Roanoke Electric Co-op recently awarded $8,000 to six local teachers in support of innovative classroom learning projects for students in Northampton, Bertie and Gates counties via its longstanding Bright Ideas program.
“I am grateful that the Bright Ideas program exists to help our teachers engage and connect with their students through these virtual learning projects, especially during these challenging times,” said Patrice Jordan, the co-op’s coordinator of community relations and engagement.
Here is a summary of this year’s winners:
Kathleen Cochran of Conway Middle, Northampton County
“The Challenge Box” -- The goal of the project is to present my students with a real-world problem or situation that is designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The boxes will be distributed to the students to work on at home.
Grace Smith of Willis Hare Elementary, Northampton County
“Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead with PBL” -- Using a “project-based learning” instructional approach, this undertaking offers students activities focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) that they can carry out at home. They are provided totes with supplies and correlating lessons in the form of prerecorded videos. Live virtual instruction will supplement the materials being sent in the totes.
Wanda Cofield of Bertie High, Bertie County
“BERTIE D.C.S.” -- This grant will allow students the opportunity to use circuits and press machines to design school-related fashions. They will learn the importance of how to design, measure and “use business maturity.”
Lori Lolies of Gatesville Elementary, Gates County
“Watch Us Grow!” – Students in kindergarten through 5th grade will receive “measurement kits,” which will include hands-on manipulatives, games and resource books packed with ideas to help students grasp measurement concepts such as money, time, temperature, length, and data.
Ameshia Holland of West Bertie Elementary, Bertie County
“Digital Literacy 2020” – This grant will ensure all students have access to quality digital reading materials.
Laura Dickerson of Buckland Elementary, Gates County
“Reading for Change” – Through this project, students will have access to books with diverse characters that reflect the identities of the student population. Lessons will help students think critically about current issues, as well as focus on themes of acceptance and friendship.
Visit the Bright Ideas grant program page for more information.