FOUNTAIN VALLEY : $68,000 Grant to Buy 15 School Computers

Five Fountain Valley schools will be equipped with high-tech equipment in the fall, thanks to a $68,000 grant from the state Department of Education.

Fountain Valley School District received the school-based educational-technology grant for its Project TLC (Technology Links Curriculum), which is designed to improve learning in science and English, said Diane O’Donnell, principal of Urbain H. Plavan Elementary School.

The elementary schools that will benefit from the grant money include Plavan, Robert Gisler, William T. Newland, Roch Courreges and Fred Moiola.

The grant money will be used to buy 15 computers, with each school receiving three, along with software and printers.

Project TLC, which will begin in the fall, focuses on coordinating the use of technology with the science curriculum, O’Donnell said. Students will study scientific issues, such as acid rain and trash pollution, and conduct hands-on experiments, she said.

To supplement their studies, students will use technology by performing electronic research using a variety of software and laser disc programs. They will also be able to gather data by being involved in electronic networking with information sources across the country.

“They’re going to learn their science much better because they’re going to make connections with things they see in their everyday life,” O’Donnell said.

“The benefit is they will retain their learning and hopefully have a lifelong interest in science and knowledge and an appreciation and desire to preserve the natural world.”