Origins:
"I am standing in a partial enclosure made of sticks and plant fronds. This is the school for roughly 35 students, ranging in age from three to about twenty years old. There are no desks. There is a single shared chalkboard, and it has gaping holes..."
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-David Rathmann-Bloch
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The dearth of educational resources in almost every school he visited in Haiti, coupled with Haitian students' intense desire to learn, inspired David to found the 21st Century Chalkboard Project in 2009, when he was twelve years old.
Grand' Anse, Haiti.
March, 2009
The 21st Century Chalkboard Project brings together engaged educators and students both here and in Haiti to develop and implement educational software modules of relevance to the daily lives of Haitian students. Focus areas include STEM education, public health, and literacy.
We are working to transform a cycle of poverty into a circle of education.
Educational Software Modules
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How to Use a Computer:
The software introduces the basics of computer literacy, including how to navigate with a mouse and keyboard.
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Basic Geometry:
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This module focuses on recognizing and identifying geometric shapes.
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Biology Series:
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These modules explore a variety of topics in biology, including cell structure and basic genetics.
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Words and Numbers Series:
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This series of modules focuses on reading literacy in English, French, and Creole through identification of words, objects, and numbers.
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Composting Toilets:
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Most Haitians have limited access to improved sanitation facilities; cities like Port-au-Prince and Jérémie are latticed with open sewers. Well-constructed composting toilets can offer a safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative. This module shows the benefits and basic construction of a composting toilet.
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Solar System:
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This module introduces astronomy with an animated solar system and facts about the celestial bodies within it.
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Cholera:
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In response to the post-earthquake cholera epidemic in Haiti, this module provides potentially life-saving advice, such as which symptoms suggest a cholera infection. The information derives from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
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Arithmetic:
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This module offers arithmetic quiz games to enhance math fluency.
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