Reading Community City Schools has been awarded two Ohio STEM Learning Network Classroom Grants, totaling $7,500, to enhance hands-on, career-connected STEM learning across the district. These grants, funded by Battelle, are part of a statewide initiative awarding 194 schools with resources to build enduring STEM-based educational projects.
Mrs. Burns, Science Teacher at Reading Junior-Senior High School, received $2,500 to launch an innovative chemistry project where students will design and lead their own lab experiences to explore periodic trends. Students will deepen their understanding of ionization energy, electronegativity, physical properties of elements, and overall periodicity through a combination of:
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Student-designed labs
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Written reports
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Oral presentations
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Data collection and graph creation
As part of the project, students will also meet with a college chemistry professor and utilize resources from the American Association of Chemistry Teachers to explore careers in chemistry and related scientific fields.
Mrs. Carpenter, Reading Elementary’s STEM and Pathways instructor, received $5,000 to support the district’s new K–6 program, Pathways 2 Possibilities. This initiative immerses all K–6 students in career-connected STEM learning, providing opportunities to design, code, build, and collaborate on real-world engineering and problem-solving challenges. The project emphasizes:
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Teamwork, communication, creativity, and critical thinking
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Experiences that intentionally engage students who may not yet see themselves in STEM
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Equitable access to STEM tools and resources
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Partnerships with local businesses and industry professionals
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Early development of durable skills that prepare students for future academic and workforce opportunities
A total of 165 public schools, including Reading Community City Schools, were recognized with these prestigious awards. In total, the Ohio STEM Classroom Grant Program has impacted students across 130 school districts in 68 counties.
"These grants empower Ohio educators to create dynamic learning environments where students develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for tomorrow's challenges," said Wes Hall, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy & Education at Battelle. "Supporting STEM education remains central to Battelle's mission of advancing scientific innovation and strengthening communities."
The grant program fuels the continued growth of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, a public-private partnership between Battelle and the State of Ohio. Ensuring that all students build the skills needed to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields remains Battelle’s top philanthropic priority.
"When students engage with quality STEM education, they gain access to pathways that transform families and energize local economies," said Sandra Wilder, Director of the Ohio STEM Learning Network. "This program connects classroom innovators to a robust network of schools, professional resources, and collaborative educators statewide."