MISSISSIPPI: INBRE funds K-12 STEM education
Mississippi INBRE recently awarded a grant totaling nearly $2,500 to Mt. Salus Christian School, a private K-12 school based in Clinton, MS. Mt. Salus used the grant to purchase materials for multiple STEM-focused classes, ranging from simple wrenches and screwdrivers to microscopes and even robots. Mt. Salus reports that these materials have made a profound difference in the quality of education the students have received. Many have even expressed an interest in pursuing a STEM-focused career during college and beyond.
Susanna Reese is a faculty member at Mt. Salus and teaches 9th grade biology, 11th grade microbiology, as well as K-5th STEM. Ms. Reese says the materials have made a major difference. Her 11th grade microbiology class is especially pleased to have access to microscopes that would ordinarily only be available to college students.
“My first grade class is learning how to use wrenches and screwdrivers to create their robots. They are also learning the valuable skill of reading directions that are given in pictures and steps. These hands-on activities are crucial to student development of critical thinking and problem solving,” states Ms. Reese.