Board told district received $408,422 for Plasma Games science platform; staff answers questions on learning impact

Iredell‑Statesville Schools staff presented a state grant award of $408,422 to continue using the Plasma Games online science resource, and the board asked questions about classroom results and screen time.

Doctor Lester explained that the Plasma Games grant totals $408,422 and that this is the district's third year with the program and the final scheduled year of state funding. "Plasma Games is an online standards aligned resource... a national science foundation award winning platform that centers on middle school science, high school physical science, and high school chemistry concepts," Lester told the board.

Board members raised concerns about the program's reception elsewhere in the state and whether participation translates into student achievement. One board member said they had read articles reporting "lukewarm reception" and asked staff to address those concerns. Lester and other staff said local teacher uptake dipped this year in part because the district is implementing new standards and teachers were focused on unpacking standards; they said the program supplies a large library of auto‑graded lessons and resources that some teachers find useful to introduce or reinforce concepts and to personalize assignments.

Board members also asked about screen time. Lester said the materials are academic, assignment‑driven and not social media, and that the platform includes a variety of resources beyond the game component. The board was told the platform includes a career awareness component that highlights STEM professions and pathways.

The item is a voting item for next week; staff will bring detailed information and uptake metrics for board review.