Author Archive: wwtfstemsympos

Microgrant Presentation – Sharita Ware

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PRESENTATION
BIOGRAPHY

Name: Sharita Ware
Project Category: Service Learning Project
Project Description: Participate in 2019-20 First Lego League Team challenge to find a way to make our city a better place; work with Purdue University’s GERI (gifted and talented) program to develop a citizenship course.
Teaching Subject: Engineering and Technology Education
MICROGRANT PROJECT ABSTRACT

Issues Addressed: Service learning; Enrichment classes; Interdisciplinary projects; After school programs.
Topic: Service- learning
Rationale: Helping our students to see the world beyond their individual wants and needs. This generation of students have been labeled “consumers,” taking from the environment and the people around them rather than giving and serving. The rationale for both projects was for the kids to have fun while learning and giving back to their communities in meaningful ways. First Lego League and Purdue University’s GERI enrichment classes provide great resources and opportunities for students. These interdisciplinary after school projects support numerous educational standards.
CLASSROOM PROFILE

  • Students taught: 200 per semester
  • Student demographics: Asian 1.6%, Black 0.7%, Hispanic 9.4%, White 84%, Multiracial 4%

SCHOOL PROFILE

Microgrant Presentation – Kathryn Parthun

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PRESENTATION
BIOGRAPHY

Name: Kathryn Stwalley Parthun
Project Category: Conference Attendance
Project Description: Attend Hawaii STEM/Service-Learning Conference; attend a Ceeds of Peace workshop to develop a service learning and school-wide action plan related to peace and school culture.
Teaching Subject: No longer teaching; current position title: Director of Social and Emotional Learning
MICROGRANT PROJECT ABSTRACT

Issues addressed: Service learning in the science classroom
Topic: The purpose of attending this conference was to learn about the best practices in implementing service learning within the science classroom. This can be utilized in any science- related subject but is a great fit for classrooms that are already use science fair projects as an opportunity to augment student interest and exploration.
Rationale: I was excited to get to see other science teachers and students present their projects and their best practices for integrating service learning into their classroom. Ideally, the knowledge of science should be used to help others and the use of service learning is an important components of social and emotional learning.
CLASSROOM PROFILE

  • N/A

SCHOOL PROFILE

  • Large school district
  • Suburban
  • Traditional Public school
  • Number of enrolled students: 8,060 (district-wide)
  • Free/Reduced lunch percentage: 68.2%
  • Demographics: American Indian 0.2%, Asian 0.6%, Black 19.1%, Hispanic 27%, Multiracial 7.1%, White 45.9%

Microgrant Presentation – Tabatha Ramsey

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PRESENTATION
BIOGRAPHY

Name: Tabatha Ramsey
Project Category: STEM-Related Materials/Supplies & Curriculum Development Project
Project Description: To purchase materials for our Physics, Chemistry, and Anatomy classrooms; to develop curriculum for our Chemistry and Ecology classes.
Teaching Subject: Anatomy, Ecology, & AP Environmental Science
MICROGRANT PROJECT ABSTRACT

Issues addressed: Engagement and hands-on learning in chemistry, physics, ecology, and anatomy classes
Topic: Raising Engagement in STEM Classrooms via Hands-On Learning
Rationale: At Herron, we are constantly working to tie lessons in the classroom to students’ lives outside of the classroom and to make lessons stick with students. With this grant, we purchased equipment and materials to increase hands-on learning both in our STEM classrooms and outside of the classroom.
CLASSROOM PROFILE

  • Students taught: ~150
  • Student demographics: ~64% white, 21% black, 7% Hispanic, 1% Asian

SCHOOL PROFILE

  • Medium-sized school
  • Urban
  • Charter school
  • Enrolled students: ~900
  • Free/Reduced lunch eligible: 35%
  • Demographics: ~64% white, 21% black, 7% Hispanic, 1% Asian

Microgrant Presentation – Jessica Carlson

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PRESENTATION
BIOGRAPHY

Name: Jessica Carlson
Project Category: STEM-Related Materials/Supplies
Project Description: Collaborative field investigation and an individual lab investigation.
Teaching Subject: IB (International Baccalaureate) Chemistry
MICROGRANT PROJECT ABSTRACT

Issues addressed:Biology, chemistry, physics interdisciplinary, lab skills, problem solving skills, data logging equipment, software, data analysis, expanding students’ conceptions of who can do scientific work.
Topic: Collaborative field investigation and independent laboratory investigation experiences to help students undertake the work of scientists and see themselves as scientists.
Rationale: Students at my school come from diverse backgrounds and often have not had the experiences and opportunities that would otherwise give other students an academic advantage. While our students often struggle to memorize terms, describe theories, or articulate concepts, they are adept with hands-on aspects of science. Our goal was to ensure students have opportunities to do/practice science using an integrated approach (engaging in multiple science disciplines) outside of school. Moreover, in an increasingly technical job market, our students need to be able to undertake investigations/experiments and analyze the results of these investigations/experiments—rather than merely being able to memorize scientific facts. Using the IB curriculum, students have learned to question, think critically, problem solve, follow technical instructions, evaluate data, and make informed decisions and opinions as citizens.
CLASSROOM PROFILE

  • Students taught: 65
  • Student demographics: 48% African American, 27% Hispanic, 18% Caucasian, 7% Multiracial, 1% Asian

SCHOOL PROFILE

  • Medium-sized school
  • Urban
  • Traditional public school
  • Enrolled students: 1,150
  • Free/Reduced lunch eligible: 3%
  • Demographics: 48% African American, 27% Hispanic, 18% Caucasian, 7% multiracial, 1% Asian

Microgrant Presentation – Megan Ross

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PRESENTATION
BIOGRAPHY

Name: Megan Ross
Project Category: Conference Attendance
Project Description: Attend the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education
Teaching Subject: Chemistry
MICROGRANT PROJECT ABSTRACT

Issues addressed: Chemistry Education
Topic: Professional Development
Rationale: Learning with other teachers who also have a passion for chemistry during a six-day conference would allow me to return with innovative ideas that will significantly impact student learning both in my classroom and my school. I will learn the newest trends in chemistry education to connect to my practice.
CLASSROOM PROFILE

  • Students taught: 142
  • Student demographics: Asian 10%, Black: 33%, Hispanic: 16%, White: 33%

Multiracial: 8%

SCHOOL PROFILE

  • Small school
  • Urban
  • Traditional public school
  • Enrolled students: 1,383
  • Free/Reduced lunch eligible: 64%
  • Demographics: Asian: 10%, Black: 33%, Hispanic: 16%, Multiracial: 8%, White: 33%