Engineering and Innovation Lab
Applicants: Joan Parker, HKMS Principal, and Sue Kaplan, HKMS Assistant Principal
Target Population: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students at HKMS
Content Area of Project: STEM/Science
Amount of Grant: $115,000 for 2010–2014
A highly regarded national pre-engineering program designed by Project Lead the Way (PLTW) was added to the 6th – 8th grade curriculum at HKMS in 2010. The Engineering and Innovation Lab is an activity-oriented, five-unit middle school program designed to help all students explore math, science, and technology through courses that require hands-on exploration and problem solving.
A walk by room #105 at HKMS proves that the dream became a reality. The lab has been built, a dynamic new young teacher has been hired, training has taken place, computers, modules, and building materials have been purchased. The lab is the home for a pre-engineering program called “Gateway to Technology” created by Project Lead the Way (PLTW).
Open House
HKMS held an open house Sunday, October 24, 1–3 PM to show off the new Engineering & Innovation Lab in room 105.
U.S. students rank 25th out of 29 developed countries in preparedness in math and science. U.S. national security and global competitiveness is at risk. We want to do better. Our future depends on it. ELF has a plan. A five year plan. ELF is funding STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) grants and projects in all three Easton schools.
The initial cost of providing the Engineering and Innovation Lab for five years for grades 6–8 at HKMS is approximately $115,000. ELF successfully raised these funds to provide this program for the 2010-2014 school years.
For more information:
- photos of the Lab Open House on October 25, 2010
- letter to Connecticut Consortium of Education Foundations (CTCEF), August 2010
- “More (Steve) Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, Jobs,” article from the New York Times, January 23, 2010
- unequivocal support for the Easton Learning Foundation and Project Lead the Way by Dr. Allen Fossbender (former superintendent), winter 2010
- pictures of STEM classrooms in Stratford, Connecticut
- Joan Parker (HKMS Principal) explains need for Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Engineering and Innovation Lab/Project Lead the Way (PLTW) grant proposal showing breakdown of required funds of $115,000- STEM campaign flyer
- Project Lead the Way website, www.PLTW.org
