Our Educational Grant Committee would like to highly recommend the two projects below that fall within the SAME $6K budget for the 2022-2023 School.

• Dassel-Cokato Middle School, Cokato, MN – The school requested 16 Snap Circuits kits to introduce students to the concepts of engineering and technology through incorporation of science and mathematics. Students used Snap Circuits kits in teams working together to develop an understanding of electrical circuits, electronic exploration, and to complete challenges. Students will be introduced to the basic properties of electricity and electronics. They will learn the fundamentals behind circuitry and how circuits are used in the technological devices we use today. An overview of simple circuits, followed by paired students' testing of the kits will provide insight into the types of circuits and compare the differing properties of series circuits and parallel circuits. In STEM classes in 5th grade students will begin investigation into electrical engineering and will continue developing their engineering skills through eighth grade.  The school was awarded $2,986.64 to support approximately 625 students in grades 5 through 8.  Post member Helen Walz is the SAME sponsormon this project.

• Moreland Arts and Health Sciences Magnet, West St. Paul, MN -  The school requested 10 Lego Education Spike Essential kits. The students received age-appropriate instruction in block coding. Students in grades K-2 use Scratch Jr, an app with simple icon block coding. In grade 3, students completed lessons on Code.org, which moves students to using word-block coding. Finally, in grade 4, students conducted simple projects using the full Scratch program, which is a web-based interface that allows for more open-ended projects. These programs encourage skills in computer-based logic, problem solving, critical thinking, persistence, and processing/language. Lego SPIKE takes coding concepts and skills and brings them to life by allowing students to encounter the power of hands-on projects. SPIKE pairs familiar Lego bricks with motors, light matrixes, color sensors, and an intelligent hub to bring it all together. The school was awarded $2,749.50 to support approximately 350 students in grades K through 4. (https://bit.ly/3OJVbro). Post member  Wade Carr is the SAME sponsor on this project.

• Normandy Park Education Center, Early Childhood, White Bear Lake, MN – This education center requested a grant to purchase two Fairy Tale Problem Solving STEM Kits and eight Ramps and Balls Exploration Kits. These kits were shared across multiple locations.  The Fairy Tale kit allows students to design a house that can’t be blown down, construct a bridge to keep goats safe from the troll and build a chair that Goldilocks cannot break.  With the Ramps and Balls kit, wooden ramps and balls of different sizes are used as students build, test and experiment.   The materials and resources support interactive experiences with questions related to mass, friction, speed, inclined planes, structural support, etc. Students ask questions and challenge themselves until a solution is found. The program was awarded $1,710.00 to support approximately 400 students at eight different schools for the pre-K level.  Post member Kevin Denn is the SAME sponsor on this project.  This application is focused on the pre-K levels (i.e.. 4 and 5 year old) which is technically outside of the K-12 grades of the Post Stem grant program.  However, practically it met the intent of the program.  This was demonstrated on the application which requested materials to support the MN Educational Science standards.

Saint Ambrose Catholic School, Woodbury, MN – The school was awarded $2,801.62 to support a project in which approximately 60 seventh and eighth grade students will benefit. The project uses robots to be used for simulating recovery efforts because of natural disasters. Specifically, students will look at how recovery teams use technology such as robots to find survivors, determine damage, and plan clean-up responses. The funds are being used to purchase Dash Robots and Bee Bots so that students can work in pairs to program and learn with this technology.

Sibley East Elementary School, Gaylord, MN – The school was awarded funds to purchase Engineering is Elementary curriculum activity kits. These are hands on engineering challenges that will enhance the engineering initiative within each grade level. The curriculum activity kits will give students the opportunity to design alarm circuits, bridges, windmills, and shelters. The estimated number of participating students is 462 elementary school students. The grant was for $2,411.

Dassel Cokato Middle School, Cokato, MN – The school was awarded funds to purchase 15 programmable BOLT robots and a Sphero self-guided course for the instructor. The BOLT robots will be used to complete a variety of coding challenges while utilizing math and science principles in the STEM classroom. Utilizing these robots and the challenges/opportunities they bring will open doors and provide experiences that students did not know were available. The estimated number of participating students is 214 middle school students. The grant was for $2,700.

Sibley East Elementary School, Gaylord, MN – The school was provided funds to purchase equipment for an Engineering in Elementary” program. The program is geared to grades k through 5 and would include units on;

• The Best of Bugs: Designing Hand Pollinators,
• Now You're Cooking: Designing Solar Ovens,
• Go Green: Recycled Racers;
• The Sky is the Limit: Engineering Flying Technologies; and
• Marvelous Machines: Making Work Easier

The estimated number of participating students is 470 elementary school students. The grant was for $2,192. Sibley East Middle School, Arlington, MN  – The school was awarded funds t to support a program for a Stem Scopes program developed by Accelerate Learning. The curriculum is aligned with the Minnesota standards and covers the applicable areas of Physical Science and the standards relating to the Nature of Science and Engineering through an inquiry based curriculum. Topics include but are not limited to: Structure of Matter; Conservation of Mass; Kinetic Energy; Potential Energy; Chemical Reactions;

Energy Changes; Light Wave Modelling and Physical and Chemical Properties. The estimated number of participating students is 300 middle school students. The grant was for $2,200.

Otter Lake Elementary School, White Bear Lake, MN – This is in support of Phase 2” of the same project supported in 2018. The primary objective of this project is to increase and strengthen the outdoor science and engineering based exploration of the natural environment. The outdoor learning space will support science and environmental programs, such as the water education Race 2 Reduce Program, pollinator prairie program, and supporting naturalists to come and share environmental programs. This project will support the 600+ population of the elementary school plus various other groups. The grant was for $1,600.

Hudson Middle School, Hudson, WI – This grant supported the schools request to purchase equipment and materials for students to create Arduino controlled devices that use sensors, lights, motors and actuators to solve real world student selected problems. Students will apply the engineering design process to create, test, modify, and subsequently improve their devices. Students will learn basic programming language and study the interaction between hardware and software. The estimated number of participating students is 75 middle school students. The grant was for $2,998.62.

Otter Lake Elementary School, White Bear Lake, MN – The school requested funds to support a portion of a larger program to develop an outdoor learning space to enhance their STEM focus. The primary objective of this project is to increase and strengthen the outdoor science and engineering based exploration of the natural environment. The outdoor learning space will support science and environmental programs, such as the water education Race 2 Reduce Program, pollinator prairie program, and supporting naturalists to come and share environmental programs. This project will support the 600+ population of the elementary school plus various other groups. The grant was for $3,000.

Sonneysn Elementary, New Hope, MN – Grant supported the purchase of iPod touch devices to support virtual reality (VR) exploration of geology, architecture, landforms, outer space, volcanos just to name a few. The potential of this exploration is unlimited. This project support approximately 500 students in grades K through 5th. The grant was for $3000.

St. Louis Park High School, St. Louis Park, MN  – Grant supported the purchase of a three dimensional printer to be used in high school engineering classes. This equipment allows to students to better explore the world of engineering and learn about forces, torques, structures, motors, robotics, control systems just to name a few. This project support approximately 80 students at the high school level. The grant was for $3000.

Academy for Sciences & Agriculture High School – Robotics kits for Middle School science classes and middle school robotics team competition. First Robotics goal is to develop ways to inspire students in engineering and technology fields. Grant for $3000.

Hamline and Jie Ming Elementary – This grant will support the purchase supplemental Engineering is Elementary units and materials. STEM materials will promote deeper learning through hands on laboratory experiences. Students will develop greater comprehension of science and engineering concepts as they relate to real world problems and solutions. Engineering is Elementary” science kits for $2950.

Valley Middle School of STEM – Grant funds will be used to support 7 schoolwide STEM challenges. (1) Moon Rockets-Design and build an air-powered rocket that can accurately hit a target from a distance of 12 feet. (2) Touchdown-Create a landing platform that will safely cushion the lunar modules landing. (3) Moon Rover-Build a rubber band powered vehicle that can traverse the moon's surface. (4) Heavy Lifting- Construct a cardboard crane that can be used to load moon rocks. (5) On Target-Design and build a zip line system that can accurately drop a marble on a target. (6) Nano Testing-Create an obstacle course that your Nano Hexbug can successfully complete. (7) Totally Lunar-Create a lunar community that includes: map of the lunar surface, a greenhouse, homes, community center, park, landing zone, and communications center. Seven schoolwide STEM activities for $2234.

Math and Science Academy – Supplies for three different STEM stations, geology, electronic circuits, digital microscopes/slides. Supplies for STEM stations for $413.

Elmwood Schools, Elmwood, WI – 10 Graphing Calculators for $1278. Approximately 105 Senior High students will benefit from this grant.

Farnsworth Aerospace – Lego NXT Equipment for $2720. Approximately 200, sixth through eighth grade students will benefit from this grant.

Rosemount Elementary – 11 Chrome Notebooks for $2959. Approximately 30, fifth graders will benefit from this grant.

Valley Middle School – Bridge to support hot wheels cars, track for $1650. 850 plus middle school students will benefit from this assistance.

Additional Recipient  – Green Girls robotics club – $400 to support trip to World Adolescent Robotics Competition in Beijing, China. About 8 fine young ladies will benefit from this grant.

Beacon Preparatory School, Bloomington, MN  – Awarded $3,065.00 to purchase Lab Quest tablets, software and multiple scientific measurement devices to study thermal energy and state changes, CO2 and functions of living creatures and What’s in our Water?” This project supports approximately 200 students in the 6th through 8th grade levels.

Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School, Eagan, MN – Awarded $2,095 to purchase a weather station. The station will be used to conduct a school wide year long project on local weather and seasonal changes. This project supports approximately 350 students in the Kindergarten through 4th grade levels.

Edgewood Middle School, Mounds View, MN  – Awarded $1,200 for the school to purchase materials and equipment to be used for the National Engineers Week in 2015. Examples include but are not limited to Gumdrop Dome, Build Your Own Robot Arm, and Radioactive Golf Balls. This project supports approximately 600 students in the 6th through 8th grade levels.

Elmwood High School, Elmwood, WI  – Awarded $2,716.94 to purchase 19 organ and organ system models for the schools transcript advanced biology class. The models can show the damage to body associated with plaque buildup and obesity. This project supports approximately 30 students in the 12th grade level.

McGuire Middle School, Lakeville, MN – Awarded $718.00 to acquire materials for a Marble Roller Coaster Project. This project will aid approximately 320 students to learn the physics concepts of kinetic and potential energy, friction and gravity. The participating grade level is 6.

Elmwood High School, Elmwood, WI  – Awarded $2,835.84 to acquire iPads to create an electronic portfolio of a forest. The species, location and attributes of the forest will be mapped and examined. This project will support approximately 20 students in the 11th and 12th grades.

Willow Lane Elementary, White Bear Lake, MN – Awarded $3,000.00 to acquire iPads to be used with the iSTEM and iStrive features to study physics, biological, mathematical and engineering concepts. This project will support 60+ students at the 2nd grade level.

Math & Science Academy, Woodbury, MN  – Awarded $1,250.00 to support the Fighting Calculators” robotics team. The funds will allow the team to mentor newer teams participating in the robotics competition. This project will support approximately 45 students in the 9th through 12th grade.

Andover High School, Andover, MN – Awarded $1,250 to support the purchase of equipment for an Anatomy and Physiology course. The equipment will enhance the understanding of how human biological systems can be supported with scientific and engineering solutions. This project will support approximately 70 students in the 11th and 12th grades.

Sunrise Park Middle School, White Bear Lake, MN – Awarded $2,500.00 to purchase laptops computers and robotic kits to expand and improve the LEGO robotics program as an extracurricular activity for approximately 50 students. The participating grade level is 6-8.

Cottage Grove Middle School, Cottage Grove, MN – Awarded $2,500.00 to purchase six IPads to be used to attract and engage students in math, science, and technology. This equipment will increase the use of technology during their scientific investigations allows students to instantly access their project, research, online lessons and the new interactive textbooks. In excess of 400 students will have access to this equipment. The participating grade level is seventh.

Math & Science Academy, Woodbury, MN – Awarded $2,175.00 to purchase equipment to support the "Fighting Calculators" team in mentoring and outreach other potential teams in the surrounding area. The equipment will be used to set up demonstrations at different schools and events with the intent to promote and recruit new members for the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition. Approximately 30 students are a part of the Fighting Calculators.” The participating grade level is 9-12.

Rice Lake Elementary School, Lino Lakes, MN  – Awarded $1,841.50 to purchase a stormwater simulation system and supplies to educate students on the environmental impacts of stormwater runoff and how to manage it in a more eco-friendly manner. The annual number of participants is expected to be 48 students. The participating grade level is first grade.

Lakeview Elementary School, Lakeville, MN  – Awarded $2,182.50 to support taking 120 students to an event at the Minnesota Planetarium Exploradome and to purchase a computerized telescope. The participating grade level is third grade.

Math & Science Academy, Woodbury, MN  – Awarded $2,118.00 to purchase parts for a robotics project to support the "Fighting Calculators" 18 person team to construct a robot that will be used for competitions and educate others about mathematics, physics and engineering principals. Currently 18 students are directly affected, in addition to younger students exposed through outreach activities. The participating grade level is 9- 12.

Harriet Bishop Elementary School, Savage, MN  – Awarded $2,355.73 to purchase two HydroGeology Stream Tables to study the forces that shape the land, and also introduce students to the engineering involved in building dams, levees, and generating hydroelectric power. The stream tables will be used annually in the science program and shared with other district schools. The participating grade level is fifth grade, with approximately 100 kids benefitting.

City View Performing Arts Magnet, Minneapolis, MN – Awarded $1,125.00 to create a 10 Step Rube Goldberg project incorporating simple machines which also includes a field trip to "The Works" museum. The "Rube Goldberg" project is part of the Gateway to Technology (GTT) engineering course offered after school and in the summer. Approximately 20 students are benefitted by this grant. The participating grade level is 6-8.

Park Avenue Youth & Family Services, Minneapolis, MN; Tronix Team – Awarded $1,346.87 to support the creation of a "Lunchbox Boombox." The objectives of the Tronix program is to (1) Foster and interest in science and technology, (2) Maintain contact / follow up with Tronix participants and track progress and (3) Recruit former Tronix participants to become Junior instructors. Approximately 30 students are benefitted by this grant. The participating grade level is 6-8.

Willow Lane Elementary, White Bear Lake, MN  – Awarded $1,845.00 to establish a community garden that the entire school will participate in designing, constructing, planting, maintaining, harvesting, and replanting. This project supports the principles of mathematics, engineering and biology. The entire school’s population of 350+ benefits from this grant. The participating grade level is K-5.

Arlington BioSMART High School, St. Paul, MN  – Awarded $2,400 to purchase 6 programmable robotic arms and six computers through the MN Computers for Schools program. This equipment is to support the schools purpose in introducing students to the bio industries, particularly in the medical and health sciences and engineering technology. Approximately 125 students are benefitted by this grant annually. The participating grade level is 10-12