LMECC Secures Ohio STEM Classroom Grant From Battelle!
LMECC (Little Miami Early Childhood Center) was awarded $2,500 to enhance STEM learning initiatives through the Ohio STEM Learning Network Classroom Grant Program, funded by philanthropy from Battelle. This funding is part of a broader effort that has issued 248 grants this year to develop enduring, STEM-based educational projects.
Mrs. Tonya Carmack, LMECC Teacher Librarian and Makerspace Teacher, created a project called ”Mini Makers & Lego Legacy Earth Shapers!” With her grant, Mrs. Carmack was able to fund a roller coaster project for her 450+ first-grade students. The students were able to design and test roller coasters, learn about STEM careers, purchase a multitude of Makerspace materials (Legos, magnetic tiles, Keva Planks, Brain flakes) and even purchase some STEM career and roller coaster books for the library at LMECC. As part of the project, Dan Peak, P.E., President at Peak Thrills Engineering, Inc., www.peakthrills.com was able to visit her classroom and share his wealth of information as one of Paramount Kings Island’s roller coaster engineers.
A total of 197 public schools, including LMECC, have been recognized with this prestigious award. The program has impacted students across 144 of Ohio’s school districts, spanning 67 counties.
“Battelle is dedicated to broadening the scope of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, Ohio’s key resource for promoting STEM education statewide,” stated Wes Hall, Vice President of Philanthropy & Education at Battelle. “These grants are crucial in empowering educators throughout Ohio to inspire and prepare the problem-solvers of tomorrow.”
The grant program fosters the growth of the Ohio STEM Learning Network as a public-private partnership between Battelle and the State of Ohio. Ensuring all students develop the skills to be successful in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is Battelle’s top philanthropic priority.
“Access to high-quality STEM education opens doors to new opportunities for families and supports job creation in local communities,” said Kelly Gaier Evans, Director of the Ohio STEM Learning Network. “This grant program connects local STEM champions to an extensive network of STEM schools, resources, and other educators.”
Educators interested in future awards or additional support for STEM education from the Ohio STEM Learning Network can sign up here. A complete list of awarded schools is available at this link.
About the Ohio STEM Learning Network
The Ohio STEM Learning Network is committed to helping the State of Ohio inspire and train the next generation of innovative leaders. The network operates as a public-private partnership between the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and Battelle.
About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.
