Restore Equity in Education for St. Croix Children

A critical component of the student learning experience during the elementary years is the "Going Out" program. The format can be an extension of classroom research, in which students begin by studying concepts in books and then engage community experts, museums, or learning centers. This program can also be an opportunity for the teacher to spark interest and more in-depth study of a topic, as well as an opportunity to engage students in extensions of their classroom lessons. 

One of the unexpected challenges our school experienced post-hurricane was a dramatic decrease in available transportation for students as well as, understandably, many of our island partners experiencing a reduction in hours and staff to support our visits. 

Thanks to the GlobalGiving community and a grant from the St. Croix Community Foundation, we were able to bring students to the University of the Virgin Islands! 

In collaboration with two professors (also Montessori-parents), our students were able to experience a college chemistry laboratory. 

Over the course of two days, the students were divided into Lower Elementary (grades 1-3) and Upper Elementary (grades 4-6) cohorts. The students prepared at St. Croix Montessori for their experience by studying the states of matter (solids, liquids, gas) and periodic elements. A well-worn book in our classroom is a copy of the Book of Elements, detailing each element found on Earth and its common and unique properties and uses! As we do not have lab facilities, the ability to have hands-on experiences of these concepts is fundamental to the students' learning needs. 

As you can see, students were deeply engaged in the laboratory experiments. In addition, they got to experience the life of a scientist for a day!

With your help, they:

• Engaged in the scientific method (theory, hypothesis, experiment, analysis)!
• Participated in a demonstration on how gases give off different colors of light and how different salts give different colors when lit.
• Learned how to practice laboratory safety and the scientific method. 
• Participated in activities on acid and base chemical reactions.
• Peppered our community scientists with questions about the elements in the periodic table - and got to see some of those elements in the lab!

With continued support, we can ensure these students have regular educational experiences in the community. 

Thank you!