Harper Creek Middle School STEAM Students Receive Tools to Provide Hands-On Experiences
Middle School STEAM teacher, Erica Jenkins, received a FOCUS Grant from the Guido A. and Elizabeth Binda Foundation, coordinated by the Calhoun Intermediate School District, allowing her to purchase two new tools to support her students in solving problems using the engineering design process.
The first tool is Sphero Blueprint. Sphero Blueprint kits allow students to design and engage in mechanical and structural engineering. The kits further permit the students to create prototypes using consistent materials. In the past, students had to rely on donated and recycled materials, along with a lot of glue and tape giving inconsistent outcomes. Sphero Blueprint lets the students design and build their prototypes quickly using reusable materials giving more opportunities to test and reevaluate their structures.
The second item purchased with the grant is the Finch 2.0 Robots. Students can solve problems through coding and gain hands-on robotics experience. The Finch Robots provide continuity and focus in coding by progressing from teaching coding on the computer to physical programming.
These tools allow students to have hands-on lessons with real-world applications, providing opportunities for cross-curricular experiences, collaboration, and engaging project-based learning.
Harper Creek Community Schools is grateful to Ms. Jenkins for her time and dedication to creating thoughtful lessons and seeking out new ways to Educate, Empower, and Equip Students for Life.
Harper's Unsung Hero - Sharon Waltman September 11, 2024
Sharon grew up with her siblings on a farm south of Battle Creek. She enjoyed life as a child on the farm, spending a week at the Calhoun County Fair each summer, and attending school here at Harper Creek. Her experiences as a child would eventually lead her into the classroom here at Harper Creek. Being a teacher has added to the happiness in her life.
Mrs. Shipley is a Winner August 29, 2024
Marshall Credit Union awards Mrs. Shipley of Wattles Park Elementary a check for $500.
Harper's Unsung Hero - Larry Quick August 28, 2024
Larry Quick has a lineage tied deeply to Harper Creek. Both of his parents are alum as well as he and his brother. As a high school athlete, Larry created a legacy for himself and later returned as a teacher and a coach. His story reminds us that athletics is an important component of many school district missions. Sports can fuel the community spirit. Read to learn more about Larry’s legacy, including the accomplishment of his track team last spring that made Harper Creek history.
