CSU, Rotary and the Poudre School District partner bringing STEM to Fourth Grade Students
A collaborative effort between two Fort Collins Rotary Clubs, Colorado State University, and Poudre School District is entering its third year of providing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education at the elementary and middle school levels.
 
Local Rotary clubs have been providing 3-D printers to the PSD middle schools for student art and engineering projects.  Now, a new training program is in place for fourth-grade teachers thanks to CSU’s Little Shop of Physics and the Fort Collins and Breakfast Club rotaries...
 
CSU’s Little Shop of Physics is offering training to 45 fourth-grade science teachers from 31 elementary schools in the district.  The Fort Collins and Breakfast Club rotaries are funding the purchase of materials for the training kits for the teachers.
 
The new training will show teachers how to use science activities that support fourth-grade level principles. Teachers will learn how to use experiment kits and how to assemble the materials like using magnets and wire to create things like a generator or a device to illustrate magnetic levitation.
 
The Little Shop of Physics helps teachers present STEM to their students in a fun, effective and engaging manner. They have found that engaging kids is half the battle. If they can get them hooked, they’ll take to it like water.
 
“Kids are natural scientists. They naturally learn by exploring, by observing. We help teachers present science to their students in a way that matches the way they learn,” said Brian Jones, Director of the Little Shop of Physics.
 
This program is an opportunity to create an interest in science professions among children throughout the Fort Collins’ diverse community. The training the teachers receive will benefit students in their classrooms for years to come. 
 
Earl Reinkensmeyer, 970-482-7194 ersummit@aol.com
Tammie Niemann, 970-231-9786  niemfam5@gmail.com
 
STEM Fort CollinsSTEM Fort CollinsSTEM Fort Collins