Raise the Paddle for Next Generation Science

The Raise the Paddle has historically been a parent funded supplement at the Auction that directly influences the school’s learning environment. Past parent groups have generously funded Singapore Math curriculum, grade level reading material and Reader’s Workshop curriculum, tutors, technology for students and teachers, and an artist-in-residence to write our art curriculum.

This year, the Fund an Item is to bring new life to our Science curriculum.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBdWOB3R11Y&feature=youtu.be

Why Next Generation Science

The planning that has already gone into what gets Genesee Hill to the forefront of STEM learning has been exciting, even in the dreaming stages. MakerSpaces have been explored as ways to nurture kids in creating and investigating independently and we already have a team signed up for great professional development this summer. Developing a school culture around MakerSpaces, engineering solutions to problems, and using technology tools to develop and communicate ideas requires rich curriculum content and instruction.

• We need to provide our students updated science kits that have been in place in Seattle for TWENTY years.
• We need to up-to-date curriculum resources.
• And then we need to give teachers the content knowledge and the tools to develop rich content and deep instruction.

Please consider contributing toward our goal of $40,000.

We are striving to create a learning culture that provides hands-on, creative ways for students to design, experiment, and invent as they engage in science, engineering, and math.

Check out the links below for further ideas and inspiration. We will be looking for parents to join a group of teachers to develop the plan. Please give us your feedback and let us know of your interest in the comments section.

• Systems Education Experiences : Teacher professional development – Teachers work with STEM scientists during the summer to learn how systems science is applied to better understand and solve today’s complex problems
• Next Generation Science Standards : Builds a cohesive understanding of science over time using the three dimensions of science learning
• MakerSpace : Inspires students to become participatory learners to uncover their talents, needs, and interests by making, producing, solving, creating, collaborating and thinking
• Amplify Science : Brings real-world science concepts to life