In partnership with CDE Lightband, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Bicentennial Volunteers Inc, Kenwood Middle School was awarded $5,000 in STEM grant funds. STEM at its core is a teaching philosophy that blends Science, Technology, Engineering and Math together which offers students the opportunity to experience real world applications. Kenwood Middle School was one of the 197 awardees out of 600 submissions from across TVA’s seven state territory.
The grant program centers on schools who explore TVA’s primary areas of focus: environment, energy and economic development. Schools who receive grant funding must receive their power from a TVA distributor. Across the valley, educators submitted projects large and small, to further STEM education initiatives – both in person and virtual.
“TVA is committed to supporting STEM education to help develop today’s students into tomorrow’s engineers, scientists and IT professionals,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA executive vice president and chief external relations officer. “It’s inspiring to be able to contribute to the innovators of the next generation.”
Inside the classroom, Chad Ward, Computer Literacy teacher, is preparing students for hands-on learning as they engage the world of computer coding, drones and robotics. Students will utilize a drone, yardstick and their laptops as they map out their drones’ anticipated flight trajectory. It challenges the students as they input the coding into their drone to fly from one square to the next within the classroom. The key component is teaching the students necessary problem solving skills if the drone navigates off its path. The grant provides the opportunity to expand the program by offering more opportunities for equipment purchases, replacement parts, additional drones, etc.
“To be able to sustain growth, we need to cultivate our upcoming generations. STEM encourages the curiosity, knowledge and development of young minds in real world settings. We are proud to support our schools’ STEM programs for the future of tomorrow,” said Brian Taylor, general manager of CDE Lightband.
CHECK OUT THE COOL THINGS HAPPENING AT KENWOOD!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIRrVnJ_ZZk
Video courtesy of Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS)