LUCASVILLE — Second graders at Valley Elementary School will get new opportunities for hands-on STEM learning after Southern Ohio Cleanup Company awarded the school a $1,100 grant, according to a community announcement.
The funding will support science, technology, engineering and math activities for about 100 students. Educators hope to use part of the money to bring COSI on Wheels to the Lucasville school and expand access to science-focused books and technology in classrooms.
“Our second grade team is bringing STEM education to Valley Elementary,” said Kayla Felty, a teacher at the school. “COSI on Wheels would be our first choice.”
Southern Ohio Cleanup Company officials said Valley students already participate in another of the company’s educational initiatives, the STEAM Ahead program, which provides hands-on learning to third graders. “Any opportunity to incorporate hands-on learning is a good way to stimulate learning,” said SOCCo President and CEO Pat Timbes. “Valley is also a part of our STEAM Ahead program that provides hands-on learning to third graders, so the experience for these students will continue into next year.”
The grant comes through the company’s community grant program, which funds projects that benefit schools and families across southern Ohio. NewsForce247 will follow the second-grade team’s plans as the school year unfolds.