Dutch Fork Elementary School wins SCAET Technology Innovative Program Award

IRMO, SC - Dutch Fork Elementary School Academy for Environmental Sciences has received the South Carolina Association for Education Technology (SCAET) Technology Innovative Program (TIPS) Award for elementary schools in South Carolina for their “Get The Buzz on our Honey Bees” initiative. The school was recognized at the SCAET Awards Luncheon in Myrtle Beach.

“We are very excited and honored to be recognized for our technology integration with the TIPS award from SCAET,” said Dutch Fork Elementary School InTec Specialist Heather Reit. “As a school, we are enthusiastic to continue exploring new opportunities for technology and environmental science integration in the elementary classroom.”

This past school year, Dutch Fork Elementary School installed a honey bee observation hive in the school library. Students become engaged and retain their knowledge best when they learn from real world, authentic sources. The school leadership and teachers knew this would be an opportunity to acquaint students with an important and threatened indicator species that would highlight human interdependency with these important pollinators.

This project has used technology as a tool to extend learning. The observation hive fosters an environment of inquiry where students are encouraged to question and reflect. Students’ research skills improved as they became excited to find out more information about the bees and their needs. The hive has led to student-created projects, e-books, picture collages and commercials about the bees. Several fourth grade students have become experts on bees and have presented to visitors at the school.

The SCAET TIPS award recognizes technology-infused projects or initiatives that have made major contributions through instructional or administrative programs at schools or the district. Dutch Fork Elementary School principal Julius Scott was ecstatic about the school receiving this award saying, “This is just one example of how we approach learning here at DFES Academy for Environmental Sciences. Our teachers engage and challenge their students to think about real world issues and help solve real world problems. Teaching and learning at DFES is fun and relevant.”