Michelle Grimes
My thoughts about teaching hands-on science.
In my experience no student has ever returned to visit me and said they remember all the tests, book work, or worksheets we did in class. What they do remember, are the projects, hand created models, and labs. A former student, who plays college football for the University of Florida, said his fondest memories were creating electric circuits and the dissection of a squid from his 6th grade year. These testimonials reaffirm my belief that students learn best by doing not just reading about the world around them.
Professional experience
For 26 years I worked at Atlantis Elementary school in Florida. During those years I worked with all age students across multiple curriculum areas. I also developed and ran our school wide designated science lab serving students from kindergarten to sixth grade. My love was always teaching science and how I could make it fun and memorable. For the last few years, I taught the entire 5th grade science which is a high-stake testing year for science averaging 85 students each year. In the years before I taught fourth grade which was a main foundation year for science in the state.
2022 F.A.S.T (Florida Association of Science Teachers) conference presenter representing Brevard County
I was chosen to be one of the teacher trainers to represent Brevard County at the state conference.
Teacher of the year for Atlantis Elementary School 2021-2022
School based science fair coordinator 2016 through 2023
District level science fair committee member
Many more years of experiences and awards upon request.
Recommendation letter from administration
Degree from University of Florida
About me and my family
I have been married for 37 years to my high school sweetheart and we have a teenage daughter. I am also a current homeschool mom balancing keep her on track and my own endeavors. I am a graduate of the University of Central Florida. In 2022 we decided we wanted a change of environment for our family, so we purchased a home in Union County and have been renovating it since moving permanently last July. We enjoy hiking, fishing, and are loving the mountain life.
Connections Science. LLC
Connections Science is a registered LLC in the state of Georgia providing educational science support to students.