By Dana DuGan
The Idaho STEM Action Center, based in Boise, recently awarded the Hailey Public Library funds for a project for kids, but with larger implications for the whole community.
STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Created in 2015 through the Idaho Governor’s Office, the Idaho STEM Action Center seeks to help close educational gaps in these disciplines.
In January, STEM awarded more than $250,000 in grants to education professionals and organizations throughout the state. The grants provide recipients with up to $2,500 each to fund innovative science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer-science projects. The STEM Action Center received more than 100 applications for the PK12 STEM Grant.
The Hailey library’s project was selected as one of the most innovative STEM ideas, deserving of funding and implementation.
Approved projects range from electronics and robotics to drones and solar cars; from anatomy and physiology equipment like microscopes and plastic models to water-quality testing kits for analyzing fish habitats; camera-trap systems for studying birds and mammals, and augmented-reality systems to explore earth sciences concepts.
LeAnn Gelskey, director of the Hailey Public Library, said the grant will fund the Tinker Time Project, currently being developed at the library. Aimed at third- to fifth-grade students, the project will be intentionally structured around problem-solving, creativity and learning rather than simply providing access to technology. Community stakeholders will work on Tinker Time to create a local STEM ecosystem, Gelskey added.
“STEM knowledge and skills are important to the future of Idaho’s economy and long-term prosperity,” Angela Hemingway, the center’s executive director, said. “STEM-related jobs pay well in Idaho, and for each new STEM job, five more jobs are created.”
Hemingway said the key was for the projects to promote creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills even students who don’t pursue STEM careers will find valuable.
“When Idahoans think STEM, we want them to think Idaho STEM Action Center,” Hemingway said. “Our goal is to make our agency the go-to place in the Gem State for STEM resources, grants, professional development, and student competitions.”
For more information on Hailey Public Library events and activities, visit haileypubliclibrary.org.
