Math & Science

During 2008 a collaboration, dubbed the Sea Initiative, was initiated between MIT and the GPS that is creating an exciting range of opportunities for the public school staff and students. Financial funding for Year I was $340,000 with funds divided equally between GPS and MIT’s Edgerton Center. Based on the successful first year the anonymous family foundation supporting the program approved funding for years 2 and 3, bringing the total amount of funding to more than $1 million.

So what's happened?

• A GPS science specialist was hired to serve as a liaison with MIT, as well as integrating MIT opportunities and activities back into the GPS.
• New user-friendly math textbooks, Investigations, were provided to all 1440 grade 2-5 students.
• Numerous teachers have benefited from professional development at MIT. GPS students have visited MIT and participated in Summer Science Programs.
• The Summer Science Program was expanded from twenty Middle School students in Year 1 to forty students. This program involves the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center as well as MIT venues.
• The Middle School Birdseye-Hammond Science, Technology and Engineering Center opened.

“Last summer my daughter, Hannah, had the opportunity to participate in a two-week summer camp which was conceived and funded by the GEF. They created solar powered sculptures at MIT, built remotely operated underwater vehicles at the Maritime Heritage center and visited the Haystack Observatory in Weston. The program was fascinating, fun and a great learning experience. Many thanks to GEF for providing such a fantastic opportunity for Gloucester’s students!” –Caitlin Summer, Parent