4 minute read
Science Matters
Brainerd High School students are fascinated by the new items to study and new materials to use.
BY CARISSA ANDREWS
Photos By Joey Halvorson
When the kids go off to school, not much thought typically goes into how much money the school district has available to give them a proper education. It’s easy to assume they have what they need to meet the curriculum. However, parents might be surprised to learn the Brainerd High School science departments have an annual budget of less than $1,000 each especially considering the number of students taught each year and the incredible advancements happening all the time in the science and tech fields.
The good news is the community is incredibly invested in supporting the education of the kids. The Brainerd Public Schools Foundation offers what they call 4A grants, which stands for arts, academics, athletics and activities. Through donations raised by the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation, nearly $65,000 was awarded in grants across the school district for the 2019-20 grant cycle.
The grant application process typically begins in November each year. Funds are awarded when applications show a need for specific project equipment, are creative in some way, or are new to the school and students. Funds awarded this year include a portion given to the Brainerd High School sciences departments, as they sought to provide college-level science equipment to students in AP Biology and Physics.
BHS Biology Teachers Jennifer Klecatsky and Nicole Harmer filed their grant jointly this year as they sought some higher education biology equipment giving students an edge into the field.
“What we purchased was 10 Mini-One Electrophoresis Systems. Only my class (AP Biology) has used it so far. The students really enjoyed the lab, but it was their first experience with it, so they have nothing to compare it to. What it did allow is for each group of students to have their own set of equipment to complete the entire procedure from start to finish, so that gave them more exposure to the
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process and techniques of gel electrophoresis, which is separating DNA fragments like what is used in DNA fingerprinting. It is also faster and more user friendly, as well as uses less consumable materials, so it is easier on our yearly budget,” said Ms. Harmer.
The funding for these 10 systems was just more than $2,500 and was completely paid for through the BPSF 4A grant.
BHS Physics Teacher Madeline Anderson also received a grant for $900 to help pay for tuning forks as well as low-friction tracks and hanging masses needed to operate a Half-Atwood Machine this year.
“The kids love to use new stuff. It’s fun because I rarely lecture. Instead, we are mostly in the lab...” MADELINE ANDERSON, BHS PHYSICS TEACHER
“The kids love to use new stuff. It’s fun because I rarely lecture. Instead, we are mostly in the lab, and as a class we create our equations rather than be given them first. It makes it more interesting for the students,” Ms. Anderson said.
Ms. Anderson has applied for a 4A grant three times and has been
awarded funds each time as she works to provide quality classes that engage students and get them excited about the field of physics.
“These grants allow us to get highquality technology, which would be impossible otherwise,” she also stated.
The Brainerd lakes area is very lucky to have such an active foundation in the area making supplementing education budgets possible. If you’d like to learn more about the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation, how they award grants and scholarships, or to make a donation, head over to their website: bpsf.org. Be sure to also check out its “Dream Big” goal for 2020, as well as the “Big Event,” which helps to raise awareness and funds for their grants. Additional Links: (Biology) Mini-One https://theminione.com/ product/minione-classroom-package/)
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