CUSF master grants were awarded to six different public schools. The schools that received the award include Edison Middle School, Urbana High School and Jefferson Middle School.
According to a press release, Edison Middle School teachers will use the grant to implement a unit studying Thomas Edison, Nicola Tesla and the science of electricity. Teachers Bryan Foli and Gary Pinkerton believe “that by actively connecting historical knowledge content with science lab experiences and content, students will improve in participation, enthusiasm, understanding and achievement.” The grant was partially funded by the CUSF Carle Foundation Hospital Endowment for Educational Excellence.
Urbana High School also recieved a master grant. According to a press release, Susan Gleason, Urbana High School art teacher, will use the grant will be used to purchase five Apple i-Pads and 2 Apple Mac computer stations for the AP Studio Art classes. The new technology will enhance an already existing culture of collaboration and self-directed learning by allowing the students to conceptualize, refine, research and discuss their artwork right at their fingertips with the i-Pads.
Jefferson Middle School teacher, Amos Lee, will be able to create the first-of-its-kind online course that allows students to learn math at their appropriate level of readiness through a one-on-one environment. According to a press release, the classroom will be outfitted with enough computers and N-Computing devices to allow 30 students to access the online course management system: Moodle. This grant has been partially funded by the CUSF Champaign Rotary Endowment for Educational Excellence.
CUSF awarded three additional Master Grants this year:
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1. Grant Thomas, Bottenfield Elementary School, “Making Visual Narratives”
2. Karinsa Moline, South Side Elementary School, “Fabulous Folktales Across the Arts” Fully funded by the CUSF Junior League of Champaign-Urbana Endowment for Educational Excellence
3. Richard Geiger, Urbana High School, “Interactive Learning: UHS Science” Partially funded by the CUSF Junior League of Champaign-Urbana Endowment for Educational Excellence
According to a press release, CUSF awards Master Grants of up to $4,000 to Unit 4 and Unit 116 teachers to fund classroom initiatives. Grants are awarded based on demonstrated need, innovation, impact and quality of implementation planning. CUSF awarded 6 Master Grants for a total of $16,701 to be implemented in the 2010-2011 school year.
