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

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.

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

• 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%

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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

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.

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

• 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

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

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.

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

• 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