ORAU grant buys new technology for Pigeon Forge classroom

Fifth-grade students showcase their technology skills in a Pigeon Forge Middle School classroom outfitted with new equipment using a $30,000 grant from Oak Ridge Associated Universities. (Photo submitted by ORAU)

A $30,000 grant from a federal contractor in Oak Ridge filled a Pigeon Forge classroom with new technology this summer.

Heather Burkhart, a fifth-grade math and science teacher at Pigeon Forge Middle School, received the grant from Oak Ridge Associated Universities in that nonprofit’s fourth annual Extreme Classroom Makeover competition.

An ORAU press release said the grant supports educators who use technology in the classroom to inspire more students to pursue math and science-based careers.

“We realize at ORAU that in order for students to spark and then maintain an interest in subjects such as math and science, the learning has to be engaging and innovative,” ORAU President Andy Page said. “By bringing technology into the classroom and arming teachers like Mrs. Burkhart with the tools they need, the Extreme Classroom Makeover helps demonstrate the importance and countless number of possibilities technology can bring to both teachers and students.”

Students, parents, and school board, faculty, and staff members celebrated the Burkhart’s technologically enhanced classroom during an Aug. 7 open house. The theme was “Are you more tech-savvy than a fifth-grader?” Those who attended explored stations showcasing Burkhart’s new technology, and they competed against members of Burkhart’s class in the following areas:

testing their knowledge of technology history
racing to complete multiplication tables
exploring Burkhart’s virtual classroom
flipping through interactive books in the virtual library.

The release said Burkhart spent the summer selecting her new technology, installing it in her classroom, and preparing for her new class of rising fifth-graders.

“The limitless possibilities for using this technology in my classroom are incredibly exciting,” Burkhart said. “Thanks to ORAU, and with the extensive research I completed over the summer, I will be able to open a whole new world of math and science to my students, which will help them to become more enthusiastic about learning.”

Contest winners in earlier years include Herman Sutton, a fifth-grade math teacher at Green Magnet Math and Science Academy; Jordan Haney, a fifth-grade teacher at Rocky Hill Elementary School; and Jenny Alvey, a sixth-grade science teacher from Gresham Middle School.

Contestants entering ORAU’s competition were required to teach fifth- to eighth-grade math or science for and work for a public school located within 50 miles of Oak Ridge. Additionally, each teacher submitted a short video illustrating the classroom’s need and explaining how the new technologies would be “used to energize and enhance learning.” To view Mrs. Burkhart’s winning video, go to http://www.orau.org/center-for-science-education/classroom-makeover/2012/videos.aspx.

Another ORAU Extreme Classroom Makeover contest will take place in 2013, and “Intents to Apply” have been accepted since Aug. 8. Visit www.orau.org for more information.

ORAU is a university consortium that manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education for the U.S. Department of Energy.

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