SPRING 2016 EDUCATOR MINI-GRANTS – $500 EACH

Mad Science Afterschool Program
An afterschool program that sparks the imagination and curiosity of children by providing them with fun entertainment and educational activities that instill a clear understanding of science and how it affects the world around them. 137 students.

Awarded to:
Brooks Elementary School (Christina Andreade, Megan Giammalvo – teachers)
Rodman Elementary School ((Pamela Benevides, Pamela Francis, Debbie Brejcha – teachers)
Campbell Elementary School (Nicole Brady – teacher)

Teaching Static Electricity Through the Construction of a Van de Graaff Generator.
Visit Sea Lab four times during the academic school year for instruction in Massachusetts Science Strands of Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space science and Design, and Engineering and Technology.

One aspect of the 5th grader’s visit will be to develop a rudimentary understanding of static and dynamic electricity. A Van de Graaff generator produces static electricity and this grant will allow students to build the generator to produce static electricity and provide the power to execute basic electrostatic demonstrations on an energetic, safe and dramatic scale. The unit is safe and provides a hands-on and personal introduction and appreciation to physics. 850 students.

Awarded to: Sea Lab Marine Science Education Center (Simone Bourgeois – instructor)

Keyboard Lab Completion
Continued support to complete the lab and minimize the noise in the room by having headphones for each student using keyboards. Students will be less distracted and will focus more on their own work. Also added two (2) Yamaha keyboards and (2) headphones to expand the Piano Lab. All grades. 150 students.

Awarded to: Normandin Middle School (Chris Chambers, Merrillan Melberg, Brandi Colon – teachers)

Local Ecosystems
Biomes Marine Biology Center: Introduction to Marine Animals. An introduction to local marine life featuring ten (10) of the most fascinating species with age appropriate discussion and animal petting; this program is lively and highly educational. Many marine-related concepts are presented such as habitats, predator/prey, exoskeletons, camouflage and regeneration. Sample animals include the sea star, brittle starfish, spider crab, horseshoe crab and a puffer fish demonstration. 110 students.

Awarded to: Keith Middle School (Karla Ayers Tedeschi – teacher)

Field Trip to the Lloyd Center for the Environment
This field trip provides a hands-on coastal ecology opportunity. Students will get to explore natural history exhibits as well as salt and fresh water aquaria. They will hike through the maritime forest, a saltwater marsh, and catch and observe organisms in the estuary. They will discover how organisms interact with each other, utilize scientific equipment, field guides and data sheets. 62 students.

Awarded to: Winslow Elementary School (Linda Lemieux and Donna Teixiera – teachers)

Technology for ELA and Math
Provide tablets for use in all curriculum areas such as science, social studies, as well as music and movement. The students will increase their ELA fluency scores by repetition and drill through the use of technology in the classroom in small group settings and during large group instruction and activities. 22 students.

Awarded to: Carney Academy (Karen Demers – teacher)