2010-11 Mini-Grants for Learning Best Practices: Final Report 1
(long-term housing)

Educational opportunities provided:

I was pleased to see the school age children's increased interest in the FOSS kits. They enjoyed the planting, growing (dying) of potatoes and grass. They did not mind writing short reports. The competition of the growth of grass and potatoes was like betting on a Steelers game. The pre-school children enjoyed the physical project of the FOSS kits but unlike the school age, they were not interested in the reporting.

The Phipps visit was a great way to show how worms help in the growing process along with the Exploration software showing how bugs also help.

After the children were exposed to these experiences many of them decided on their career choice. Among these choices – teacher, nurse, gardener, scientist, worker at the Aviary (especially with penguins). My favorite was the 2-year-old who wanted to be a worm when he grows up.

Measurements of success:

The school age children brought up their science grades. The projects may have been young for them but they were encouraged to think 'outside the box.' R. brought up his grade from a D to a B. K. brought up her grade from a C to a B and made honor roll. The younger children were thrilled to see their own success and all of them are wanting to do more. We can continue to do this because of the materials that we have to keep this an ongoing project.

 

 

 

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See Best Practices: Final Report 2

(5/1/11)