Grants help teachers think outside of box 5/1/2009 12:40 AM
By ROB NOVIT Senior writer
During a ham radio presentation at Schofield Middle School in February, students got a chance to talk to people in Ohio, Pennsylvania and even England.
With the award of a $1,000 Innovative Teaching Mini-Grant from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, two Schofield faculty members hope that students will get a chance to speak with astronauts on the international space station. The grant will help purchase equipment to start a club at the school, even before the end of the current term.
"It's a great way to combine math and science in a fun way for kids to use their knowledge," said career specialist John Felak, who applied for the grant with keyboarding instructor Tray Nelson.
At a reception in Aiken Thursday, SRNS awarded 88 mini-grants for $1,000, $750 or $500, the large majority of them going to Aiken County public school teachers. Within the county, Aiken Elementary School teachers received a record 29 grants. A total of 193 applications were received and reviewed by an appointed committee.
"Every one of our teachers wrote a grant to promote activities in the classroom," said principal Sharon Cagle. "They want to do it, and it's important for them to take advantage of all grant opportunities."
Physical education teacher Todd Moore received a $750 grant to use Wii games as an incentive to promote physical fitness at Aiken Elementary. The games will provide fun and understanding of specific skills for one group while another group are doing the exercise for real.
At Leavelle McCampbell Middle School, social studies teacher Lotonia Evans decided to help out her mathematics colleagues. She's certified in math and science and will use geometry sketch pads to teach skills related to trigonometry, pre-calculus and algebra.
Chuck Munns, the SRNS president, said the awards clearly demonstrate the many outstanding and innovative teachers in the CSRA.
"What I remember in school is a couple of teachers who did something special in the classroom," Munns said. "I hope these grants will allow teachers to do something special that their kids will remember, too."
Serving as mentors for Schofield's new ham radio project are Kent Hufford and Michael Newland of the North Augusta/Belvedere Radio Club. They and other club members have donated a set of books to the school library.
Students who have already signed up include Ben Richards, Bishop Hare, Brady O'Leary, Phillip Merry, Phillip Beach, Ryan Uhle and Brett Wiggins.
"I like how we could talk to people around the world," Bishop said.
Overall, SRNS provided $50,000 for the mini-grant program. The grants are funded through SRNS' Community Investment Program, which supports such initiatives as education, health and welfare, civic and social activities and culture and the arts.
Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.
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