“The children walked the woods behind Chancellor Livingston School and learned about local flora and fauna and how they prepare for winter. They also worked together to build a survival shelter,” said Schulkind.
Among the other projects: a Lego Robotics curriculum was established for grades 3 through 5, and this past summer, the foundation was awarded a $12,000 grant by Frost Foundation to create–with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute–a Lego Robotics camp at the Starr Library.
Four discovery festivals, held each fall at a Rhinebeck school with a new theme each year, have hosted community families for a day of hands-on mini-projects with community scientists and educators.
But this year, the “Discovery Festival is on hiatus,” said Schulkind. “We have always wanted this event to inspire, inform and excite kids and their parents about the sciences in our everyday lives. In order to keep it fresh, we felt it necessary to take the time to imagine its next incarnation. We have an incredibly talented community and are always happy to talk to anyone with a great idea.”
Slated for the near future is the continuation of ongoing programs like an Eco-Initiative, mentoring career and college support for students, and a Fun with Energy program for 3rd graders that teaches basic physics concepts.
The foundation welcomes applications for funding for thematic, hands-on math, science and technology programs as well as art, literature, theatre and music programs that are grounded in the sciences. They also seek volunteers for event planning, public relations, fundraising and mailings, as well as donors at levels from Franklin (up to $499) to Einstein (upwards of $50,000). Contact the foundation at info@rhinebecksciencefoundation.org
“Our ultimate goal is establishing a $1 million private endowment for public education in the Rhinebeck schools,” said foundation president Jennifer Hammoud.
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