Author Archive: wwtfstemsympos

Microgrant Presentation – Sarah Cukrowicz

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PRESENTATION


BIOGRAPHY

Name: Sarah Cukrowicz
Project Category: STEM-Related Materials/Supplies
Project Description: By providing students the opportunity to interact with robotics in the science classroom, as part of their ordinary work, they will become increasingly familiar and interested in robotics as a possible career path. We have a Robotics Club in place to continue the interest, and we hope to expand the use of robotics to all branches of Science.
Teaching Subject: Science
MICROGRANT PROJECT ABSTRACT

Issues addressed: Robotics equipment, access, and familiarity.
Topic: Students in predominantly low-income minority schools generally lack access to resources that their counterparts at other schools have ready access to. Providing robotics equipment through the microgrant gives students a chance to become comfortable and familiar with robotics in their daily lives.
Rationale: In my life and teaching, I’ve seen the consequences of disparate opportunities. I decided I would give my students tools to thrive in the future they’re being given. All signs show robotics is a low risk, high reward way to increase their abilities, readiness, and 21st Century skills for the future.
CLASSROOM PROFILE

  • Students taught: 140-150
  • Student demographics: 52% African American, 18% Caucasian, 20%Hispanic, 7% Multiracial, and 2% Asian (Vietnamese),1% Native American

SCHOOL PROFILE

  • Medium-sized school
  • Urban
  • Traditional Public School
  • Number of enrolled students: 450
  • Free/Reduced lunch eligible: 83%
  • Demographics: African American 50%, Caucasian 25%, Hispanic 15%, Multiracial 8%, Asian (Vietnamese) 2%

Microgrant Presentation – Brooke Wilke

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PRESENTATION

Presentation materials are coming soon!

BIOGRAPHY

Name: Brooke Wilke
Project Category: Conference Attendance
Project Description: Attend the NCTM Centennial Meeting and Exposition in Chicago, IL
Teaching Subject: Mathematics
MICROGRANT PROJECT ABSTRACT

Issues addressed: Professional development on how to improve the Mathematics classroom
Topic: Technology, tools, and tricks on how to teach mathematics more effectively
Rationale: This conference would spark a fire in me to teach mathematics differently and more effectively through the use of new technology and ways to approach certain topics in the classroom.
CLASSROOM PROFILE

  • Students taught: ~100
  • Student demographics: Minority enrollment 23% (Primarily Hispanic)

SCHOOL PROFILE

  • Large school
  • Semi-urban
  • Traditional public school
  • Enrolled students: ~2000
  • Free/Reduced lunch eligible: 55% Free/Reduced Lunches
  • Demographics: Minority enrollment 23% (Primarily Hispanic)

Microgrant Presentation – Bill Hiatt

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PRESENTATION

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BIOGRAPHY

Name: Bill Hiatt
Project Category: STEM-Related Materials/Supplies
Project Description: Vernier brand probes and a Hydroponic Grow system
Teaching Subject: Chemistry I, AP Chemistry, AP Physics
MICROGRANT PROJECT ABSTRACT

Issues addressed: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science, Agriculture
Topic: Increasing authentic science in the classroom
Rationale: My goal was to enable students at all levels of science to collect data that was previously either impossible or very difficult to obtain. I was also able to purchase a hydroponic system that will support an initiative to have students grow some of the food that is served in the school cafeteria.
CLASSROOM PROFILE

  • Students Taught: 120
  • Student Demographics: 85% White, 7.1% Hispanic, 4% Multiracial, 2.6% Black, 1% Asian

SCHOOL PROFILE

  • Large school
  • Suburban
  • Traditional public school
  • Enrolled students: 3,381
  • Free/Reduced lunch eligible: 42%
  • Demographics: 85% White, 7.1% Hispanic, 4% Multiracial, 2.6% Black, 1% Asian

Microgrant Presentation – India Scott

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PRESENTATION
BIOGRAPHY

Name: India Scott
Project Category: Service Learning Project
Project Description: STEAM Fair for the Lawrence Community
Teaching Subject: Math
MICROGRANT PROJECT ABSTRACT

Issues Addressed: STEAM exposure and access; bringing the community in to teach students of the opportunities available.
Topic: STEAM Field Day
Rationale: The state is transitioning to graduation pathways that allow for an emphasis on employability skills and experience. While many of our students have indicated they are not interested in pursuing higher education, they must understand that there are careers accessible to them without a college degree. Without the exposure and interaction with these businesses, they will not have access to these opportunities.
CLASSROOM PROFILE

  • Students taught: 12
  • Demographics: 50% Black, 47% Hispanic, 2% Caucasian, <1% Asian

SCHOOL PROFILE

  • Large school
  • Urban
  • Traditional public school
  • Enrolled students: 2,317
  • Free/Reduced lunch percentage: 50% or higher
  • Demographics: Asian 1%, Black 53%, Hispanic 21%, Multiracial 6%, White 19%

Field Experiences: Helping Students Grow as Scientists

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Kirstin Milks (WWTF ’09)

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Kirstin Milks teaches and learns from her AP Biology and Earth/space science students at Bloomington High School South in Bloomington, Indiana, where she is entering her eleventh year of teaching. Kirstin holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Stanford University and a master’s from the Stanford Teacher Education Program, where she was a 2009 Leonore Annenberg Teaching Fellow. She is also a National Board-Certified Teacher and a Senior Fellow at the Knowles Teacher Initiative. Kirstin wants to help K-12 teachers share power and agency with their students to work towards justice.
SCHOOL PROFILE

  • Large school
  • Suburban/rural
  • Traditional Public school
  • Enrolled students: 1,700
  • Free/Reduced lunch eligible: 26%
  • Demographics: 80% White, 6% Multiracial, 5% Hispanic, 5% Asian 4% Black, ~<1% Other (American Indian & Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

SESSION ABSTRACT
How can we help young people apply their school-based STEM learning experiences to their own surroundings, personal experiences, communities, and futures? How can we share power and agency with our students, especially when we might not all be in the same room? Kirstin will model pieces of a year-long, standards-aligned assignment in which students investigated their local environment to build insight, connection, and resilience. Come ready to talk and think together in a justice-oriented and joyful context!

Presentation