Three proposals have been awarded GOInnovate Grants from the Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts (GOCSD) and the Missouri Capital Asset Advantage Treasury (MOCAAT) to implement innovative projects that will enhance student learning. These projects encompass a wide range of educational approaches, from creating a PreK-8th grade STEM library to establishing a student-run community farmers market, and even developing a program to equip future educators with essential teaching skills.
PreK-8th Grade STEM Library
Submitted by Rachael Johnson, Library Media Specialist in the Laclede Country C-5 School District, Joel E. Barber School
The PreK-8th Grade STEM Library will be a new program at Joel E. Barber Elementary for the 2024-25 school year and will serve all 530 students. It will transform the library into a STEM Library to personalize and enhance student learning. This program will infuse real-world learning into every student’s plan through literacy-based STEM experiences.
Community Farmers Market
Submitted by: Chantel Nicolay, Business Teacher; Kristi Stults, FACS Teacher; and Melanie Jordan, Agriculture Teacher; in the Spokane R-7 School District, Spokane High Schools
The Community Farmers Market will have a vegetable garden created and maintained by the Agriculture Department. The FACS team will create recipes and make items, such as banana bread, zucchini bread and other creative recipes, that our patrons can buy. The Entrepreneur and Marketing Class will create and maintain a marketing campaign to sell the vegetables and food items to our community.
Innovative Curriculum Creation
Submitted by: Dr. Brandy Lee Hepler, Assistant Professor of Elementary, Early & Special Education; and Charlotte McNeary, Instructor of Elementary, Early & Special Education at Southeast Missouri State University
The Innovative Curriculum Creation project will allow students to create STREAM kits, scaled model creations, and presentation materials. The goal of this project is to create innovative and highly-effective teachers who excel in the areas of the 4Cs of Future Ready Learning (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication), the Engineering Design Process, and the 5Es (engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate).
GOInnovate Grants
GOInnovate Grants support innovative projects that improve student learning through personalized competency based learning and learner agency practices. Learn more about GOInnovate Grants and plan to submit at the start of 2025.