LOMIRA AREA EDUCATION ENRICHMENT FOUNDATION (LAEEF)
Spring of 2018 Grant Recipients
Reading Classroom Libraries
Funded to Aniya Langjahr/ Lomira Middle School
In January of 2018, Lomira Middle School 6-8 grade began the Lucy Calkins Units of Reading that coincide with the Units of Writing which have already been implemented. These units are currently being used in Lomira and Theresa Elementary Schools as part of the district supported initiative. By implementing these reading units, students will become flexible, resilient readers; create a toolkit of strategies to use with difficult texts; become knowledgeable on a range of subjects; read deeply; and be inspired to want to become lifelong readers. Because the non-fiction curriculum is set across all 3 middle school grade levels, and the instruction uses book club structure where a minimum of 4 copies are necessary, the need for relevant, high interest nonfiction titles exists.
The funds will purchase books to be housed on common shelves that are accessible for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes in the middle school library. For the last 3 months students, teachers, and classrooms have piloted highly acclaimed non-fiction new releases from the local libraries in order to ascertain the candidacy for purchase. The books we propose to purchase have been screened for content, applicability to the unit, and appeal to student interest.
Forensic and Medical Lab Equipment
Funded to Carly Salkowski/ Lomira High School
Laboratory work is an essential component tof a scientific classroom. With the use of the lab supplies I am requesting, students will be able to grow their scientific skills in the classroom, problem solve with cutting edge technology, and engage in scientific inquiry. The project materials will be used often with students to help them develop the skills needed to pass standardized tests like the ACT or even motivate students to learn science by using a hands on approach. If funded, this grant will allow students the ability to do science in the science classroom.
Connection Regardless of Location
Funded to Jeff Reindl/ Lomira High School
The goal of this project is to bring a Virtual Reality (VR) lab to all fo the students of Lomira High School. Today's students have never known a world without smartphones and they crave interaction with the world. Adding a VR component to any lesson in any subject area will create a dynamic opportunity for students to connect with the subject matter. The driving force behind this project is an idea from the work of Edger Dale. His research in 1946 observed that "the average person only remembers 20% of what the year and 30% of what they see, but up to 90% of what they personally experience." (QScience Proceedings, 2014). VR lessons will most certainly provide students with a more personal connection to any subject material.
Enhancing Music Education in Our Elementary Schools
Funded to Kari Eggert/ Lomira and Theresa Elementary Schools
My proposal seeks to bring 21st century technology into my classrooms, which will enhance the learning experiences of all of my General Music students , K-5. I am asking for a Bluetooth speaker and iPad for each of my two classrooms. The purpose of this equipment is twofold: 1) It will allow for projects/activities that are currently difficult or impossible to do, and 2) it will allow for a much more efficient use of class time, enabling the students to experience more listening, comparing and contrasting of music, creative movement, self-evaluation through immediate feedback, and the use of a greater volume of musical examples.
3D Printing Project
Funded to Blake Bogenhagen/ Lomira Middle School
8th Grade engineering students will 3D print their design projects. Throughout the engineering class, students will learn the engineering process, how to 3D model using Inventor software, and be able to print and analyze their projects. The toughest thing for middle school engineers to do is make improvements to their original design. Having their ideas 3D printed is a very crucial tool for students to be successful in this part of the design process.