A fledgling marine science program at Carolina Beach Elementary School is wrapping up a successful first year, and looking for ways to expand moving forward.
The program, modeled after the Marine Science Academy at Ashley High, was developed by Kama Cannon and her Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) students.
It is cross-curricular and project-based, with inquiry lessons, guest lecturers from North Carolina universities, extensive field experiences and internships.
Carolina Beach Elementary has since partnered with the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher to offer hands-on learning experiences for students in the program.
“The students are growing as divergent and evaluative thinkers,” principal Cindy Wartel said. “Their research and service learning projects have been outstanding, and their overall enthusiasm to continue studying science is strong.”
Efforts are already underway to ensure students will be able to continue their marine science studies into middle and high school.
The team of teachers hopes the program will specifically encourage young girls interested in marine science careers to continue to pursue their goals.
“This idea began after our class visited Cape Fear Community College’s Marine Technology Program and the professors there noticed how many young girls were interested in careers in, or connected to, marine science,” Cannon said. “The more I looked into the data, the more I learned that during middle and high school, girls typically outnumber boys in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) classes during early adolescence, but will drop out of STEM if they are not supported with engaging, high-level instruction in an area of interest.”
Local schools win digital textbook challenge
As part of New Hanover County Schools’ ongoing efforts to engage today’s digital students and inspire lifelong learning, the district has partnered with Discovery Education to bring its digital science textbook series to teachers and K-12 students.
Through this partnership, the district was selected as one of six nationwide to take part in Discovery Education Techbook’s “Battle of the Brackets.”
This monthlong competition pitted students, educators and schools against one another in the month of March to see who could win the following brackets: highest individual overall for primary; highest individual overall for secondary; greatest school increase in usage; and highest overall school usage.
After a fierce competition among all participants, the following individuals and schools came out on top:
- Elise Porter, fifth-grade teacher at Bellamy Elementary–highest individual overall for primary
- Nancy Hoffman, sixth-grade science and social studies teacher at Holly Shelter Middle–highest individual overall for secondary
- Myrtle Grove Middle School–greatest school increase in usage (258 percent increase)
- Ogden Elementary School–highest overall school usage
Discovery Education Science Techbook is a comprehensive digital program that replaces traditional textbooks. Built around the “5E” model of instruction (engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate), Techbook is a non-linear curriculum pathway that aimed at promoting inquiry-based learning, enhancing critical thinking and improving student achievement.
Students win Kiwanis scholarships
The Wilmington Kiwanis Club presented the George H. Chadwick Memorial Scholarships to four New Hanover County Schools students at a recent club meeting. Miranda Thomas of Hoggard High was named the overall winner of this scholarship, receiving $8,800 over fours years. Zana Al-Kateeb from Hoggard, Madison Cubbage from New Hanover High and Nicholas Congema from Wilmington Early College High were named as runners-up. Each of those students will receive a one-time scholarship of $1,100.
New Hanover High student named ‘Old Well’ scholar
Tyler George, a senior at New Hanover High School, has been named the 2014 Killian Family Old Well Scholar at the University of North Carolina. He is the son of Chris and Melissa George of Wilmington.
Tyler George was selected from a qualified pool of applicants based on his achievements in academics, athletics and leadership. At New Hanover High, he reached the top of his class in academic standing, was elected vice president of the National Honor Society, captained the soccer team in his junior and senior years and also earned his Eagle Scout rank.
The Killian Family Old Well Scholarship in the College of Arts and Sciences was established in 1999 by Thomas W. Killian of Summit, New Jersey, to honor his late parents, Bill and Betty Killian, who were longtime residents of Wilmington. Tom Killian and his siblings, Rick and Cindy, have strong ties to New Hanover High and UNC, as all are graduates of both schools. Bill Killian was a 1949 Carolina alumnus.
Originally intended to give preference to students from New Hanover County, The Killian Family Old Well Scholarship was recently amended to give specific preference to graduates of New Hanover High. Eight UNC undergraduates have received Killian Family Old Well Scholarships to date.
The Killian Family Old Well Scholarship awards $4,500 annually and its total value is $18,000. Eligible candidates are chosen based on academic excellence, athletic ability and demonstrated leadership. Killian Scholars must be service-minded, both at school and in the community, and demonstrate strong character through leadership. The selection process is highly competitive. Each applicant submits an interest letter and resume and answers a series of essay questions. A committee of faculty and staff from New Hanover High reviews each application and selects finalists for interviews.
