Colleen Hinrichsen, a STEAM teacher at Mars Centennial School, received a grant from the Mars Planet Foundation for a “Transforming iPads into Creation Studios” project.

ADAMS TWP — Upgrades to the Mars Centennial School's library and new equipment for science, technology, engineering, art and math students are happening thanks to a grant from the Mars Planet Foundation.

The foundation gives out Teaching Enrichment Grants to teachers and staff in the district as a way to offer new educational opportunities that aren't part of the existing curriculum.

Earlier this month, Colleen Hinrichsen, a STEAM teacher at the school, received a $1,312.05 for a “Transforming iPads into Creation Studios” project. The funding will help purchase 15 Dewey Document camera stands to aid students in creating multimedia projects, such as stop-motion animation.

Meanwhile, Chris Churilla, librarian/media studies teacher, was given $609.57 for a “Media Center Collaboration Space.”

According to Churilla, he has focused this school year on transforming the library space into a media center, including creating new collaboration spaces for students to work together. He said the grant money will pay for three high-top tables and stools to create an area, “that allows for a welcoming and open space to promote creativity, project-based learning and collaboration.”

Churilla said since installing the tables, students have been working in small groups on Media Studies and Digital Citizenship projects.

In addition to the grant-funded seating areas, Churilla said other upgrades within the media center include new dry-erase table tops and a reading area that includes beanbag chairs and rocking benches. Those items were purchased using district funds as well as money raised during the fall Scholastic Book Fair.