Sandy Springs Education Force Awards STEAM Grants

SANDY SPRINGS, GA - From The Sandy Springs Education Force: The Sandy Springs Education Force awarded STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Math) grants to all 11 public schools in Sandy Springs for the 2018-2019 academic year. As the culmination of the organization's STEAM Showcase, the grants are made possible through the support of champions who support SSEFs headline spring event. The 2018 STEAM Showcase major sponsors were Blue Bird Corporation, Google Fiber, Mercedes-Benz, Comcast, Cox Enterprises and Northside Hospital.

These grants inspire students to expand and cultivate their interests in how science, technology and the arts impact our lives and engage them in planning for the future. Eduardo Velazquez, an elementary student at Lake Forest Elementary School commented on how participation in last year’s STEM Club at his school inspired him to think he can do anything he wants with his future. He exclaimed, “I know my dreams can come true as long as I work hard."

Irene Schweiger, executive director of SSEF, noted, “With the support of our sponsors, and in partnership with teachers and administrators in the wonderful public schools in Sandy Springs, our STEAM Legacy grants
encourage all students to explore new STEAM interests and potential careers in these crucial workforce areas,
regardless of their families’ economic situations.”

The 2018 STEAM grants will support the following initiatives:

Dunwoody Springs Elementary - After-School STEAM Club

The club will enhance student understanding of the Next Generation Science Curriculum via hands-on activities, field trips, guest speakers and community involvement.

Heards Ferry Elementary - Building Robots from Scratch
Art and science will combine in a curriculum that infuses art and creativity. Students will build robots.

High Point Elementary - Math Hound Bowl
The grant will continue to support Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS), known as
the "Hound Bowl" which is entering its third year.

Ison Springs Elementary - Coding Club
Students will learn how to use software, practice computer skills and guide robotic vehicles.

Lake Forest Elementary - After-School STEAM Club
Students in grades 3 through 5 will experience hands-on activities, guest speakers, field trips and be engaged in community involvement.

Spalding Drive Elementary - Full STEAM Ahead
Funds will support a Coding Club, where students will code Lego Mindstorm. It will also fund an Art Club,
where students will collaborate and create artwork to display.

Woodland Elementary - Woodland Drone Club
Students in grades 3 through 5 will learn about the various applications of drones and then apply that knowledgeto program devices using the Tickle app on iPads.

Ridgeview Charter Middle School - Music Meets Physics with Beats Makers Lab
Workshops will focus on the physics of sound and music using littleBits. Students will explore the rhythmic
pulsing of sound.

Sandy Springs Charter Middle School - Lend a Hand and Drones for Good Clubs
Students will learn about how biomedical engineers create assistive devices for people with fine motor skill
disabilities. In addition, students will increase their problem solving, communication, collaboration and research skills working with drones.

North Springs Charter High School - Audio Video Technology/Film Club
Students will work on special projects for the school and community. The club will participate in film
competitions within the school district and the state.

Riverwoood International Charter School - Maker Space and Project Based Learning
Funds will purchase a Designjet printer and a Scan and Cut machine as part of the larger initiative of creating a Maker Space to help increase the number of teachers using effective inquiry or project based learning
assignments.

Image via Sandy Springs Education Force