By Lisa Capobianco Staff Writer From weather patterns, to cell mutation to great white sharks, fifth graders identified as gifted and talented in the Southington school district have currently worked on a variety of projects in partnership with Talcott Mountain Science Center. Established toward the end of last year with the help of a $15,000 grant, the partnership serves as an enrichment program for a total of 29 students from the district. Every week students devote time in class and at home to work on an individualized project, connecting virtually with a scientist from Talcott Mountain for guidance. “These kids are going to be your future innovators,” said Erin Nattrass, a teacher at Kelley School who serves as one of the district facilitators for the Talcott enrichment program. “We are developing the whole student.” The enrichment program kicked off in October with a district-wide training for students and district facilitators, followed by a virtual online meet-and-greet with scientists. During the training, students learned how to use Canvas, a software program that allows them to communicate directly with scientists and also with each other. Through Canvas, students can log-in from both school and home to send instant messages back and forth. [...]
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