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November 4, 2005
$28,750 in grants will support Point Comfort science education
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Alcoa Foundation has awarded two grants for a total of $28,750.00 to Calhoun County Independent School District to support science education at the elementary and middle school levels.
"At the core of this initiative is a commitment to enhance the materials and resources available to students and teachers as they study science," said Laurel Cahill, Communications/Community Affairs Supervisor, Alcoa Point Comfort Operations.
"Through its contribution to the CCISD Science Initiative, Alcoa Foundation is helping give our students opportunities to experience hands-on learning," said Deborah Swope, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, CCISD. The grant helps students explore and discover science concepts in the fundamental areas of Life, Earth, and Physical Science. "This support for the District’s science curriculum is critical to prepare students to successfully meet the state standards in the content area of Science," Swope said.
A $20,000 grant will fund the purchase of science kits along with other supplemental materials for all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Science classrooms. The kits cover topics such as, Measurement, Mixtures and Solutions, and Water.
A grant for $8,750 to the Water Watchers group at Travis Middle School will enable students to research coastal erosion in Calhoun County. Students will use technology to study, record, and analyze coastal changes from elements such as weather and tides and the impact on wildlife and habitat. Students will work in the field for observation and data collection. On a daily basis, students will monitor meteorological data to support the project from the classroom. Amarillo Middle School (in West Texas) will partner with Travis Water Watchers to study the effects of coastal erosion through data collected in Calhoun County. The data shared and discussions generated will expose Panhandle students to a new geographical region of Texas."Travis Water Watcher students will benefit by developing leadership qualities and taking greater ownership of their community and its valuable resources,” said Sherrie Krause, 8th Grade Science Teacher at Travis Middle School. “Water Watcher students become active participants in their local environment by choosing an environmental concern, using the scientific method to solve the problem, and informing their peers and the community of the results," Krause noted. Krause and fellow Science Teacher Debra Sonsel serve as co-coordinators for the Travis Water Watchers program.
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