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Grant Spotlight

DAKOTA MEADOWS MIDDLE SCHOOL: DUCT TAPE ROCKETS

The Duct Tape Rocket mini unit engages students in a STEM project involving brainstorming, designing, building, testing, and redesigning rockets. It aligns with 6 to 13 MN standards across Math, Science, ELA, and ISTE. The middle school students participate in a rocket contest for longest flight and best design while researching rocket aerodynamics and wing design. They build and launch their own rockets using paper and duct tape, then observe and improve their designs for better performance.

 

Duct Tape Rockets unit allows students to experience a STEM where they use the engineering processes of: brainstorming, designing, building, testing, and redesign a project. – Jeanine Backer, Dakota Meadows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monroe Kindergartners using hands-on materials to practice CVC word patterns with the new materials!

 

GRANTS AWARDED

  • MAPS Learning Center: Speech Articulation Intervention Materials
  • Dakota Meadows Middle School: Duct Tape Rockets
  • Monroe Elementary School: Literacy Activities

MONROE ELEMENTARY: KINDERGARTEN LITERACY GAMES

“I’m looking to add fun and updated games to my reading cabinet. Most of these activities will be used during small group reading led by teachers and parent volunteers. They will last for many years!” Mckenzie Evans

We are delighted to spotlight this grant that allowed Mckenzie Evans to purchase literacy activities for her kindergarten class. These activities have already played a vital role in reinforcing essential reading skills. A few of the reading skill areas that are included are: letter names, sounds and beginning sounds, CVC words, sight words, rhyming, sentence building and more. The support of Educare donors has made this possible and paved the way for an enriched learning experience for Monroe kindergarten students for years to come.

Grant Spotlight

Monroe ELEMENTARY: Kindergarten Literacy Games

We are delighted to spotlight this grant that allowed Mckenzie Evans to purchase literacy activities for her kindergarten class. These activities have already played a vital role in reinforcing essential reading skills. A few of the reading skill areas that are included are: letter names, sounds and beginning sounds, CVC words, sight words, rhyming, sentence building and more. The support of Educare donors has made this possible and paved the way for an enriched learning experience for Monroe kindergarten students for years to come.

Grants Awarded

  • Prairie Winds Middle School: Novel Study Set- 6th Grade
  • Jefferson Elementary School: Social Emotional Learning Games & Books
  • Monroe Elementary School: LIteracy Games- Kindergarten
  • Franklin Elementary School: STEAM Materials- 2nd Grade
  • Central High School: Literacy Corner
  • Jefferson Elementary School: Social Emotional Learning Games & Books

6th graders enjoying their new novels

Podcasting in the classroom | East & West High school

This project aims to acquire podcasting supplies for the agriculture department, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities’ Agricultural Communications Department. This project will pave the way for the integration of the production cycle and podcasting into our curriculum, enabling students to proficiently plan, record, and edit podcasts focused on diverse agricultural topics.

 

 

Visual Planetarium Dome | East High School:

The cutting-edge GeoDome Globe, an addtion to the East Planetarim, will offer an immersive and interactive learning experience for all. This GeoDome Globe will engage not only our Mankato East ninth graders but also District 77’s elementary students and West High School attendees during their visits. Moreover, this remarkable setup will be available for after-hour shows and tailored public presentations, reaching out to an estimated 15,000-plus students and community members within the Mankato vicinity.

Adventure Ed | Futures/sun:

Our students with unique needs will soon enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures, building confidence and essential life skills with outdoor equipment. It will create a nurturing environment for students to embrace the great outdoors with joy and enthusiasm, empowering them to step out of their comfort zones and explore new horizons.

INDI Robot Initiative | Franklin Elementary:

The Sphero Indi Learning Robot will be empowering students to embark on an exciting journey into the world of coding and STEAM activities. This innovative tool will allow our youngest learners to dive into the fundamentals of coding through the use of colors and block coding. With this cutting-edge technology, students have the opportunity to grasp the basics of computational thinking and the core principles of computer science.

Tchoukball | Roosevelt Elementary:

Introducing an exhilarating new game, Tchoukball, pronounced “chuke-ball.” A seamlessly blending team handball and basketball. Aligned with SHAPE America National Standards, this game promotes catching, throwing, and spatial awareness while fostering teamwork and boosting heart rates. Get ready for an energizing twist in our Physical Education curriculum!

Jefferson Elementary received an Educare grant to purchase Sink and Float STEM kits. 19 days into school the students had their first experience with STEM learning! “It felt a bit chaotic, mostly because I chose one with water, but the kids LOVED it and had so much fun!” said Amber Leonhardi, kindergarten teacher at Jefferson Elementary. “We’ve been talking and learning about weight in math, so we extended our learning with the Sink and Float STEM kit. The kids explored making items heavy to make it sink and lighter objects floated!”

Learn more about Educare Ed Waltman Mini Grants.

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Roosevelt Elementary received an Educare grant to purchase heart monitors and now students are working harder to reach their target heart rate. “The students at Roosevelt have loved using the heart monitors, and more importantly it has GREATLY increased students effort and participation during class activities,” said Pat Burmeister, physical education specialist at Roosevelt Elementary. “Students who would walk during jogging time, are now jogging, and students who normally jog are now working harder to reach their target heart rate. The immediate feedback from the heart monitors has increased student effort and will have a lifelong impact on our students understanding of fitness.”

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