Grant helps Chardon high, middle schools add new technology

Thanks to $19,000 in grant money from the Chardon Schools Foundation, students in Chardon middle and high schools will receive some new technology.

According to a Dec. 7 news release, middle schoolers will now have access to a new 3D printer for use in a wide range of modeling and prototype applications, along with some new robot-building gear.

“This printer will bring to life engineering and design processes used in a variety of science, technology, engineering and math fields,” the release reads. “Also at the middle school, more students will be able to participate in robotics club with the additional Lego Mindstorms sets purchased with a grant.”

School officials confirm the sets help students learn how to build and program the robots, giving them the experience and knowledge they need to participate in the annual AWT RoboBots Competition at Lakeland Community College, at which last year’s students finished among the top-10 teams.

At the high school, multimedia design students have a new camcorder and microphone to use, thanks to the Chardon Schools Foundation grant.

This equipment will be “available to use to record segments both in the studio and outside of it for the morning announcements viewed by the whole school,” the release reads. “The new equipment will result in higher quality productions and real-world experience for the students.”

The grant will also allow the district to purchase flexible seating equipment for a pilot program in the high school and “additional gas sensors will supplement those already purchased by the district so that all students will be able to complete labs that meet college board requirements,” the release states.

The school district reports that the Chardon Schools Foundation raises funds “through an auction in March and a 5K race in July along with individual donations.”

Interested parties may support its mission by sending a donation to Chardon Schools Foundation, PO Box 838, Chardon, OH 44024 or online through its website.