Students to learn how to apply skills
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
MONROE — Fourth grade students in Applegarth School are ready to set sail after their teachers received a STEM grant.
Fourth grade teachers, Jessica Boll and Tanya D’Agostino, have been awarded a $500 First Energy STEM Classroom Grant to encourage creativity in pre-K through 12th grade for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education to be used in their classrooms.
"I am extremely proud of Ms. Boll and Ms. D’Agastino for going above and beyond for the students of Applegarth," said Interim Principal of Applegarth School Kevin Higgins. "They are an example of the dedication all teachers at Applegarth have for their students on a daily basis."
He said this opportunity allows for students to take their learning of science, technology, engineering and math beyond the classroom and the walls of Applegarth School and apply them to real world situations.
"Furthermore, the students will be able to infuse their learning with other content across the curriculum, including history and language arts," he said. "This is a tremendous opportunity for the students of Applegarth and a wonderful experience for both the students and the teachers."
"Getting the grant meant so much to me and because of that we can do so many projects and can have fun with them," said fourth grader Varun Seth.
Fourth grader Maya Salgado said that "we can now learn about STEM in a fun way."
Briana Siochi was also excited.
"It will be so much fun to build many things that I’ve never done before," she said.
Ms. Boll and Ms. D’Agostino completed an application for grant funds to expand their annual Titanic project.
The grant money was received Oct. 23.
"When completing a grant, teachers complete an application explaining the project and its objectives, how it will enhance student learning and how it connects to the Curriculum Standards," said Ms. Boll. "Teachers are also expected to give a very detailed expenditure report explaining exactly how the funds will be used to meet the goals of the project."
The funds from this grant will pay for materials for five STEM projects for the 50 students in these two classes, according to the press release.
The teachers’ objective is for students to be able to provide a real world understanding of the Titanic events through a series of STEM challenges paired with a research based literature study.
Students will be evaluated on this objective through a series of lab questions, student reflections and an exploration of the science behind the activity.
Students will also be expected to apply their research and real world understanding of the events in a narrative writing piece, according to the press release.
"Students will be completing a series of STEM challenges such as creating a life vest," Ms. Boll said. "For this particular challenge students will be given materials such as rubber bands, balloons, corks, plastic cups, straws and tin foil with the goal of keeping a can of soup afloat for 90 seconds."
She said students develop a plan, complete the design, test their design, and analyze results.
Students will begin their unit of study on the Titanic during the month of December.
"Titanic was chosen based on high interest level. Students focus on research, using primary and secondary sources and nonfiction text structure as they study the events of the Titanic," she said.
"We are very grateful for the opportunity to provide this unique learning experience for our students," said Ms. D’Agostino.