How to Write a Successful Grant For the KnowAtom Science Program

Many districts help fund the upfront expense of implementing their new science initiative with the use of grants. If you are interested in bringing KnowAtom to your school but require more funds, this page will guide you through the grant-application process.

STEP 1: Contact KnowAtom (617-475-3475 x 2006) to discuss how the program works and find out how it can meet your district’s needs.

STEP 2: Rally other educators interested in implementing the program and define the scope of the new initiative.

STEP 3: Identify local STEM improvement grants that you’re eligible for. Check to see if rotary clubs, charitable trusts, community groups or business associations offer education grants. Here are some organizations that provide grants for innovative classroom science programming:

• Hardscrabble Education Fund Grant
• Gelfand Family Charitable Trust
• National Science Teacher Association
• Lynn Business Education Foundation
• Intel Community Grants
• Dominion Educational Partnership
• American Honda Foundation
• Department of Education
• NIH’s Science Education Partnership Award

Also see award opportunities listed by the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers and “How to Find Elementary Classroom Grants” from eHow.com

STEP 4:  Download or contact the grant administrator to obtain the grant proposal form. When asked for a project description, be sure to point out the following elements that make KnowAtom unique:

• The KnowAtom Curriculum is formed from state frameworks and has been proven to improve student performance on standardized science and technology/engineering exams.
• KnowAtom supplements existing science programming with an inquiry-based curriculum that provides all necessary project components.
• KnowAtom helps a school or district implement a unified science curriculum quickly.
• KnowAtom encourages teachers to welcome science into their classrooms by enhancing existing classroom resources.
• The KnowAtom Curriculum requires students to use 21^st-century critical thinking skills with imaginative, hands-on projects that utilize scientific instruments and digital technology.
• KnowAtom creates an enjoyable science experience for both students and teachers.
• KnowAtom provides meaningful professional development resources and workshops.

STEP 5: If you would like to submit your grant for peer review by KnowAtom we’re happy to provide feedback. Call (617) 475-3475 x 2008 or e-mail jcaputo@knowatom.com for advice and support.

STEP 6: Submit the grant and wait for the results. Congrats! If you don’t receive funding the first time, contact the grant administrator to solicit feedback. Reform and resubmit.

KnowAtom and Federal/State Education Initiatives

Race to Top

If your district is eligible for “Race to the Top” funds, please consider using the KnowAtom solution in your classrooms. Our program addresses all four of President Obama’s areas for education reform:

• The KnowAtom Curriculum prepares students to succeed in college and the workplace by establishing the backbone of their scientific literacy and encouraging critical thinking.
• It measures student growth and success with unit assessments that cover vocabulary, key concepts and preparedness for standardized exams.
• Professional development materials and classes develop teachers’ confidence in being able to fully develop state science frameworks.
• The KnowAtom program yields higher standardized science test scores in both low and high-achieving schools.

Educate to Innovate

Last January, President Obama launched his “Educate to Innovate” campaign to improve student performance in math and science. The White House says there are three things “we must do”:

• Increase STEM literacy so that all students can learn deeply and think critically in science, math, engineering, and technology.
• Move American students from the middle of the pack to top in the next decade.
• Expand STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women and girls.

KnowAtom supports the president’s mission. Creating a strong understanding of science at the elementary level promotes strength carried into middle and high school. Our curriculum encourages abstract thinking by requiring students to experience scientific concepts with their senses. Hands-on learning engages students across genders as well as racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.