However, CHESS offers much more than these expansive kits. With Next Generation Science Standards being implemented across New York State, teachers are working to understand the new methods and techniques in order to further improve STEM efforts statewide.
One thing is certain; learning like a scientist is a proven method that can enhance the recall and understanding of some of the most difficult scientific topics.
Last week, Florianna Blanton, presented some of the challenges of the next generation standards to a group of GRASSHOPR students at Cornell, while also offering new approaches that align with these new standards. As a former Biology teacher, and now the outreach coordinator for CHESS, Florianna is adept at interacting with and engaging students in an exciting way.
GRASSHOPR is the Graduate Student School Outreach Program, and pairs Cornell graduate students with teachers across neighboring counties. The students visit the schools and teach courses on topics related to their fields of interest. The K-12 students are able to experience new mentors that are eager to share their knowledge, while the graduate students and teachers benefit from exchanging ideas as they develop the curriculum.
Florianna’s mission, and that of the Lending Library overall, is to offer engaging laboratory kits and instructional materials to teachers and graduate students. To learn more about the Lending Library, visit: https://xraise.classe.cornell.edu