Barbara A. Ray

Ray’s innovative teaching idea, “Ahoy Matey,” focuses on the use of engaging stories to encourage curiosity and critical thinking skills among 2^nd grade students. With the Voya Unsung Heroes grant, Ray will use the STEM Edventures Pirate activity kit to offer STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) lessons and experiments. According to Ray, the program is based in engineering, and it is her hope that by introducing this concept in a fun way, it will spark interest in her students to explore the field of engineering later in their future. The goal is for students to discover how working together and using effective communication, critical thinking skills and teamwork will lead to more successful problem-solving.