Welcome to our first Lansing Educational Foundation (LEF) Grant Spotlight! Each month, we will highlight a grant awarded by LEF to showcase the innovative projects enhancing education in Lansing USD469. LEF's mission is to enhance excellence in the learning environment in partnership with schools and the community.
This month, we are excited to feature the Exo Lab – Science on the Space Station grant, awarded to Lansing Middle School teachers Hollie Becker and Jennifer Fraser. This grant has brought a unique, hands-on learning experience to our 8th-grade science students, sparking curiosity about space and plant biology.
Grant Details:
Items Purchased: ExoLab device and student licenses.
Classroom Implementation: Students are researching the plant Medicago truncatula, comparing its growth on Earth to its growth in space. This project integrates lessons on photosynthesis, plant cells, and Earth and space sciences.
Creative Discoveries: The project has allowed students to revisit fundamental concepts like photosynthesis and plant cells while exploring broader topics such as agriculture, climate, and space science.
Student Engagement: The ExoLab project has captivated students, allowing them to watch their rocket launch with the ExoLab onboard and track its docking with the International Space Station, making science both engaging and memorable.
Future Plans: Ms. Becker and Ms. Fraser plan to apply for a second ExoLab next year to provide each 8th-grade science classroom with a device, enhancing daily student interaction.
Inspiration: "We are hoping this study inspires students to dream about all the career possibilities related to our studies- agriculture, climate, engineering and design, communication and research- you don't have to be an astronaut in order to have an exciting career related to space."
The Lansing Educational Foundation is proud to support initiatives like the Exo Lab project, which brings innovative and engaging learning opportunities to our students.
Since its inception in 2004, LEF has donated over $700,000 to Lansing USD 469, funding a diverse range of projects designed to enrich student learning and foster creativity in the classroom.
“The Lansing Educational Foundation is deeply committed to fostering excellence and innovation in our classrooms," said LEF President and Lansing alum Andrew Cameron. "We are incredibly proud to support the hard work and creativity of our teachers, whose dedication transforms learning experiences for our students. These grants are more than funding—they’re an investment in the bright future of our schools and community.”
The LEF Educate the Pride Grants application window will open in February 2025. Teachers should keep an eye out for more information. If you have any questions please contact the Foundation's Executive Director, Kara Thompson, at Kara.Thompson@usd469.net.
Stay tuned for more grant spotlights highlighting the incredible work of our educators and students!