2012 Grants
|
APPLIED TECHNOLOGY
3D Printer This state-of-the-art printer transforms the CAD Engineering and Architecture programs at LFHS. The ability to create professional grade, durable 3D models enables students to successfully design a model, print the design, conduct evaluations and redesign based on results, then print a new model for further testing and analysis. ART
SMART Board™ Interactive Whiteboard Systems One system is in the main Art classroom and is used by multiple disciplines. The technology allows interactive demonstrations of drawing techniques and instant access to art history media and modern references. ENGLISH
Literacy Coach A professional literacy coach is training teachers, who work with Skills-level students in English 1, 2, 3 and 4, on how to develop a structured, comprehensive vocabulary curriculum. Another part of the training is to create assessments and strategies to move these techniques to all levels of English instruction. This grant was awarded in collaboration with the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Learning Disabilities Association. National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Conference Twelve LFHS English teachers attended the annual conference of the National Council of Teachers of English. "Reading the Past, Writing the Future," was held in Chicago in November 2011. The valuable insights and new methods of teaching acquired by this group of teachers will be shared with the entire department, allowing all students to benefit. SMART Board™ Interactive Whiteboards (Pilot and Phase I) SMART Board™ technology was awarded to the English department. With the successful implementation of two systems awarded as part of a Fall 2011 pilot, five additional systems were awarded for a department total of seven systems. Students and teachers now can use SMART Board technology to explore language in an interactive setting. LIBRARY
Nook® eReader/Tablet Technology Thirty Nook eReaders and 15 Nook tablets offer multiple options for students to access literature and conduct Internet research. In addition to standard titles, the eReaders will be preloaded with the 2013 Illinois Abraham Lincoln award nominees and Michael Printz award winners. The eReaders can be borrowed by students for use at home or by English teachers for use in the classroom. All tablets remain in the Library to be used for research projects. A successful 2011 LFHS pilot demonstrated the benefits of the readers and tablets in all learning environments — the classroom, the library, and at home. MATH
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Conference Twelve LFHS Math teachers attended the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics regional conference, to be held in Chicago in November 2012. The valuable insights and new methods of teaching learned by this group of teachers will be discussed with the entire department, so that all students will benefit. MUSIC
iMac Computers Twenty iMac computers outfit every classroom in the Music department with industry-standard technology. Music Department students benefit from having access to powerful software tools, like Sibelius 7, allowing for more complex compositions and improved performance feedback. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Polzin Reflective and Mentoring Program is a fundamental component of our ongoing professional development at LFHS. The workshops focus on specific instructional techniques that directly translate to improved teacher performance. New and veteran teachers are able to learn side-by-side in a supportive culture, building collaboration and communication across departments. The Newberry Teacher Consortium in Chicago offers a series of intellectually stimulating, content-based seminars led by scholars from area universities and colleges. The inspiring, one-day seminars give teachers tools to enrich academic content and curriculum delivery for students — as well as the opportunity to collaborate with peers from other districts in the Chicago area. |
SCIENCE
FLIR Infrared Camera The FLIR Infrared Camera allows students to directly visualize the concept of heat transfer. This camera helps Chemistry and Physics students investigate the subtle thermal effects present in many everyday technologies. Students can devise their own controlled experiments to research concepts such as conduction, convection, and radiation. Disarticulated Human Skeletons Two sets of real human bones enable in-depth group study and hands-on learning by students in Anatomy/Physiology and Biology classes. Because the skeletons are disarticulated — separated at the joints — individual bone systems can be studied and manipulated in greater detail. SMART Document Camera™ for Flipped Classroom Two SMART Document Cameras that work with SMART Board technology and Camtasia software create a Flipped Classroom, which inverts traditional teaching methods by delivering instruction online outside of class, while “homework” is done in the classroom. This technology allows teachers to record lectures that can be viewed at home, resulting in more opportunities for inquiry and hands-on investigation in the classroom. Pasco Colorimeters Six Pasco Colorimeters add real-world research capabilities to the Chemistry curriculum. Colorimeters measure the absorption of light at many specific wavelengths and work with the SPARKS learning system, a Foundation grant award from 2009. Through classroom investigation, students also have the opportunity to participate in a research project, supported by Northwestern University and led by LFHS teacher Michael Kollasch. SOCIAL STUDIES
iPad Learning Centers A total of 60 iPads were preloaded with World Civilization e-textbooks and related apps, providing a complete digital tool for two Social Studies classrooms every class period. In addition to the e-textbook, the iPads allow students to highlight digitally, take notes, and create online study cards. Interactive maps, diagrams, photos, and videos enhance the interactive learning experience and create a collaborative web to share findings and discuss conclusions. The iPad sets also are available to other Social Studies classes. SPECIAL EDUCATION
MyLab Software Programs A one-year MyLab software license was awarded to the Special Education Department to address the unique needs of students who need additional assistance in language arts and math skills. The software also helps prepare Senior-year students for the transition from high school to college or work. Life Skills iPad Technology Based on a successful NSSED pilot program, 12 iPads were awarded to the Special Education Department to support the Life Skills curriculum. Students participating in this program require intensive support and instruction on social communication, leisure, and vocational skills. The iPad’s tactile features, video capabilities, and text-to-speech apps for nonverbal students offer reinforcement in classroom and community settings. This grant was awarded in conjunction with the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Learning Disabilities Association. SMART Board™ Interactive Whiteboard Systems (Pilot) In collaboration with the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Learning Disabilities Association, the Special Education Department was awarded one SMART Board. The pilot program looks at how increased access to this technology improves learning for students who possess a broad range of learning styles and educational requirements. TECHNOLOGY
Online Learning Center The Online Learning Center consists of five new workstations, five refurbished MacBooks, six scanners, and one printer. The Center offers students an improved option for recovering course credit or completing courses necessary for timely graduation. Because the Center will be housed at LFHS, students will receive personal support, leading to greater success. WELLNESS
iPad Technology One iPad, Projector, and Apple TV provide Wellness instructors with a tool to help streamline fitness instruction and evaluation. Exercise techniques and routines are projected on the screen and run continuously for better student viewing and retention. Timing and video capabilities provide immediate feedback on skill acquisition. This grant was awarded in collaboration with the LFHS Boosters. WORLD LANGUAGE
SMART Board™ Interactive Whiteboard Systems (Phase II) With these three additional SMART Board systems, all classrooms in the World Language Department have full use of interactive technology, bringing dynamic learning opportunities to all students. |
