Tomorrow's Scientists
Prairie Star Elementary
What was the purpose of this project?
The purpose of Tomorrow's Scientists was to provide materials to students in the PSE gifted program that would nurture their particular interests in science and encourage them to experience and experiment.
Did the project fulfill that purpose? If so, how?
Students in the gifted program were surveyed about their particular interests in science. From these surveys lab kits that would enable them to do hands-on experimentation were identified.
Please include the number of students involved in this project, grade levels and subject areas covered.
9 fifth grade students: science (physics, chemistry)
5 fourth grade students: science (electronics, physics)
2 (more coming) third grade students: science (physics)
Describe how Foundation funds and this project benefited students.
The kits purchased were very comprehensive in what they provided for student experimentation. Students now have more than a year's worth of materials to do advanced experimentation. Many of these materials would not be available at the elementary level in standard supplies.
Do you feel this project should be replicated in other schools throughout the district? Please explain.
I would encourage any gifted facilitator to survey their students and find their interests in science. The interests expressed today, if nurtured, could lead to careers in science in the future.
Other comments:
My students are extremely excited about these kits and have started working with the physicw kits already. They even come in on some of their recess times!