Jennifer Buckler and Brock Brewster

Buckler’s and Brewster’s innovative teaching idea, “The STEM Homestead Project,” aims to offer a wide range of educational, environmental and social opportunities and benefits for Western Local Schools students and the community of Latham. It will provide hands-on learning experiences in science, biology, sustainability and agriculture, and will allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings through project-based learning. The practical approach Buckler and Brewster are using also harbors the development of valuable skills like planting, harvesting, and animal care, which can be useful in a variety of future career pathways. “The STEM Homestead” creates opportunities for the school to connect with the local community and build partnerships with parents, businesses and local organizations. It will also provide an educational collaborative for projects that collide multiple subjects and levels, promoting teamwork and responsibility. Through caring for the homestead, the teaching team hopes students will also develop responsibility, leadership and collaboration skills. The Voya grant will go toward purchasing a chicken coop on wheels, feeder, water, feed and fertile hatching eggs.