Education Resources Blog

VariQuest Blog

The VariQuest Visual and Kinesthetic Learning Suite Blog contains resources on classroom ideas, lesson plans, industry news, events, and offers throughout education.

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Special Education | Career & Technology Education (CTE) | Grade Level: Secondary (7-12) | VariQuest Tools: Cutout Maker 1800 | Academic Subject: Career & Technical Education | Featured Topics: Funding | Funding | VariQuest Tools: Motiva 400 | VariQuest Tools: Perfecta 2400STP | VariQuest Tools: Perfecta 3600STP | VariQuest Tools: Perfecta 2400PRO | Engage Every Learner Content

Got CTE Funding? We've got Resources.

By: VariQuest Visual and Kinesthetic Learning Suite
September 12th, 2023

Trying to figure out how to best spend your Career & Technical Education funding - or use other funding for career & technical education programs? Let's take a look at some options.

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Career & Technology Education (CTE) | VariQuest Super Schools | Academic Subject: Career & Technical Education | Project-based Learning | Secondary Transition Program

Adult Transition Program (ATP) Builds Life Skills

By: VariQuest Visual & Kinesthetic Learning Tools
March 30th, 2023

As educators, we know one of the more challenging times in a secondary-aged student's life can be preparing for adulthood after high school. This can be especially true for students with disabilities. To say that leaving a support system which feels safe and familiar is overwhelming and scary is an understatement. Fortunately, there are services available through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that disabled students and their parents can continue to rely on to help with a smooth transition into postsecondary education or training, employment, and independent living. The Adult Transition Program (ATP) at Community High School District 218 in Oak Lawn, IL serves a mission to do just that, and with the help of the VariQuest® Visual and Kinesthetic Learning Suite, their students with disabilities are learning valuable real-world skills, while building confidence, courage and spirit!

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How to Write a Grant eBook

How to Write a Grant eBook

This helpful guide includes an explanation of the grant process, including a checklist (with samples!), and useful links and resources to find funding!

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Career & Technology Education (CTE) | VariQuest Super Schools | Academic Subject: Career & Technical Education | Project-based Learning

A Student-Run Print Shop Teaches CTE Skills at Higgins Middle School

By: VariQuest Visual & Kinesthetic Learning Tools
May 1st, 2018

With an emphasis on CTE programs in schools on the rise, so too are student-based enterprises - where students can brainstorm ideas, design and develop products, market their offerings, monitor inventory, balance finances, and nurture patronage - covering many of the 16 Career Clusters and developing students' real world skills. Such is the case at Higgins Middle School in Peabody, Massachusetts, where the students are tasked with running a multi-service print shop fully equipped with VariQuest® Visual and Kinesthetic Learning Tools.

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Career & Technology Education (CTE) | VariQuest Super Schools | Academic Subject: Career & Technical Education

21st Century Learning at The Career Academy

By: VariQuest Visual & Kinesthetic Learning Tools
November 21st, 2017

CTE programs are built for students to learn their coursework by applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios, prepping them for future education or careers. The Career Academy (TCA) in Lincoln, Nebraska is an exemplary model for this. A collaborative effort between Southeast Community College and the Lincoln Public School District, high school juniors and seniors are invited to attend the academy for two hours each day during the regular school year, participating in high school and dual-credit courses through 16 different career pathways, while taking the rest of their classes at their “home” high school. Upon graduation, students are better-prepared to enter the workforce, work towards a certificate in their chosen field, or continue on to college – taking their career course credits with them. Thanks to an anonymous gift from a generous donor, Southeast Community College purchased the VariQuest suite of tools for TCA and through various activities, they’ve been able to fill the walls of classrooms and support various career pathways; preparing students for whatever endeavor their future holds….

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Recognition | VariQuest Super Schools | Grade Level: Secondary (7-12) | VariQuest Tools: Awards Maker 400 | Academic Subject: Career & Technical Education

Students Aspire to New Heights through Bear Awards

By: Heidi Glasow
May 6th, 2016

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Academic Subject: STEM | Featured Topics: Industry News and Trends | Featured Topics: Differentiated Instruction | Academic Subject: Career & Technical Education

Maker Movement Gains Traction in the Midwest with NSF Funding

By: Margo Ensz
September 28th, 2015

Earlier this month, two Indiana University researchers received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study the successes of the Maker Movement in China and cultivate the movement in the United States Midwest. This grant and new study focuses not only on the academic importance of the movement, but the economic importance as well. So, why the Midwest?

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Grade Level: Secondary (7-12) | VariQuest Tools: Perfecta 2400 | Academic Subject: Career & Technical Education

Not Just for Science Fairs: High School Poster Sessions

By: Margo Ensz
February 16th, 2015

While poster sessions may seem reserved for post-secondary and professional conferences, high school students can benefit from the opportunity to present their research and projects in such a succinct way. These events allow students to "get their feet in the water" and work on communication skills by presenting their research in a condensed "elevator speech" format rather than a full-scale presentation.

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Grade Level: Secondary (7-12) | Academic Subject: Career & Technical Education

Students Develop Confidence & Career Skills with Indian Ink (Video)

By: Margo Ensz
February 10th, 2015

Last month Venice High School in Venice, Florida, entered the Follett Challenge which "showcases and rewards educators who are aligning their curriculum and approach in order to teach the skills needed in the 21st century, and who are implementing a collaborative program with others in their school." The in-school graphic design class and business Indian Ink is a stellar example of a student-empowering program that readies students for the 21st century workplace and culture using VariQuest Visual Learning Tools.

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Academic Subject: Career & Technical Education | Featured Topics: Education Policy

Smart Snacks Requirements: What's the Impact?

By: Margo Ensz
November 20th, 2014

The United States Department of Agriculture continues its efforts to create a healthier generation with the introduction of "Smart Snacks in Schools" nutrition standards.

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Grade Level: Secondary (7-12) | VariQuest Tools: Design Center Software | VariQuest Tools: Perfecta 2400 | VariQuest Tools: Cutout Maker 1800 | Academic Subject: Career & Technical Education | VariQuest Tools: Cold Laminator 2510

Rural High School Engages District & Community with Student-Based Enterprise

By: Margo Ensz
November 10th, 2014

Rural Otterville, Missouri has a new business in town, and its location may surprise you! November's VariQuest Super School belongs to a district with a K-12 student population of about 250. The high school's Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter encourages and fosters student leadership by using VariQuest Visual Learning Tools to teach business skills. Otterville High School FBLA Chapter: Meeting School Needs & Engaging the Community

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