New Albany Elementary School receives large STEM grant

NEW ALBANY, MS- New Albany Elementary School (NAES) is the recipient of a $41,410 Rokenbok STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) Grant.  This grant purchased Rokenbok STEM Labs and curriculum for grades K-5 as well as 3D printers for grades 3-5.

In addition, the grant provided train the trainer sessions.  NAES teachers Bridget Spencer, Caitlin Dunnam, Sarah Garrett, Elizabeth Vogel, Laurie Phillips, and Candy Jarvis attended a two-day training in Corinth in September.  These teachers will work together to provide training to the entire staff so that all teachers can integrate the STEM labs and curriculum into their classroom.

Rokenbok is a single, continuous system of reusable materials carefully organized into Mobile STEM Labs. Students start with building blocks and, at each stage in their STEM journey, add new engineering elements and design challenges all the way through programmable robotics. Students start with fundamentals like how to make things strong and how to make things move. As students mature, they build on that foundation and explore: mechanical and structural engineering; Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing; the mechanical, programmable, and sensor driven aspects of robotics; and integrated STEM projects that explore professional design cycles.

The goal of the Rokenbok Mobile STEM labs is to help every student have a better understanding of how the world works.  Students will have opportunities to see like designers and think like engineers while giving them skills and confidence needed in their future careers.  Rokenbok STEM Education ultimately leads to more students having the desire to pursue STEM related careers.

“The grant provided materials and training to incorporate STEM instruction into our elementary curriculum,” said NAES Principal Jamey Wright.  “We will be working this instruction into our classrooms in multiple ways including through centers and through our 4th and 5th grade Math and Science classrooms”

“We are excited to be a grant recipient as it allows us to continue moving toward our goal of having the distinction of being a STEM district,” said Jackie Ford, Superintendent of New Albany Schools.