Earlier this school year, Chula Vista Elementary School District’s hands-on, experiential-learning STEAM programs received a big boost, thanks to a $15,000 grant award from the Girard Foundation. Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) focuses on STEAM-based teaching and learning efforts with makerspaces at nine schools across the District and an Energy Station at the Chula Vista Public Library, South Branch. It was inspired by Innovation Station, a model partnership with the Chula Vista Public Library that opened in the Civic Center Branch in 2016.
The Girard Foundation grant will be used to increase efforts and training regarding STEAM subjects and makerspaces.
CVESD schools are creating makerspace on their campuses in order for students to continue exploring careers and STEAM concepts at school sites daily, across grade levels. Makerspaces are a place where students can can gather to work on science, technology, engineering, and art projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. As more makerspaces popup, professional development is needed so that teachers can be a guide to effectively utilize all aspects of the makerspaces.
This grant will help provide professional development consist of training classroom teachers on how to utilize John Holland’s Career Development Theory of Vocational Personalities called RIASEC and Next Generation Science Standards instruction centered around the Science and Engineering Practices. Through this grant-funded project, teachers will also become familiar with learning activities related to the San Diego Workforce Partnership-identified priority sectors and receive support translating lesson plans into learning experiences to best utilize instructional time.
Michael Bruder, Resource Teacher, Innovation and Instruction, expressed great gratitude to the Girard Foundation for this grant to provide training to teachers. He added, “As our STEAM-based initiatives grow, we appreciate this opportunity to assist District teachers in developing engaging and interactive lessons to further students’ experience with STEAM-focused activities and the exploration of potential careers related to these fields.”
The Girard Foundation is a private, grant-making foundation established in 1986. Their mission is to foster innovation in K-12 education, resulting in improved student outcomes in San Diego County. Learn more about the Giard Foundation here.
About Chula Vista Elementary School District
Founded in 1892 in southern San Diego County, California, the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) has 49 elementary schools, including charters, that are committed to ensuring a safe, challenging, and nurturing educational experience, where learning is valued and student growth and development inform instructional practices. The CVESD community is dedicated to providing youth with the support, resources, and guided experiences they need to actively explore the world around them. At CVESD, our mission is to nurture every child’s imagination, intellect, and sense of inquiry. Our motto is, Each Child is an Individual of Great Worth.
For more information on Chula Vista Elementary School District and its many amazing elementary schools, visit www.cvesd.org and be sure to follow the District on Facebook and Twitter.
Media Contact
Company Name: Chula Vista Elementary School District
Contact Person: Anthony Millican
Email: Send Email
Phone: 619-849-0260
Country: United States
Website: https://www.cvesd.org/