This spring, 15 Philly math and science teachers will be exploring interactive, hands-on classroom projects with their students. These teachers were awarded Dow Classroom Innovation Grants between $100 and $1,000 to step out of standard teaching methods and innovate in their classrooms.
Read about how three of these teachers will use their projects to enhance classroom learning.
Kelsey Johnson teaches 12th grade environmental science at George Washington High School, where she started off student teaching three years ago.
"Environmental science entices students to participate in real-world projects, become aware of their surroundings, and interact with their environment," says Johnson. "The Dow Classroom Innovation Grant enabled me to purchase supplies and technology that took our gardening project to the next level: combining student excitement for growing and nurturing their own seedlings with the rigor of designing and conducting their own experiments as scientists.”
Galeet Cohen teaches 9th grade biology and 12th grade environmental science at Central High School. She will be buying Vernier carbon dioxide and oxygen probes so that her students can visualize and manipulate the carbon cycle.
“The carbon cycle is hugely impacting our lives in terms of economy, policy and, to some extent, weather right now – but since it is largely invisible, it can be difficult to study the processes taking place," says Cohen. "In biology, the sensors help student discover for themselves that the rates of photosynthesis and respiration in plants can respond to environmental factors, and enable them to build science inquiry skills.”
Jessica McAtamney has taught 10 of her 13 years of teaching in Philly, and now teaches 10-12th grade agriculture at Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences.
"[My] students will be creating a static aerated composting system… to better manage Saul's valuable horse manure. Students will be invited to learn and
understand the biology and chemistry behind composting, the need for appropriate nutrient management, and the importance of mitigating water and soil contamination due to manure runoff."
For more information about the Dow Classroom Innovation Grants and to see the other projects chosen, click here.
