Innovation Grants Winter 2004
Innovation Grants: Winter 2004 Recipients
Jemi Baham, Monrovia
9th to 12th Grade Science Teacher
Monrovia High School
Partner: Kristin Ford
Through “Learn by Teaching,” Ms. Baham and Ms. Ford enrich the communication and science vocabulary of their English language learners. After studying complex biology vocabulary and concepts, these students practice their communication and critical thinking skills by developing and teaching science lessons to elementary students.
Daniel McDowell, Santee
10th Grade Teacher
West Hills High School
Partner: Karly Johnstone
To help students understand the critical role that propaganda played in the maintenance of totalitarian regimes such as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, Mr. McDowell and Ms. Johnstowne simulate a ministry of propaganda. Students learn media literacy by creating storyboards that glorify a fictional state for film and print campaigns.
Susan Aman, Thonotosassa
K to 3rd Grade Reading Coach
Thonotosassa Elementary School
Partner: Kimberly Regenold
Ms. Aman and Ms. Regenold have developed a historical and archaeological adventure for their third-grade students. The journey begins with tours of the Museum of Science and Industry including the examination of original artifacts from the Titanic. Inspired by their museum trip, students read books about the period, and publish their own story about the field trips. To share their learning experiences publicly, students create a museum and invite their peers and parents to a tour.
Beth Robinson, Tampa
1st to 9th Grade Media Specialist
Parkhill School
Partners: Anna Bartlett, Jodie Donahoo
Students at Parkhill School, which is a residential treatment facility for abused children, participate in an integrated thematic unit on endangered species. After researching and writing about endangered animals, students create puppets, an original script, and music for a puppet show that describes the animals and why they are endangered.
David Paden, Lecompton
9th to 12th Grade Teacher
John Dewey Learning Academy
Partners: Terri Driscoll, Chris Hotchkiss, Jennifer Williams
To engage their at-risk students in school, Mr. Paden and his partners designed a curriculum that connects environmental education and service learning with all content areas. Focusing on land navigation, students plant trees, build birdhouses, and create trail markers. Students present the project at the National Service Learning Conference.
Roger Clapp, Worcester
K to 6th Grade Mathematics Facilitator
Columbus Park Preparatory Academy
Partners: Jayne Cardin, Elizabeth McGovern
Third-grade students at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy investigate the history of the local watershed and the impact that urban development has had on the local ecosystem. After visiting the Worcester Historical Society and the Department of Public Works, students conduct and videotape interviews with local residents and politicians, analyze water quality, and develop a plan for civic action that addresses environmental issues. Students compile their videotapes of interviews and site visits and present their research to the community, including local environmental groups.
Laura Vickery, Haslett
9th to 12th Grade Teacher
Meridian High School
Partner: Pamela Wilburn
Ms. Vickery and Ms. Wilburn have created a practical application of chemistry for their students. In a unit on the chemistry of color, students study natural and chemically manipulated pigments used to develop inks, paints, and glazes. The teachers also connect learning to employment opportunities by examining the need for chemists to develop color for such things as markers and pens.
Christopher Shadle, Massillon
3rd Grade Teacher
E. G. Bowers Elementary School
Partner: Debbie Hintz
To ensure that all students learn about their heritage and pioneer life in general, Mr. Shadle and Ms. Hintz integrate special needs students into their general education classes. Students write books and draw illustrations of how nineteenth century communities developed. The project culminates with “Pioneer Day,” where costumed interpreters describe life in pioneer communities.
OREGON
Juliet Baxter, Eugene
Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology
University of Oregon
Partners: Marna Belcher, Marie Vitulli
To engage middle school students and preservice teachers in mathematics, Dr. Baxter, Ms. Belcher, and Ms. Vitulli use peer instruction and hand-held wireless transmitters. The team models inquiry-based methods of teaching mathematics as students respond to conceptual questions through their wireless transmitters. With an instantaneous analysis of the responses, the team refines their instruction to meet students’ needs and focus on the concepts the students are not grasping.
Jeanene Holliday, Missouri City
5th Grade Teacher
Hunters Glen Elementary
Partners: Carletter Aziz, Bertha Hilburn
To increase the problem-solving skills of students who are struggling with mathematical concepts, Ms. Holliday, Ms. Aziz, and Ms. Hilburn help students develop a mock corporation. Students establish and manage a for-profit company that designs and sells clothing. Working within several corporate divisions, students track and distribute salaries, market and advertise their clothing, and manage general operations. Students conclude the program with a fashion show.
Erin Lumpkins, Falls Church
K to 6th Grade Physical Education Teacher
Woodburn School for the Fine and
Communicative Arts
Partners: Aileen Flaherty, Thana Vance
Ms. Lumpkins, Ms. Flaherty, and Ms. Vance integrate fine arts with language arts by exploring storytelling. Students survey storytelling in all content areas and create daily drawings in their sketchbook journals, which are a springboard to narrative and expository writing. For background knowledge, students read fiction and nonfiction books on story cloths, which are new art forms similar to quilting, and their importance to storytelling in various cultures. The project concludes with the students creating their own story cloths.
Mario Alberto Godoy-Gonzalez, Royal City
9th to 12th Grade Teacher
Royal High School
Partners: Veronica Barrett, Sandra Finch, Sydney Ortega
With “Opening Our Grandparents’ Memory Box,” Mr. Godoy-Gonzalez and his partners are helping their English language learners and special education students to improve their English skills. Students collaboratively study and research the role immigrants played in shaping the nation by interviewing community members. During these interviews, community members share recipes, folk tales, and items that students can store in their memory boxes.