Santeusanio Family Grant: Enhancing the First Grade Science Unit

  • School Year: 2021-2022
  • Applicants: Catherine Woods, Lead Teacher Daniela Sturm, Lisa Horan
  • School: Aiken
  • Subjects: Science

After some research, first grade teachers have discovered local science centers in Connecticut that have created programs that directly correspond to the West Hartford Science curriculum and the National Science Standards that our curriculum is based upon.

High Touch High Tech is a traveling STEM program. They will implement The Shadow Knows. Students at Aiken Elementary School will investigate the shadowy side of light. They will see how shadows form and learn about the motion of the sun. They will also have the opportunity to build a working sun dial that they will be able to take home.

Students at Aiken will experience The Life of Plants, presented by The Connecticut Science Center. This live multimedia interactive show includes real-time, explanation-based demonstrations. The Center provides handouts for students to follow along during the show or participate in live games. There is also a short, supportive digital package that includes NGSS connections and supplemental activities to help take the content further with students.

Aiken students will then turn their focus on animals with The Children's Museum of West Hartford program entitled Animal Adaptations & Habitats. Students will be introduced to the Wildlife Sanctuary animals and determine the unique ways they have adapted to meet their specific environmental needs. They will compare similarities and differences between mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

These programs offer a variety of Science instruction to our students that will create excitement and enhance their learning experience. Thank you to the Foundation for funding this grant.

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