COLUMBUS — Betsy Castro and Lyndsay Schobel, teachers at Columbus High School, were recognized by the Columbus Education Foundation with Classroom Grants for special projects to expand the learning experience of their students.
Castro, CHS Spanish teacher, received $750. The money will be used to purchase supplies and equipment to stimulate involvement and enhanced learning in her Level 1 and 2 Spanish classes. She teaches 130 students ages 15-17.
In her application, Castro outlined activities she has always wanted to incorporate in her teaching. With CEF’s support, the needed supplies for the activities will become a reality. She shared that she has found “handson” activities the best to get the students excited about learning. She looks forward to feeding their curiosity with these new activities.
Among her goals is to have her students gain a broader understanding of the culture, language and history of Spanish-speaking countries.
Schobel, science teacher at CHS, enthusiastically accepted a $500 CEF Classroom Grant to expand her dream of a “Greenhouse Garden Project.”
In her grant application, she explained, “I want to put garden beds in our greenhouse to grow plants during the school year. This gardening project—a ‘supervised agricultural experience’— will involve 123 students in my science classes.”
Schobel’s special project includes supplies like lumber, soil, water hoses and more.
She added, “It will allow students to study plants: growth, anatomy and physiology in real time. The project will encompass a combination of skills involving engineering, science and math components.”
