For educators and administrators in Ohio and Tennessee, an exciting opportunity has emerged to enhance STEM learning through the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) Classroom Grant Program and Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) Classroom Grant program. These programs, sponsored by Battelle, offer up to $5,000 in funding for sustainable STEM education initiatives, making it an excellent chance for schools to bring innovative tools like the Climate Action Kit into their classrooms. Plus, add the MakerForge 3D printer* to your lab with this grant and unlock your students' creativity by adding 3D printed climate action accessories and building blocks to their working models. Proposals are due by 9:00 AM on September 3rd in Ohio and September 15th in Tennessee.
The Climate Action Kit: A Great Fit for the OSLN and TSIN STEM Classroom Grants
The Climate Action Kit is a STEM teaching tool that meets the criteria of the Ohio STEM Learning Network and Tennessee STEM Innovation Network Classroom Grant Programs. Here’s how it meets the criteria and student learning outcomes:
- Building a Culture of STEM: The kit encourages a deep understanding of STEM habits and mindsets, which are further developed by adding parts and accessories with the MakerForge 3D printer. Students collaborate in pairs or as a class on projects that push them to think critically and creatively, developing innovative solutions to address climate-related issues and more.
- STEM as an Approach to Teaching and Learning: With the micro:bit at its core, the Climate Action Kit teaches students to break down complex climate challenges, design and code their own projects, and engage in the iterative process of testing and refining their ideas. Then, experiment with new creations by adding to your climate action prototypes with 3D printed accessories. This hands-on approach not only solidifies key learning concepts but also fosters a deep connection to the material.
- Pathways to Success in STEM Careers: The kit is designed to build 21st-century skills essential for STEM careers. Each lesson is connected to real-world climate technologies and industries, giving students a glimpse into potential career paths and making their learning relevant to the world outside the classroom. Then, students can add to their industrial design and engineering skills while getting exposure to cutting-edge 3D printer technology.
Please note: The above bullet points are for guidance only. The grant states that your application should be your own, unique work for your own unique project. Applications that have been copy and pasted from vendor content (like this!) will be disqualified. Don't let that happen to you!
How to Secure the OSLN or TSIN Classroom Grant for Your Classroom
Ohio and Tennessee K-12 teachers and school administrators in public and charter schools are eligible to apply for this grant. With the funds, educators can purchase a class pack of the Climate Action Kit and accompanying lessons, micro:bit Go Packs, and a MakerForge 3D printer.
To apply for the grant, teachers or administrators will complete a short written grant proposal. Previous winning grant proposals have been between 400-600 words.
Read more about the OSLN STEM Classroom Grant Program
Read more about the TSIN STEM Classroom Grant Program
By integrating the Climate Action Kit into your curriculum, you not only enhance your students’ learning experience but also align with Ohio’s Environmental Literacy Plan (ELP), which emphasizes building environmental literacy through STEM education. The grant application process is competitive, but with the right focus on how the kit meets the program’s criteria, your proposal can stand out.
Budget Template
Each application requires a budget template to show how the funds will be used. Here's an example of how the Climate Action Kit, micro:bit Go Packs, and MakerForge 3D printer could be used to complete the budget template.
| Item | Description | Quantity | Unit Price | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Action Kit | STEM robotics and coding kit with the parts to build dozens of lessons spanning grades 3-12. | 15 | $225 | $3,375 |
| micro:bit Go Pack | micro:bit is a pocket-sized programmable device used as the brain for the Climate Action Kit. | 30 | $18.50 | $555 |
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*InkSmith and Forward Education are part of the same group of companies |
The easy-to-use MakerForge 3D printer is the best-in-class for education. The large format lets you make big prototypes or fit an entire classroom's models in just one print. | 1 |
|
$1,070 |
| $5,000 |
Conclusion
The Ohio and Tennessee STEM Classroom Grant Programs represents a significant opportunity for educators to enrich their STEM curriculum with cutting-edge tools like the micro:bit and the Climate Action Kit and MakerForge 3D printer. By fostering a culture of STEM, promoting hands-on learning, and connecting classroom lessons to real-world careers, these resources empower students to become the problem-solvers and innovators of tomorrow.
Apply today and take the first step towards transforming your classroom into a hub of STEM excellence and environmental stewardship.
For more information on how to apply for the grant, visit the Ohio STEM Learning Network’s grant page or Tennessee STEM Innovation Network classroom grant page.
