampered registration as well as negatively impacting full participation by youth families in the independent field trip opportunities.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Change in Illinois was the first time independent field trips were included. While attendance in that aspect of the program was small, it was due to conflicts in participants' summer schedules as opposed to the soundness of the idea. This conclusion was based on information from youth families who did not take advantage of these trips. Going forward, this program would be offered in the Fall.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
No
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: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeOf the project, the coordinator writes, "I could actually ‘see’ learning taking place at Burpee. And even more, I overheard kids commenting (actually exclaiming) to their parents that such and such was just what they had learned in the kits. It was very gratifying. For a community like ours, field trip experiences are a big deal and something that isn't often available for families outside of the occasional school opportunity. I really think more communities could benefit from this kind of program -- and it can work with a variety of subject topics.”
Project Tags: Astronomy, Middle School, Geology