San Juan Capistrano : Grant Used to Develop School Science Software

San Juan Elementary School will use a $6,000 grant from Pacific Bell Corp. to develop bilingual program materials for teaching science and increasing student literacy, school officials said.

“In addition to exposing students to (advanced computer) software, this project will incorporate interactive laser disc instructional materials in science for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students, many of whom have limited English proficiency,” said Michael Hoy, coordinator of staff development and technology for the Capistrano Unified School District.

Using “Windows on Science” laser disc materials, donated by Optical Data Corp., students will be able to switch between Spanish and English sound tracks as they explore major concepts of earth, life and physical science.

The program is designed to satisfy three needs, officials said: It will involve San Juan students with sophisticated computer technology; the language option will make science easier to understand, and the students will increase their English-language skills.