Field trips are a critical part of the learning experience, and, in many cases, the technology featured at these discovery centers is more varied than what most classrooms have at their disposal. Recently, the Boston Children’s Museum announced that it was awarded a grant to improve its STEM education offerings.
National Grid recently gave the museum $40,000, which will be used to create “interdisciplinary teaching units” intended to enliven the students’ visits, according to the organization. Inside the advanced teaching aids will be hands-on technology that curators expect will engage schoolchildrens’ imaginations.
If the trip is a success, teachers may also want to consider applying for grants to be used by their school systems for technology purchases. Educators looking to broaden their students’ horizons through mechanical aids may consider buying an interactive whiteboard, a virtual reality computer program or a classroom projector.
The Boston Children’s Museum stated that the donation by National Gird is an investment in the technology industry’s future.
“There is a projected shortfall of engineers, and working with programs that reinforce those basic skills ties in so well with our Engineering Our Future initiative, which is designed to inspire youth to pursue science, technology, engineering and math skills,” said Marcy Reed, president of National Grid.
