| Project Plan
Goals
In 12 years of teaching, I’ve had numerous accomplishments. My
biggest success story is inspiring students in an isolated rural farming
community to continue in science and travel beyond county lines to experience
science. I’m very proud of my rigorous science program and the
wealth of experience I can share with students.
Highlights of my endeavors:
 Education
•
Student teaching in Western Australia
•
Outstanding Chemistry Major – CMU
•
Teacher Research Associated Program – Los Alamos
National
Laboratory
•
Master’s of Science in Physical Science
Curriculum
•
Prepared and taught eight different classes: Algebra,
Pre-Algebra,
AP Chemistry, Chemistry, Independent
Science,
Geology, Physical Science and Physics.
•
Developed a lab book: Experiments Using Household
Materials
for Beginning Chemistry Students
•
Presented activities – MSTA conference
Supplemental
instruction
•
Founded a science club
–
Promotes science to younger students
–
Traveled to Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Minnesota,
West
Virginia and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
on
scientific adventures
–
Conducted water research on GVSU research vessel
W.G.
Jackson and the tall ship Appledore
•
Huron County Innovative Vehicle Design
Unique approach
To advance science, I keep students active. Whether in the classroom
or out, I want students to think about science. I want them to take
what is learned in class, go home and talk about the lesson with family
and friends.
I make my classroom a fun place to learn. My classroom
presentations are on PowerPoint slides with sound and animation to keep
students’ interest. I continually upgrade my presentations with
pictures and video clips. In my classroom students do labs, demonstrations
and activities multiple times per week. We use as much technology as
available. Students do various research projects throughout the year
using computers and type formal lab reports.
Outside the classroom, I encourage students to participate
in science club. Sample activities:
•
Trips to museums and planetariums
across
the Midwest
•
Geological studies
•
Design your own sled
My students and I have promoted science at county-wide
workshops and the MSTA conference. Currently, my students and I are
involved in the Convergence-sponsored Innovative Vehicle Design project.
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Relevance
To make the connection between classroom and real world, I attend many
workshops and conferences. This helps me stay current with science and
technology. I am then able to put my experience into lessons in my classroom.
Also, I integrate engineering projects into each class.
Sample activities:
•
Designed a rubber band-powered car
•
Projectile launchers
•
Rube Goldberg inventions
•
Carbon dioxide-powered boats
A recent example is applying wind farm technology in
physics. Our area is building the first major wind farm in Michigan.
I went to a workshop this winter that allowed us to build a model wind
turbine. My physics students are currently designing blades to see who
can produce the most energy.
Another example is in chemistry. I developed a lab book:
Applying Food and Other Household Materials to Beginning Chemistry
Experiments. I used common materials to see if students remembered
chemistry concepts.
Measurement
I believe my approach is working and I’ve had an impact on my
students. This is apparent to me when I go to graduation parties and
see physics and chemistry projects on display with other awards. Students
are proud of the work they’ve done in my classes. Some write to
me from college and comment on how much I’ve prepared them for
further studies in science. They even tutor other students. The surprising
thing is, often these are not the students who got A’s, and who
never planned to take another science class.
As a result of the engineering projects included in physics,
physics numbers have increased. Last year there was a waiting list to
take physics. Chemistry has also shown an increase in class size. Upon
adding a physical science class to our program, students’ chemistry
grades have increased a full grade.
Challenges
Laker High School is part of a consolidated rural district at the northern
tip of Michigan’s Thumb. Most of the area is highly productive
farmland. Currently, 42% of the student population qualifies for the
free and reduced lunch programs. Over the course of the last five years,
our school district has experienced a 15% K-12 enrollment decline and
a 15% high school staff reduction.
In my classroom, I have experienced much larger classes.
Therefore, more materials are being used and more equipment is needed.
I am limited to ordering minimum materials. To prepare a new lab or
to maintain a current lab, I often find myself purchasing supplies or
waiting until funds are available. |
