Aliquippa School District in Beaver County was awarded $1,000 to hold an annual science fair for 3rd and 4th graders. Students will choose from four areas: the nature of science, physical science, biological science, or earth science, to complete an 8-week project. They will collect data, conduct experiments, and gather general information. At the end of the session the school will hold a three-day science fair where outside professionals from chemical companies will judge the student’s projects.
Austin Area School District in Potter County was awarded $8,000 to engage students in a watershed education program. Sixth graders will use canoes, and learn water sampling and mapping while engaging in studies about macro invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The 7th graders will go on an outing to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s residential center where they will have discussion with area residents about the bay; pull crab nets, eel pots, and oyster drags; canoe though salt marshes; and go marsh mucking.
ClearWater Conservancy of Central PA, Inc. in Centre County was awarded $2,500 to provide students in grades K-4 and 6-7 with resources to learn about watershed and the environment. In a hands-on, outdoor educational setting students will participate in stream studies, hikes, and play educational games. Students will discover information about the habitat of streams, food chains, and the cultural history of the area.
Homer-Center School District in Indiana County was awarded $4,800 to revitalize interest in the natural environment in fourth through 6th graders. Through a partnership with an environmental education program, students will explore 640 acres of land with areas ranging from forests, to streams, to windmills, to areas with historic value. Fourth graders will study the ecosystem, 5th graders will take part in a Geology Hike, and 6th graders will complete an extensive study of water.
Lenape Tech in Armstrong County was awarded $9,500 to “Power Up”. This high school project will challenge students by first gaining a scientific background about the principles of power generation and transmission. Then, students will assemble and operate a small-scale wind turbine by choosing location, placement, assembly, maintenance, and electrical connections of the windmill. A monitor will display the power that is produced and will be accessible to students, parents, and the community through the web.
Longview Elementary School in Jefferson County was awarded $3,500 to develop programming for K-5 students along the Mahoning Shadow Rails to Trails. Teachers will create sceneries involving wildlife, nature, and watersheds. Students will be expected to problem solve, observe, and collect data on the scenarios. Upon return to the classroom students will journal, measure, and record findings as well as run a school store that will generate its proceeds back into the Rails to Trails organization.
