Fourth graders at Whiting Lane had the opportunity to see and touch historical artifacts at the CT Museum of Culture and History, thanks to a grant written by Wendy Martin. Students participated in engaging hands-on activities like grating real nutmeg, examining charter oak artifacts, and analyzing pictures and maps. These activities promoted the sharing of knowledge and critical thinking. In addition, they had the opportunity to engage in a question/ answer session with historians to enrich their personal knowledge and advance their CT History project. As a result of this experience, students have developed a deeper understanding about Connecticut history which they are incorporating into their “All About CT” research project. 

Alison Lessard, a 6th grade science teacher at King Philip Middle School, was able to turn meteorology into an immersive, hands-on scientific investigation, thanks to a grant from the Foundation and an instructor from the Eli Whitney Museum in Hamden. Students combined real-world science and engineering skills to build weather stations. These stations can be used to collect weather data, including temperature, wind direction, wind speed, and rainfall, and make forecasts for future weather. Because students were able to bring their weather stations home, they can continue to track data, extending learning beyond the classroom and fostering long-term curiosity about meteorology. Lessard plans on using data from these stations for her upcoming extreme weather unit and repeating this project with future grades. 

The grants we award fund opportunities above and beyond what the school budget allows. This is why your support is so important to the work we do. Your donation to the Foundation directly supports innovative, memorable opportunities for West Hartford Public School students.

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