MEF Round 30 Awarded Grants – May, 2017

Return to Awarded Grants Directory…

Round 30 Grants – May, 2017

  1. Enhancing Critical Thinking through Digital Learning
    The goal with digital teaching and learning is to encourage deeper thinking, foster questioning strategies and techniques to promote higher level thinking and problem solving skills.  The  objective is to supply the students with the foundation necessary to be successful when taking state-mandated assessments (ISTEP).  By giving students early exposure to this type of learning, we will be providing students with the appropriate skills necessary to be a successful employee in our ever changing  technological society. It goes without  saying how essential it is to be competent  with technology due to the increased amount of usage throughout most careers, health care systems, and basic daily resources.
    Iddings, 1st and 2nd, 300 students, $500.00

  2. Songtales: Stories to Sing
    Songs to Read. Our project, SongTales, will combine music and reading by using picture books of traditional folk songs to teach listening skills and expression to kindergarten, first, and second grades. SongTales are songs that tell stories in the form of books that can be sung or songs that can be read.  Each music classroom will have a collection of beautifully illustrated books to present to students several times over the course of the school year.  Utilizing SongTales will help students develop music skills while reinforcing reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
    Wood, Fieler, Salk, Miller, Iddings, K-2, 1400 students, $1000.00

  3. Stem Integrated Unit/Project:  Rocket Launch
    Students in the Freshman Academy are learning the Engineering Process of Design (POD).  Math  and science teachers within the Academy have been developing STEM units that challenge these students to use the Process of Design to solve problems.  These units give students an opportunity to apply concepts and skills they have learned in math and science in a practical real world scenario.  This project will challenge students to engineer a rocket-like device that can land at a specified trajectory.  They will be required to meet specific criteria as set by their simulated client, the American Red Cross.  As students work in collaborative teams to engineer their designs, the following tools will be required:  mini rocket launcher, straw launcher  kit, measuring tool and instructions.  The students will be able to design  a controlled experiment to explore the different variables that affect the overall trajectory of their launches.  To culminate their experiences each team will prepare a proposal presentation.  Their presentations should share the analysis of their data with the American Red Cross and also state their claim for why their design should be selected for production by the agency.
    MHS, 9th grade, 110 students, $571.30

  4. Merrillville Robotics Club
    The team develops the robot and then participates in a number of competitions.  The  team has progressed from 27th out of 30 to 19th out of 29 teams.  The program consists of CAD training as well as STEM.  A robot costs $1366.  The club is working on grants from Donors Choice, FIRST Organization, and Farmer’s Insurance
    MHS, Grades 9-12, 15 to 30 students, $1000.00

  5. Readers are Testing Leaders
    This project aims to expand the reading resources available to our students in whole class and small group reading instruction through small group learning kits and rigorous reading passages.  Using the resources will allow for differentiation of instruction while preparing them for the rigorous questions they will face on ISTEP.
    Salk, 3rd and 4th grade, 285 students, $528.76

  6. Little Bits:  Making a Big Difference at MIS
    STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) project will allow students to work collaboratively in our new Makerspace area of the library. Students will have the opportunity to learn about STEAM and begin to understand the integration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.  With our projects, we will begin our journey to become a more project based STEAM building and understand the value of these lessons in getting all of our student’s college and career ready for the 21st Century. 
    MIS, 5th and 6th grade, 956 students, $951.62

  7. The Mindfulness Project
    This project will teach children how to build self awareness, effectively handle their emotions, and empathetically manage their relationships.  Self awareness to students leads to social and emotional regulation. Applying these concepts will reduce conflicts between students, leading to fewer in-school and out-of-school suspensions.  Students that are present and aware are more productive and perform better academically.
    Miller, Grades K-4, 400 students, $708.75

TOTAL ROUND 30 GRANTS:  $5,259.53

Return to Awarded Grants Directory…

All Awarded Grants