Wolf Creek awards Grants for Excellence every year. The awards rotate every other year between elementary and middle/high schools. The 1997 grants were awarded to elementary applicants. If you're interested in a grant award, contact Tammy Moore, (316) 364-4078.
This year's grants were awarded to 12 elementary schools. Listed are 1997 award winners:
Calhoun R-8 School will use their grant for the first stage of development of Calhoun Outdoor Learning Adventure (COLA) which will include butterfly gardens, nesting houses, bird feeders and trails around a 15 acre plot made of hills and valleys. Developing a new outdoor science lab will allow teachers to incorporate real situations and hands-on experience to develop observation skills, problem solving techniques and integrate other subjects.
Application was submitted by Tammy L. Fickle, Calhoun, Missouri
Holy Trinity Catholic School intends to seine a farm pond, collect samples, bring back to school and recreate the habitat within the classroom: conduct various manipulative experiments (controlled and uncontrolled). This is a school Pilot Project.
Application submitted by Shirley Foster and Eric White, Paola, Kansas
Saint Elizabeth School applied for the grant to purchase a freshwater fish tank, to provide the students with a real habitat which they will observe growth and change. This will also provide an opportunity to become responsible caretakers.
Application submitted by Katie Hanna and Hope Mazzeo, Kansas City, Missouri
Harmony Elementary School will use their grant to establish a science and technology lab for fourth and fifth grade students. At club meetings, students will explore varied areas of science, design ongoing experiments and projects and be able to research and discuss science with students and teachers who share their passion for science. General science equipment will be purchased, enabling students to do experimental inquiry.
Application submitted by Kathy Coughlin and Stephanie Brown, Overland Park, Kansas
Humboldt Elementary School will create a weather station as an indoor/outdoor classroom. The study of weather seems to be most naturally taught in the outdoors. The students will help build a model station on the school grounds in which they will study, assemble equipment and conduct experiments. They will measure, test and record findings. They also plan to share their information on the World Wide Web and research climates around the world. They will combine indoor lessons with outdoor experience.
Submitted by Margaret Rinehart, Humboldt, Kansas
Troy Grade School will plant outdoor gardens in landscaping timber boxes. These gardens will reflect an integrated subject theme. Students will be able to explore, discover and investigate. They will also be able to experience motivated learning by using the five senses. They will be able to see patterns and relationships between books, themselves and the environment.
Submitted by Julianne Smith, Troy, Kansas
Avondale East Elementary will implement an Energy Project. Students will use scientific inquiry and experimentation to develop and create energy/electricity creating devices. They will use computer technology as a toll as well as a learning device.
Submitted by Linda Lueders and Sue Bolley, Topeka, Kansas
Valley Heights Elementary will use the grant to complete an energy kit for use at the exit grade level. This kit will greatly increase student knowledge in the area of energy forms and transformation of energy.
Submitted by Judy M. Heward, Waterville, Kansas
McKinley Elementary School will build and equip a mobile cart to be used by any classroom to conduct earth science experiments. With microscopes, trade books, field guides and glasses, magnifying glasses, bug catchers, leaf presses and other supplies students will maximize the research they do on their field trips. Students will take short and longer field trips to study habitats. Science A-La Carte will provide multiple supplies so whole classes can have hands on investigations. Students will learn observation methods and take field notes. Students will continue research and author multi-media reports to share with classmates and the community.
Submitted by Dr. Dorothy Noyce and Celless Beck, Iola, Kansas
Jackson Heights Elementary/Middle School will implement the program "Around the World in 80 Ways." This program is an integrated unit on transportation and its alternatives. Students will explore the history of mechanized and non-mechanized means of moving from one place to another by constructing modes, integrating literature and researching historical benchmarks in transportation. This project will also link early childhood special education students with students in the eighth grade to enhance science education for both age groups. By forming these partnerships, both student groups will benefit. Alternative forms of assessment will be used at both levels to measure student mastery of objectives.
Submitted by Joe Baumchen and Kay McManigal, Holton, Kansas
Morganville and Green Elementary Schools will implement some non-traditional strategies to increase their students' enthusiasm and performance in the area of science. The grant will be used to purchase science trade books to support the Full Option Science System (FOSS). These two rural schools will share the books.
Submitted by Lori Martin, Clay Center, Kansas
Stafford Elementary School will create a school-based weather station. It will be integrated into the curriculum at grades K through twelfth. The fully automated weather station has been specifically designed for education. With the click of a mouse button, students and teachers can access real time weather data from any of the 2,700 schools worldwide.
Submitted by Lisa Cornwell, Stafford, Kansas
