Emily Wilson and Laura Basdekis
Wilson’s and Basdekis’ innovative teaching idea, “Science Kits for 4th Grade,” focuses on helping students better understand the importance of taking care of the environment by providing hands-on learning experiences. They will add more hands-on experiences to her class’s human body unit to help students understand the basics of how muscles, joints and bones work together. In the engineering unit, students will be encouraged to practice critical thinking, communication and collaboration. Wilson and Basdekis believe those skills are all vital to preparing students for the 21st century. With the funds provided by the Unsung Heroes grant, they will be able to purchase classroom kits, picture books and educator guides through the Boston Museum of Science’s Engineering is Elementary curriculum.