Community

SUCCESS FACTOR

TYPE OF PROJECT

RATIONALE

SUCCESSFUL

Example of new curriculum: elementary weather project

• This project covers many aspects of scientific investigation and analysis, from collection of data and observation, to graphing and analysis and to the communication of results with the entire school population on a daily basis. 

• The weather data is pertinent and easy to obtain by safe, ‘hands-on’ methodology. 

• Skills in math and report writing will be developed.  The discipline, math, statistical and writing skills exercised during this project will benefit the students in all their additional studies. 

• It is sustainable over multiple years, with low cost to maintain. 

• As weather is a natural phenomenon, the concepts learned are very easy to observe and to apply. 

• The students will be more knowledgeable as citizens of the community and be more apt to understand the variability of weather in their normal ‘everyday’ life.

Example of equipment purchase linked to curriculum and learning enhancement: software, text, kits for a forensics unit

• Students will use physics, chemistry, life and earth sciences in the context of a forensics laboratory.

• They will learn the proper procedures for collecting and analyzing evidence through actual and virtual labs.

• Students will compile case notebooks, learning organizational and analytical skills.

• Unit will incorporate field trips to local art museum and university laboratory, as well as guest speakers from law enforcement.

UNSUCCESSFUL

Field Trips

Field trips tend to be event-centered, rather than providing changes in the way math/science are taught in the classroom.  However, support for a field trip may be considered if it is shown that the experience reinforces classroom learning in an innovative and substantive way.

Fund students’ attendance at special summer program

A very limited number of students benefit from this type of learning experience, which requires ongoing sources of funding, rather than a one-time investment.

Equipment purchase submitted like a purchase order

Equipment purchase is not linked to curriculum specifics, and no information is provided about how the equipment will impact and improve student learning.