During our awards assembly on October 24th, Sacajawea Elementary was presented with a $10,000 check from the Monsanto Fund. This will fund a project we call "Scientific Inquiry as a Gateway to Reading, Writing, and Math."
Elissa W, Yasmine V, Callie Mae W, and Juliana H (Left to right above) were selected to receive the check on behalf of the school. They have already demonstrated excellent online writing skills through their classroom blogging project in 3rd grade and through their online writing projects in 5th grade. Brett Lolley, Project Manager at Monsanto Seeds in Nampa, presented the check during our school awards ceremony.
Mr. Miller and Mr. Webster worked together to write the grant application this spring, before we left for summer vacation. We will implement hands-on scientific inquiry units at each grade level. The most important aspects of each unit will be building student inquiry skills and the knowledge and curiosity on which to build future scientific investigations. In addition, we will use these units to provide leverage for increasing student reading, writing, and math achievement. A special emphasis will be placed on internet-based nonfiction reading and high quality writing, supporting the Common Core State Standards. We will purchase another small mobile computer lab that can be moved from class to class to engage our students in authentic online written communication through blogging and other formats.
Why do we want to do this science and technology project?
- Because students need to have a strong understanding of science to be successful in the next generation.
- Because science is naturally engaging to students. Inquiry skills need to be developed beginning early in our school careers (as early as preschool and kindergarten).
- Because one of the most important skills for success in the next generation will be clear written communication.
Fun with Reading Harvest Festival
