Hands- On Science Field Trip

School:: Dune Lakes Elementary School
Subject:: STEM Education
Teacher:: Melissa Lessig
: Julie Perk, Nicole Gil, Leanna Crumbley, Toni Peavler, Noel Gallicano, Lauren Weninegar
Students Impacted:: 126
Grade:: 1
Date:: October 1, 2019

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

The Alys Foundation - $1,500.00

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 0

We were not able to attend due to COVID-19. Thank you for the oppurtunity, we were looking forward to this field trip. Hopefully we will be able to try again next school year.

Original Grant Overview

Goal

First grade students will be exposed to science in a fun, interactive, play-based environment that is age appropriate to stimulate their curiosity and understanding of the way things work and the world around them.

What will be done with my students

This field trip will help 6-7 year old students build background knowledge of scientific concepts. My entire grade level of 125-130 students will attend a hands-on science center with exhibits and science lessons directly aligned with our science standards.
Every field trip admission includes a maker-space opportunity, a grade-appropriate lesson, a 30 minute animal encounter, and time exploring their hands-on museum. Upon arriving at the Science Center, students will be chaperoned by an adult to tour multiple areas of the museum. The Emerald Coast Science Center has exhibits that focus on robotics, engineering, physics, electricity, color and light. Additional exhibits include eco-system elements lab, experimenters lab, and an interactive chem lab. Adults guide students by providing information and time to explore and interact with materials.

Benefits to my students

This science immersion will benefit students by providing them an opportunity to experience science and understand explanations of "why" and 'how" that inquisitive children naturally ask. For many of our students, this will be their first impression of science. It is my dream for this field trip to install a love for science that will stay with the students as they progress throughout their school career.

Students will participate in a survey questionnaire to determine their level of background knowledge of scientific concepts as a baseline measurement. As a follow-up measure on the impact of this adventure, students will write responses to specific prompts related to the experiences gained at the Emerald Coast Science Center to demonstrate understanding.

Budget Narrative

Admission to the Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach, FL for the entire grade level of approx 130 students. Teachers and 1 chaperone per 10 students is free. Transportation for students and staff will be provided by the Walton County School District transportation department.