GCM staff report
Chantelle McPherson, a teacher at Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette, recently attended a breakfast and presentation at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. This event was organized to honor the recipients of the 2023-2024 Future Shipbuilder STEM Scholarship awards.
McPherson was among the distinguished winners, receiving a $5,000 grant for her innovative project titled “Project Anatomy in Clay.” The grant aims to support the implementation of this educational initiative that focuses on enhancing students’ understanding of human anatomy.
The funds will be used to acquire the Anatomy in Clay learning system, a hands-on learning strategy that includes life-like skeletal models and modeling clay. This system is designed to facilitate the exploration of anatomical structures and relationships within the human body.
The “Anatomy in Clay Project” takes a multi-sensory approach to learning human anatomy and is aimed at students in grades 10-12 enrolled in human anatomy/physiology courses at Baldwin County High School.
According to the Anatomy in Clay website, “The mind cannot forget what the hands have learned.” This quote emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning experiences in promoting lasting understanding.
The scholarship award not only recognizes McPherson's commitment to innovative teaching methods, but also highlights the importance of advancing STEM education within the community. McPherson is excited about the potential impact the Anatomy in Clay project will have on her students' educational journey.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to advance STEM education, providing students with valuable hands-on opportunities to explore and understand complex concepts in human anatomy and physiology.
