Papasavas Family Understanding and Respecting our Differences Grant: Learning Adventures on the Atlantic
- School Year: 2017-2018
- Applicants: Sharon Zajack, Lead Teacher Sarah Ayoub, Elizabeth Harty, Sabrina Santos
- School: Smith
- Subjects: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Technology
This grant will provide funding for third grade students at Smith Elementary School to experience an authentic multi-disciplinary learning experience via a mini 5-foot sailboat. The non-profit organization, Educational Passages, will give students the opportunity to learn about ocean and wind patterns as well as improve their skills in map reading, geography, earth science, oceanography, international relations, meteorology, technology, mathematics and writing. Students will launch a mini boat many miles into the ocean and then track the vessel with GPS. Before launching the mini boat, students will place artifacts and correspondence into the vessel’s compartments with the hope to communicate with students from other countries such as Canada (Nova Scotia), Portugal, France and Ireland. This project integrates learning from social studies, mathematics, science, language arts, engineering and technology and promotes curiosity, risk taking, critical thinking and problem solving.