The Eureka Elementary was awarded a K-5 STEM Grant that allowed the expansion of STEM materials available for grades K-5 in the Makerspace, as well as more STEM opportunities for students. Part of the grant included the addition of a VR/AR lab. Teachers now can take their classes on a virtual reality classroom expedition. The 4th graders were the first class to try the new lab out as they studied adaptations in science. Students were able to study and explore different ecosystems of animals and the adaptations they develop to survive in different environments.
Miss Cole stated, "I absolutely love the VR/ AR expeditions! I feel my students can learn and retain so much information when adding these into our lessons because this kind of technology is something they LOVE! I will definitely be using these again in my classroom!" Keiara Wherry stated, “The VR/AR expedition was very cool being able to look at all the animals and where they live.” Aiden Witlock also enjoyed the experience by saying, “My experience went very good. It wasn't too complicated. It was fun and made me feel like I was really there! I would rate it a 9/10!"
Mrs. Vander Vorst applied for the grant this past fall and it was awarded to the school in January for an amount of $33,534.41. More information on the grant will be provided in the future.