OMAHA - Big Red Keno has announced the award of $60,000 to eight youth-serving organizations and public schools including Fremont, Norfolk, and others around the Omaha area through its 2017 Science & Math Program.
"In the second year of Big Red Keno's Science & Math Program, we continue to be amazed at the incredible ways the grant recipients will use science and math to enrich the minds of our youth," according to Big Red Keno President and CEO Dan Pankow in a press release.
The application process took place in the fall. The eight recipients, including three who were also awarded grants in 2016 (Benson High Magnet School, McMillan Magnet School and Norfolk Public Schools) received grants of $7,500.
The grant-supported programs will be executed in the spring and summer with direct follow-up support from Science & Math Program team members. Since Big Red Keno's Science & Math Program began in 2016, more than $130,000 has been awarded to 14 different entities.
The 2017 recipients and schedule of events are as follows:
Public schools:
Fremont Public Schools
Fremont High School
- April 7, 9-10 a.m. - 3-D Drafting & Design Lab Grand Opening
Students will demonstrate how they create with the 3-D printing and technology center equipment accessible to all students.
Omaha Public Schools
Beveridge Magnet School
- March 9, 4-5 p.m. - Operation WeatherHawk Showcase Night
Visitors will learn how students utilize the WeatherHawk 916 wireless weather station and SkyMate wind/temperature meters to learn about meteorology with real-world data. A local meteorologist will also conduct a presentation.
Benson High Magnet School
- April 26, noon-1:30 p.m. - Design Thinking Luncheon
Intro to Digital Design students will demonstrate the capabilities of and share the impact of rapid prototyping made possible with the school's new DIWire, the "3-D printer of wire bending."
McMillan Magnet School
- April 26, 5:30-7 p.m. - Title I Reading & Project-Based Learning Evening
Visitors will experience a variety of STEM-based demonstrations (Project Lead the Way), along with many other curricular area projects and Title 1 reading ideas presented by students at a Project-Based Learning evening.
Norfolk Public Schools
Norfolk Senior High, Norfolk Junior High and Lincoln Montessori Elementary
- March 21, 5-7 p.m. - S.T.E.M. Problem-Solve Night (at Lincoln Montessori Elementary)
For the second year, students in all three schools will participate in peer-led S.T.E.M.-based activities that build collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Community organizations:
Curtis E. LeMay Composite Squadron (Civil Air Patrol)
- March 30, 7-8:30 p.m. - CyberPatriot & STEM Open House (Offutt Air Force Base)
This open house will showcase the interactive cybersecurity and STEM learning environment. To attend this event an RSVP is required. RSVP at this link: http://bit.ly/2kKlOln
Lincoln Children's Museum
- May 13, 10 a.m.-noon - So You Think You Can STEAM Opening Talent Show
- Every Saturday in July, 10 a.m.-noon - So You Think You Can STEAM Top Ten Auditions
- Aug. 5, 10 a.m.-noon - So You Think You Can STEAM Final Talent Show
Children of all ages will present their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) projects to a panel of judges at the May event with the top ten participants moving on to present to the judges throughout the month of July. The winner will be chosen from among the top three presenting at the August event.
Omaha Children's Museum
- July 22, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Tinkerfest
Tinkerfest is a family-friendly showcase of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) innovations and creativity. Adult and youth visitors alike will learn through hands-on activities and interactive exhibits. The work of students from Big Red Keno grant-funded partnering schools will also be featured.