GPS receives Tennessee Valley Authority STEM award for interdisciplinary project

Girls Preparatory School received a $3,500 STEM Classroom Grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority STEM Award Program for an eighth-grade interdisciplinary project combining history and digital fabrication; the funding enabled the purchase of an additional laser cutter.

Girls Preparatory School received a $3,500 STEM Classroom Grant through the Tennessee Valley Authority STEM Award Program. The award was presented in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers Incorporated, Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, and EPB. The grant supports interdisciplinary, real-world STEM projects across the Tennessee Valley. The funding was awarded to Digital Fabrication Lab Director Arthur Williams and eighth-grade history teacher Kara Rogers for an eighth-grade project that blends history, engineering, art, and technology. Key details: - The award was a $3,500 STEM Classroom Grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority STEM Award Program. - Partners on the award presentation included Bicentennial Volunteers Incorporated, Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, and EPB. - The project, titled "Windows Into the Past & Lenses into Our Future: History and Career Development Through STEM & Digital Fabrication," involved all eighth-grade students and was led by Arthur Williams and Kara Rogers. - Students researched Revolutionary War events and worked in teams to design and fabricate layered shadow boxes using laser cutters and other digital fabrication tools, combining wood, acrylic, textiles, and 3D-printed elements. - Grant funds enabled the purchase of an additional laser cutter, and GPS hosted TVA and partner representatives for an on-campus award presentation. Summary: The grant increased capacity in GPS's Digital Fabrication Lab and supported a classroom project that integrates humanities and technical skills. TVA's STEM Award Program emphasizes college and career readiness and projects aligned with regional priorities. Undetermined at this time.