CASM was awarded a three year grant from The Dart Foundation to increase the use of specialized hands-on equipment in science and mathematics instruction in CASM’s service area – Eaton, Clinton, Ingham, Ionia and Shiawassee counties.

Phase I – Handheld Technology for Middle Schools (Phase I completed)
(go to Phase II)
A development team of science and math instructors and consultants were assembled to implement the project. Phase 1 of the grant focuses on purchasing LabPro’s (handheld interface devices) and the latest graphing caculators and training teachers on the use of this hand-held technology to integrate mathematics and science in the classroom.

Professional development trainers conducted a two-day training workshop for teacher teams from six middle schools in CASM’s region. At this training, the teachers learned how to operate the devices through hands-on activities, then collaborated with colleagues on how to incorporate the technology into their teaching units. The trainers are following up with additional assistance in these teachers’ classrooms – working side by side with teachers and students to ensure teacher confidence with the new equipment.

All educators in CASM’s five county service area are eligible to borrow the equipment free of charge through CASM’s Resource Loan Program.

St. Johns Middle School students use hand held technology in their science class.