K-6 Grants Any K-6 teacher in a public or private (non-profit) school is eligible. Grants will be awarded to the teacher's school for use by the teacher in his/her classroom. Only one application per teacher is permitted each year.

Elementary schools from throughout the United States received grants up to $1,000 for project-based learning in science and mathematics. Below are descriptions of funded projects and a complete list of recent awardees. 

Anaheim Inventors
Southern California students will work in small groups to develop new inventions that will be useful to their fellow students.  Each team will conduct the research necessary to develop drawings for their invention prototype and will present their results at a school-wide convention this spring.

Crazy Catapults
Fourth and fifth graders in New Brunswick, NJ will apply their knowledge of simple machines, force, motion and energy to the design and construction of model catapults, trebuchets and super zany machines in the spirit of cartoonist, and engineer of the elaborate, Rube Goldberg.  Using mostly recycled materials, these young engineers will create wild and wonderful models and small machines.

Maple Syrup and Climate Change
Students in Vermont will investigate the science and economics of maple syrup production in their state.  During these lessons, students will visit a sugar bush operation to learn how trees are chosen for tapping, study the mechanics of the tree tapping, assist with the process of transforming sap to syrup and evaluate the role of syrup in the local economy.  This project will also offer students the chance to learn about the threats to maple trees posed by climate change.

Nurturing Nature with Science and Math
Sixth graders will learn about scientific stewardship of natural resources through a series of investigations into local sources of pollution, household chemicals and the composition of landfills.  The teacher explained her approach to these lessons saying: “As educators, we are in a unique position to guide our students towards making sound decisions with information that is mathematically and scientifically explored and proven.”

Perfect Pitch
Designing and building a musical instrument can be a great introduction to the science of sound.  Third graders at a Chicago, IL school will learn about pitch and sound waves while playing with tuning forks and classroom instruments.  Using common household materials, students will have the chance to assemble and decorate their own small instruments.  Their lessons will culminate with a concert of favorite songs using their new creations.

For the complete list of 2007 K-6 grant recipients, please click here.

For the complete list of 2006 K-6 grant recipients, please click here.