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Sarah Geborkoff, Houghton Middle School Science Teacher, has been selected as the recipient of the 2016 Dan Wolz Clean Water Education Award by the Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) and Michigan Water Environment Chapter.
“The selection committee was very impressed by Ms. Geborkoff’s application and project,” observed Susan Tate, Region 4 Director for the Michigan Science Teachers Association.
As the recipient of this year’s award, Geborkoff will receive $1,500 for the purchase of classroom or project supplies. In addition, she will receive complimentary registration for the 2017 and 2018 MSTA Conference, as well as sub costs for Friday, and one night hotel for both years’ conference. Finally, she will receive two free tickets for the MSTA awards banquet at the conference on March 24th.
Geborkoff’s project incorporates grade-level NGSS performance expectations in Earth, life, and physical science into a year-long environmental theme focused on water quality, environmental science, and sustainability. The project targets students in the 7th grade, and takes place during the daily required science course. Research has shown that if concepts are integrated into a common theme, learning will take place at a deeper and more meaningful level.
Over the course of the year, 7th grade students learn about the qualities and properties of water, the impact of water on every aspect of their lives, the effects of our mining heritage and use of the land on local water quality, and careers related to environmental science and engineering as they engage in field trips, activities, guest presentations, and service work. The project is collaborative in that it involves many local educators, scientists, and organizations within the community, and has received funding from the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative.
The Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) partners with the Michigan Science Teachers Association to identify teachers who have a great program and are in need of financial assistance to execute a project within a curriculum focused on water environment issues.
The Dan Wolz Clean Water Education Grant was established in 2006 to heighten public awareness of the career opportunities our industry has to offer, and to improve the quality and quantity of Clean Water community education in Michigan’s public schools. Dan Wolz was a true environmental steward of the earth. Thus, in recognition of the passion Dan had for education, this award continues to reach hundreds of Michigan students.
For more information: http://www.msta-mich.org/?page=GrantsandAwards
