Published: November 16, 2007 09:36 pm      

MVTHS Foundation targets new science lab

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By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — The Mt. Vernon Township High School Foundation is working to provide the school with a state-of-the-art mobile science lab.

The foundation, now in its third year of existence, works to supplement the learning opportunities at the high school while trying to reach as many students as possible and work within the goals of the district, according to foundation board member Kari Sipe.

“Choosing this project really was a no-brainer,” Sipe said. “We try to find projects that reach every student in high school. Science does that. Each student, with the requirements for graduation, has to take three years of science.”

In addition, Sipe said, as a mobile lab, the equipment won’t be set up in only one room, but can be moved around to accommodate teaching many science subjects such as physics, general science and biology.

“It can be used in all the curriculum,” Sipe said.

The mobile lab will consist of 15 laptop computers, software, sensor probes, digital microscopes, a scope cam, dry ice machine and gel electrophoresis apparati, according to information from the foundation.

“With MVTHS students’ recent performance on the (Prairie State Achievement Exams) below the state average in science, this project can certainly assist the science faculty to stimulate interest and achievement by improving the way science is taught at all levels in the department,” MVTHS Foundation information states.

“Science has really made it into the mainstream,” MVTHS Assistant Principal and Technology Director Rob Knutson said. “It’s hard to turn on the TV and not see some type of show that uses science. In the news you have science talked about medically, in technology, even in relation to the foods we eat. Science is playing a major role. ... This lab will significantly increase the things we can do and use for experiments and the information we can expose the students to.”

Knutson said although the school district has been spending money on computers and other technology for the science department, it has been hard to keep up with the changes in technology.

“If it weren’t for the foundation stepping up and asking what they can do to help, we wouldn’t be able to provide this kind of equipment,” Knutson said. “The lap top computers will be added with the ones we have, and dovetails into the wireless project the foundation undertook the first year. ... and the electrophoresis, who would have thought kids would be able to deal with RNA and DNA and those sorts of things in a high school lab?”

The foundation is relying on the help of individuals, businesses and organizations in the community to help fund the $28,000 project. Sipe said a program is available for presentation at organization meetings that provides further information on the project.

One of the goals of the foundation is to promote student achievement in academic endeavors. A further goal of the group is to support programs that aren’t sufficiently funded by tax dollars or regular revenue sources.

“We like to have extra curricular activities, and those programs are good for the students,” Sipe said.

“But those programs don’t reach every student. We want to do projects that reach every student.”

The foundation will also be seeking outside grant support for the project, but available grants — if obtained — won’t cover the projected costs to provide the mobile lab, Sipe said.

“We believe this lab will be a portable but effective tool for teachers,” Knutson said.

During its first year, the foundation helped with the wireless Internet project allowing teachers and students to tap into the Internet. Last year, the foundation purchased Smart Boards, which were installed in many of the classrooms. Classroom grants were also allotted to teachers both years to further help the students.

Anyone interested in hearing a presentation on the project may contact Sipe at 244-2613; Becky Deaton at 242-0400; or foundation president Norma Fairchild at 244-4111. High school personnel are also available to answer questions, including science department chairperson.

Julie Shaw and Knutson, who also serves at technology director at the school. Both can be contacted at 244-3700.