{"title":"Nutrition-Based STEM Education in Community Public Libraries Promotes Science Learning: A Pilot Study.","authors":"David H Holben, Melani W Duffrin","doi":"10.21900/j.jloe.v5.1902","DOIUrl":"10.21900/j.jloe.v5.1902","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This pilot study examined perceived science learning and attitudes of youth participants (N=100) in a four-lesson, hands-on, nutrition-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education backpack program offered for children in kindergarten through eighth grade at a public library in rural Appalachian Mississippi. Using a constructivist theoretical framework, our team developed the program and implemented it via drive-through distribution. Science kits included all materials, supplies, and books; postage-paid evaluation postcards; and shelf-stable lunches and snacks meeting USDA summer meal guidelines. Twenty-three of 100 youth participants (23% response rate) returned at least one evaluation postcard. Participants were primarily female (65%), non-Hispanic (90%), White (90%), and in kindergarten through second grade (54.5%). The majority of youth \"agreed\" or \"super-agreed\" with the following: I learned about science from the activity (94.2%); I liked doing the science activity (94.3%); I liked reading the related book (90.4%); I had fun completing the activity (98.1%); I would recommend the activity to others (94.2%); I would do the activity again (93.3%). Learning about science was positively correlated with most factors measured, including recommending an activity to others (Tau-b=0.471, p<.001). Liking the science lesson activity had the strongest positive correlation with recommending an activity (Tau-b=0.792, p<.001). Both pre- and post-program, participants perceived the library as \"a good place to find science information and activities,\" with more than 85% of participants \"agreeing\" or \"super-agreeing\" with the statement. Hands-on, nutrition-based STEM education promotes perceived science-learning and positive attitudes toward science, warranting their further development for and implementation in public libraries across Mississippi to promote both science-learning and pursuit of science and health careers.</p>","PeriodicalId":521401,"journal":{"name":"Journal of library outreach & engagement","volume":"5 1","pages":"132-143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13142750/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147848195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}