Schools in Allen County can expect a boost in STEM programs thanks to nearly a million dollars in grants from the USDA.
The grants will benefit schools in four counties: Allen, Franklin, Neosho and Woodson. The grants were announced by the USDA Thursday and total $943,163. They will provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes to students in rural areas.
They’ll also enable Neosho County Community College to create new STEM distance learning capabilities in Chanute and Ottawa, to serve surrounding rural areas including Franklin County, and Neosho County schools especially with increased allied health courses needed to improve residents’ health and to decrease out-migration.
In particular, the grants will provide schools with an Anatomage Interactive Table used for anatomy and physiology classes. The tables provide 3-D, virtual dissection of the human body. The table shows a to-scale virtual body, offering students a chance to examine the anatomy and physiology similar to what would be done during dissection of a corpse.
The Regional Rural Technical Center at LaHarpe will receive a table for its Allied Health program.
Schools in the Humbodlt and Marmaton Valley schools also will receive a table.
Each table is valued at $70,000.
In addition, Humboldt and Marmaton Valley schools received grant money for STEM programs.
Humboldt
The district will receive $382,960 in grant money.
It will be used to purchase 20 iMac computers and “zSpace” virtual reality units for STEM education (30 for elementary, 30 for middle school and high school).
Students last year saw a presentation from a technology center in Wichita, which offered engineering activities. Superintendent Kay Lewis said the students were enthralled by the program, so she wanted to bring it to the district for students to incorporate into classroom learning.
“You could hear a pin drop, they were so focused on what they were doing and using their brains to try to figure out how to make it work,” Lewis said. “We want to give our students as many opportunities as possible in a small district.”
Elementary school students will also receive virtual reality units that allow them to “travel” to regions of the world.
Marmaton Valley
The district will receive about $130,000 in grant money.
The money will be used for a “Kinderlab” robotic activity center to introduce preschool students to robotics and engineering concepts at an early age.
The district also will receive special overhead projectors that will enhance distance learning opportunities for remote students. The projectors are used in the classroom but also can be viewed remotely.
The district will also receive three virtual reality goggles that will allow students to explore regions of the world.
