A Learning Links grant for $2,508 was awarded to Saluda Elementary School for the Innovation Nation project to be used to provide hands-on learning opportunities to students in grades 3-5.  STEAM, the integration of art with science, technology, engineering and math is a cross-curricular approach that involves students using the iterative design thinking process to find and solve problems.

The grant, written by 5th grade teacher Ginger Rackley and Media Specialist Kevin Burnett is provided by the Ben W. and Dixie Glenn Farthing Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

“We want our students to think outside the box–to invent, create, and design.  We also want our students to work together on projects to better learn how to collaborate.  The materials for our makerspace will allow the students time to work on these skills,” stated Ginger Rackley.   

The grant will be used to acquire materials for a makerspace within the school media center, as well as materials for a small makerspace within the classroom.

“Beyond gaining valuable skills with tools, students will learn spatial reasoning, problem solving, group work, and gain a sense of accomplishment,” stated Kevin Burnett.

– submitted by Carri Maneen