Midview East Intermediate School has been awarded $5,000 to expand STEM learning projects through the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) Classroom Grant Program, funded by Battelle.
In total, 163 schools across 60 Ohio counties join Midview in winning grants, which will create sustainable science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning projects to benefit students for years to come.
Midview East Intermediate’s proposal, titled “Middie Makers Upcycled Arcade Challenge,” was submitted by STEM/PLTW Teacher Kim Kauffman with support from Curriculum Director Jodi Wolf.
With critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity at the forefront of this school-wide challenge, Midview East Intermediate students will design innovative arcade games out of repurposed cardboard and other recyclable materials. Their creations will be shared with the community during the district’s Family STEM Night on April 25 from 5:30-7 p.m.
“Beyond funding the purchase of learning supplies and tools, grants provide 21st-century learning opportunities, encourage higher-level thinking and inspire out-of-the-box ideas,” said Kauffman. “Supporting our students' ability to create and innovate through project-based learning not only deepens students’ understanding but helps connect what we do in the classroom with the world around them. I can’t wait to see their ideas come to life.”
In preparation for the engineering design challenge, Midview East Intermediate students will learn about cardboard construction techniques, the benefits of upcycling, innovation, and the evolution of arcade games. Cardboard and recycled materials will be donated by the community and local businesses.
The tools necessary for the project, including Makedo tools, creative card builder kits, Dazzlinks, a Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo LaboKits, will be funded through grant dollars. All tools purchased are sustainable, allowing students to engage in a new design challenge each year.
“As a district, our goal is to empower our students to solve real-world challenges and improve their communities by utilizing the beneficial STEM opportunities we provide,” said Midview Local Schools Superintendent Dr. Bruce Willingham. “Our continuous investment in STEM programming is crucial in our effort to foster the next generation of innovators. We are grateful to receive this grant and look forward to the ways it will be utilized to inspire and engage students for years to come.”
The grant program fosters the growth of OSLN as a public-private partnership between the non-profit research institute and the State of Ohio. Providing more access for all students to experience quality STEM education is Battelle’s top philanthropic priority.