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8th Grade Authentic Learning: Monuments & Memorials

2024 Grant Recipient: Janel Chapman

To kick off our Monuments & Memorials authentic learning project, the Fairbanks 8th Grade Class toured the Warren G. Harding Presidential Homesite, Museum, and Memorial in Marion, OH. Through this project, students will answer the questions: Why are monuments and memorials important? What is the difference between the two? What is the process for designing monuments and memorials? Students will select a person whom they feel is worthy of a monument or memorial. They will design and 3D print a monument or memorial to honor that person. We will display the student created monuments and memorials on a monument mall. In May, parents and local veterans will be invited to view the mall, and learn about the students' research and design process by clicking on QR codes that link to their written or oral presentations. The project will culminate in mid-May when the class will travel to Washington D.C. where they will visit many monuments and memorials in our nation's capital.

Ohio Caverns Gem Mining

2024 Grant Recipient: Steve DeRoads

Thanks to the Fairbanks Foundation's generosity, 8th grade students were able to mine for gems while visiting the Ohio Caverns.  Students were given a bag of soil samples that contained various rocks, gems, and crystals and then used seining baskets to dip their samples into running water to sein out debris and discover their unique collection of geological evidence.  Students could then identify the geographical location of their rocks and gems and find additional information on their samples.  This was a fantastic experience for our students and we cannot thank you enough for making this happen! 

FIRST GRANT AWARDED

2024 Grant Recipient: Beth Morse

Eighth-grade students in Mrs. Morse’s ELA class recently had a memorable experience when they participated in a Google Meet with acclaimed author Ben Mikaelsen, who wrote their summer reading book, Touching Spirit Bear. During the 40-minute virtual session, the students engaged in an enriching discussion, posing insightful questions about the novel and Mikaelsen's writing process. The interaction provided a unique opportunity for them to connect with the mind behind the story, deepening their appreciation for the book. This event was made possible thanks to the generous grant from the Fairbanks Education Foundation, which supported the opportunity for students to engage directly with an author and enhance their literary experience.