Help Needed: Water Quality Test Kit

Help Needed: Water Quality Test Kit

Contributed by LaShawn Myles, Youth Services Librarian

Water Quality Test Kit 

Looking for families who want to be part of some innovative family fun! 

In collaboration with Cornerstones of Science (COS), The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) is offering a new resource to public libraries to help library staff support citizen science outreach efforts in local communities through a fun, accessible, loanable kit for families. “Test the Waters” Family Exploration Kit will be available starting in April 2020. Cornerstones of Science have been working with public libraries for over 20 years to create science experiences that spark curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us.

The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in partnership with Cornerstones of Science wants to make these kits accessible to those who are visually impaired.  We are looking for a few families who would be willing to try the Water Quality Kit at home and offer feedback.  The feedback will give COS insight as to the accessibility of the kit and ways to improve its content before its release in April.  The kits are geared towards children in grades 5 and up.  Additionally, we would like families with parents or children who are visually impaired.

Requirements to Participate:

• The family must be willing to complete the activities within the kit at home by February 21st.
• Return the kit to MD LBPH and complete a user survey.
• Participate in an interview session with MD LBPH and COS on Saturday, February 22nd to offer feedback.  The session will be a 30-45 minute face to face interview.  Time will be set between (10 a.m. – noon).

Location of the Interview:

Enoch Pratt Library Central Library

400 Cathedral Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Families who participate will be compensated with a $25 Visa gift card. If you are interested in participating, please contact LaShawn Myles, MD LBPH youth librarian, at lashawn.myles@maryland.gov or 410-230-2455.