Escalante school a contest finalist

Escalante Elementary is one of 18 schools named as finalists for the Intel Schools of Distinction Awards, which could win them $170,000 in science goodies.

The annual program honors schools for implementing innovative and replicable math and science programs that produce positive educational results. Schools compete for a number of grants and awards from the Intel Foundation and sponsoring companies.

Escalante was recognized in the science category for providing "rich science curriculum that is incorporating hands-on investigative experiences that prepare students for 21st century jobs."

It's no ordinary school. And Escalante students have consistently walked away with the most wins in district science fairs.

"How many schools have students that can go into their back yard and pull a fish out of a pond and then track them," measuring the fish's growth and fish populations over time, said Elaine Manousakis, science specialist at the school, referring to the school's outdoor science classroom.

From its opening about five years ago the school, 1810 W. 900 North, has always had a strong emphasis on science, providing constant hands-on projects that allow the students to engage in true science, said Manousakis.

A few years ago a $100,000 grant from Intel allowed the school to establish a science lab that is the only one of its kind in an elementary school in the district.

Students from the University of Utah pitch in to run the lab that holds dozens of microscopes from fiber optic to video, scales, petri dishes and other equipment that allows the students to engage in a number of science projects.

Then in 2005 "Extreme Makeover" built the school an outdoor classroom complete with wetland ponds, nature garden and native wildlife.

In the Intel competition, three winners — one elementary, one middle school and one high school — will be selected in both math and science categories. Each winning school will receive a $10,000 cash grant from the Intel Foundation and an award package including curriculum materials, professional development resources, hardware and software valued at more than $160,000 per school.