Needs addressed:
New York State Learning Standards require that hands-on science be part of the elementary curriculum. These kits were designed to support these standards and promote science and reading skills.

Target audience:
Elementary students in Batavia and the surrounding rural communities; all public and parochial teachers in the area who require supplemental resources to support their science programs.

Community partners and their roles:

• Richmond Memorial Library – surveyed teachers to assess need; purchased materials and assembled kits; compiled bibliographies of further resources; coordinated Earth Day Celebration; evaluated program
• Batavia City School District and area parochial schools (St Anthony’s, St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s) – advised library about material selection and curriculum; used teacher kits and promoted home kits to parents; participated in Earth Day Celebration; completed evaluation forms
• Nioga Library System – advised about material selection; distributed information about grant to other libraries in system; informal evaluation discussion

Specific activities:

• Surveys sent to teachers were analyzed and the need for more science materials was identified as a critical need in the community
• Brainstorming session held with teachers, school media specialists and system library consultant to plan project
• 20 home use and 10 teacher science kits were developed for circulation
• Additional books and materials were purchased to supplement the library’s collection
• An Earth Day Celebration was held to display students’ work

Staffing:

• Library Staff – 10 hours per week
• Cooperating Agencies – 150 – 175 hours

Costs:

• Purchased Services - $300
• Supplies and Materials - $4,522

Evaluation:

• Quantitative Measures – Circulation statistics were kept for kits and other materials purchased with grant money Records also kept on the number of brochures and bookmarks distributed, number of projects displayed and attendance at the Earth Day Celebration.
• Qualitative Measures – Evaluations forms distributed with all materials; evaluations given to all Earth Day Celebration participants.

Changes/recommendations:

• This grant was highly successful and rewarding. The only thing that could have been improved was the purchase of some of the supplies. Some kits were prone to breakage (electric kit). Some kits required materials that had to be constantly replaced (bubble kit). Materials should be purchased which are very low maintenance.

Categories of service:

1. Learning Kits
2. Services to School Age Children
3. Parent Education

Last modified on March 1, 2000/djr
URL: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/parchld/richmond.htm