Cambridge Intermediate School (CIS) and Cambridge Primary School (CPS) have been selected as recipients of a prestigious $5,000 grant from Batelle, marking a significant milestone in their dedication to STEM education. The grant application was spearheaded by Michelle Johnston, a passionate STEM teacher at CIS, while computer teacher Melinda Dyer led the application process at CPS. These two Cambridge City School District schools are among the top three in Guernsey County to receive this honor.
The substantial investment made in STEM education at the high school and middle school levels prompted the district to extend its support to the primary and intermediate schools as well. Superintendent Dan Coffman lauded the efforts of Michelle and Melinda, emphasizing their invaluable contribution in nurturing young minds and providing quality STEM education.
The grant not only bolsters the schools’ STEM programs financially but also serves as a testament to the commitment and excellence displayed by the Cambridge City School District in delivering top-notch STEM education to its students. Battelle and the Ohio STEM Learning Network, recognized for their unwavering dedication to local programs, were also acknowledged for their collaboration in this initiative.
The CIS STEM classroom, guided by Michelle Johnston, introduces students to the world of unplugged programming, enabling them to develop their logical and analytical thinking. The curriculum at CIS emphasizes practical applications of science, technology, engineering, and math, covering a diverse range of subjects such as block coding, engineering fundamentals, robotics, and sensors.
Meanwhile, at CPS, Melinda Dyer engages students in basic computer skills, gradually introducing them to programming and robotics. Her teaching style fosters creative thinking and problem-solving abilities, empowering students to embrace computational thinking from a young age.
Beyond CIS and CPS, Cambridge High School and Cambridge Middle School boast specialized STEM Labs and offer a vibrant array of STEM classes, including robotics, manufacturing, computer programming, and drone piloting. Tom Hannon and Karen Theodosopoulos head the STEM and computer science departments respectively at the high school, while Angela Hannon leads the middle school’s STEM initiatives.
With the infusion of the Batelle grants into the fabric of Cambridge schools, STEM education in the district is set to soar to new heights. Teachers and students alike can look forward to a remarkable future of innovation and exploration in the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and math.
FAQ
- What is STEM?
- Why is STEM education important?
- Who awarded the grants?
- How will the grants benefit the schools?
- What other STEM opportunities are available in Cambridge schools?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. It is an educational approach that integrates these disciplines to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among students.
STEM education prepares students for the constantly evolving job market, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in various industries. It fosters innovation, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
The grants were awarded by Battelle, an organization committed to advancing STEM education, and the Ohio STEM Learning Network, which supports local STEM programs.
The grants provide financial support to enhance STEM programs, ensuring access to state-of-the-art resources, equipment, and curriculum materials. They also recognize the schools’ achievements and the high-quality education they offer.
In addition to the STEM classrooms at CIS and computer classes at CPS, Cambridge High School and Cambridge Middle School offer specialized STEM Labs and a wide range of STEM classes, including robotics, manufacturing, computer programming, and drone piloting.