Science Suitcases 2021-2022 Recap

“Science Suitcases” provides Title 1 and rural K-12 schools with ‘suitcases’ of STEM-themed books and educational materials to help students explore unique and interesting STEM topics while practicing their literacy skills.

This year, we sent books to schools with a total of 5,560 students 48% of which receive free/reduced lunch, 75% of which don’t meet grade-level proficiency for reading, and 67% of which don’t meet grade-level proficiency for math. Over 100 books were donated in total to elementary and middle schools in each of Tennessee’s 9 congressional districts.

Tennessee District 1

Fall Branch Elementary in Washington County received a space-themed Science Suitcase including LEGO Women of NASA Space Heroes, Chasing Space by Leland Melvin, Ada Twist Scientist, and Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry. Fall Branch Elementary has 253 students, 63% of which do not meet state-set math proficiency standards, 68% of which do not meet state-set reading proficiency standards, and 55% of which receive free or reduced lunch.

Tennessee District 2

Northwest Middle School in Knoxville received a space-themed Science Suitcase with Spanish-language options including Estrellas y Planetas, Lowriders in Space, Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry (English and Spanish versions), and Hidden Figures Young Reader’s edition. Northwest Middle has 854 students, 89% of which do not meet state-set math proficiency standards, 85% of which do not meet state-set reading proficiency standards, and 47% of which receive free or reduced lunch.

Tennessee District 3

Red Bank Elementary School in Chattanooga received a STEAM-themed Science Suitcase including Aaron Slater Illustrator, Smithsonian Maker Lab, Math and Drawing Games for Kids, and The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars. Red Bank Elementary has 583 students, 67% of which do not meet state-set math proficiency standards, 74% of which do not meet state-set reading proficiency standards, and 42% of which receive free or reduced lunch.

Tennessee District 4

Ralph Askins Elementary School in Fayetteville received a STEM-themed Science Suitcase including You Should Meet Mae Jemison, Libby Loves Science, Rosie Revere Engineer, and Counting on Katherine. Ralph Askins School has 587 students, 63% of which do not meet state-set math proficiency standards, 85% of which do not meet state-set reading proficiency standards, and 68% of which receive free or reduced lunch.

Tennessee District 5

Smith Springs Elementary School in Nashville received a space-themed Science Suitcase including Low Riders in Space 1 & 2, Mujeres en la Exploracion del Espacio, and The Astronaut Handbook. Smith Springs Elementary has 645 students, 65% of which do not meet state-set math proficiency standards, 76% of which do not meet state-set reading proficiency standards, and 31% of which receive free or reduced lunch.

Tennessee District 6

North Coffee Elementary School in Manchester received a Computer Science-themed Science Suitcase including How to Code a Roller Coaster, Gabi’s If/Then Garden, Girls Who Code, and Secret Coders. North Coffee Elementary has 300 students, 63% of which do not meet state-set math proficiency standards, 63% of which do not meet state-set reading proficiency standards, and 64% of which receive free or reduced lunch.

Tennessee District 7

Toone Elementary School in Hardeman County received a STEAM-themed Science Suitcase including Queen of Physics, I Can be a Science Detective, Matter, Energy, Waves, and Forces. Toone Elementary has 249 students, 73% of which do not meet state-set math proficiency standards, 68% of which do not meet state-set reading proficiency standards, and 41% of which receive free or reduced lunch.

Tennessee District 8

Brighton Elementary School in Tipton County received a STEAM-themed Science Suitcase including Aaron Slater Illustrator, On a Beam of Light, and Awesome Science Experiments for Kids. Brighton Elementary has 755 students, 40% of which do not meet state-set math proficiency standards, 60% of which do not meet state-set reading proficiency standards, and 62% of which receive free or reduced lunch.

Tennessee District 9

Cordova Middle School in Memphis received a Computer Science-themed Science Suitcase including Girls who Code, Emmy in the Key of Code, Once Upon an Algorithm, and Crayola: Art of Coding. Cordova Middle has 790 students, 82% of which do not meet state-set math proficiency standards, 77% of which do not meet state-set reading proficiency standards, and 33% of which receive free or reduced lunch.

Summer 2022 Franklin County Suitcases

Another two Science Suitcases were delivered to the Franklin County Public Library and Clark Memorial School in Franklin County, Tennessee. Clark Memorial School has 544 students, 76% of which do not meet state-set math proficiency standards, 72% of which do not meet state-set reading proficiency standards, and 45% of which receive free or reduced lunch.