LASF: Grants / Spring 1998

About LASF: Grant Program

Spring 1998 Grant Awards

../funding/Adding%20Machine Seven applications were received by January 31, 1998, totaling $61,712.00. Based upon the budgeted amount for Special Projects and the current level of collections the Treasurer recommended approximately $35,000 be targeted for allocations this spring and indeed such a level is available. The Treasurer believes that by the end of the LASF year there will be sufficient collections to cover all the fund budgets, the fall allocation grants and this spring $29,205 level of Special Projects funding. The Allocation Committee request permission that the remaining $5,795 be maintained in reserves for the Fall Allocation program, by approval of the LASF General Board.

The applications were very compelling and of the highest quality. The choice was, as always, a difficult process. The differences in ranking were often a matter of a very few points. The committee is pleased to recommend the following grants for Spring, 1998:

1. Automated Weather System- $6,150

Teacher: Eric Meinbress- Burton Valley School 4th grade

Fall, '99 Update: The AWS Weather Station is up and running! See it live here.

The study of the earth’s atmosphere is an integral part of the fourth grade science curriculum both through the LASF Docent & Lafayette District science curriculum. AWS is new technology that provides a weather station on the school campus. It will help bring the subject of weather alive for the students, weather data for hands-on meteorology.

This cost includes the AirWatch System Package, installation, software with Schoolsite License (Mac). An external sensor unit, mounted on a roof top will provide information that is sent to the digital display unit, this will be displayed in a location that will be visible to as many students as possible, like the library or auditorium. Unique to this system is its internet connection 24 hours a day which will enable students to access weather conditions from any classroom in the country (27,000 school sites nation wide). The Lafayette Public schools will benefit greatly from direct access to continuously updated local weather information.

2. Leadership Throughout Time - A Multimedia Experience - $8,500

Teacher: Amy Wright- Stanley - 6th grade Core, MASH (Drama, Multi Media)

Curricular focus is on the visual and performing arts, through hands on multimedia presentations. The students that will benefit in Production Studio which is a 6th grade elective class. The students of the 6th grade Core and Science classes will combine research on historical leaders and interviews with community leaders to produce a video to show students at the June picnic and 6th grade orientation and show parents at 6th Grade Orientation Night. They will share their process in the Stanley Wildcat Weekly student newspaper, The Golden Paw. This is a student driven project which requires creative problem-solving and teamwork.

The grant request for this project will require two multimedia computers with video editing software, Internet connectivity, and Jazz drives for video storage. Two multi-media stations will consist of two new computers and the existing Macintosh LC computers already in the classroom. Software, Digital Camera and printer. Professional development - Video Editing Class at Acalanes.

3. Video capture, analysis, editing and presentation - $9,800

Michael Merrick - 6th grade - Science, Math, Core

The curriculum focus is on Video Production, scientific analysis, and presentation skills through the use of Technology. To increase student motivation, interest and concept understanding through the incorporation of video creation and presentation into science and math curriculum. Materials obtained from this grant will improve access and utilization of hardware and software awarded in a prior LASF grant. Subsequently students will have more hands on use of materials and improve the use of class time. There will be high visual impact on the students as they observe the fruits of their labor. Through the use of video, the student will be able to state cause and effect relationships and incorporate them in their final project.

This grant request project requires a Hi-8 video camera with service contract and tripod, 3 Hi-8 video decks, 3 Jazz Drives , 2 VHS video decks, color monitors as well as miscellaneous equipment (video tapes, power strips and switches).

4. Practica Musica- Computer, music, theory - $4,755

Bob Athayde - Stanley Music Department (350 students)

Practica Musica, is a computer program that teaches music theory, pitch, sight reading and rhythm. It guides each student at his/her own pace, through a series of lessons that gradually build knowledge, lesson by lesson. In addition it tracks the progress of each student, making statistics on achievement readily available to teachers and administrators. The curriculum assumes students know no music theory when they start, and progresses to college level material.

This proposal will provide two computers, software and site license for Practica Musica. Student files for 300, computer table and chairs, and includes headphones.