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	Last updated 6.15.05

Innovation Grants: Fall 2005 Recipients

The NEA Foundation's Innovation Grants are funded in part by Staples Recycle for Education.

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CALIFORNIA

Maria Shiffer, Seeley
6th Grade Mathematics and Science Teacher
Seeley Union Elementary School
Partner: Ruben Arreola

Ms. Shiffer and Mr. Arreola instruct their students on the use of geothermal energy, a renewable energy source. Students learn geothermal concepts through Internet research, a tour at a local geothermal facility, and interviews with plant employees. Students also record data collected on-site and write business proposals responding to a major problem faced at geothermal plants, considering their financial consequences.

CONNECTICUT

Nancy Goss, Orange
7th and 8th Grade School Library Media Specialist
Amity Middle School Orange Campus
Partners: Nick DaPonte, Tom Foley, Jill Hira, Barbara Marciano, Jennifer Marganski, Karen Steele

Through their project, “Exploring Our Nation’s Heritage,” Ms. Goss and her partners instruct students on the founding of our country. Students read and share historical novels, experiment with simple machines used by colonists, and research American colonial history. Students also conduct book talks with other classes and visit Plymouth Plantation and the Freedom Trail in Boston.

FLORIDA

Nora Joy Bernstein, Greenacres
K to 5th Grade Library Media Specialist
Heritage Elementary School
Partner: Jennifer Levy

Ms. Bernstein and Ms. Levy develop “Sci-Tech Kids” which provides students with an innovative approach to science. Students select topics for their project and work either independently or in small groups to develop hands-on science museums and presentations to teach their selected topics to fellow students. Students use models of plant, animal, and human structures. A butterfly garden kit allows students to explain the development from larvae to butterfly. In addition, students are exposed to the physical sciences of light and color, electricity, energy, and to earth and space science concepts.

David B. Lazerson, Hollywood
Pre-K to 21 years ESE Teacher
The Quest Center
Partner: Debra Kalitan

Dr. Lazerson and Ms. Kalitan develop a music curriculum for special needs students. Students form a choir group using American Sign Language and learn the fundamentals of rhythm and drums. Playing instruments such as snares, bass drums, cymbals, and congas, the students perform at community senior centers.

Maria V. DeChristofano, West Melbourne
K to 6th Grade Science Teacher
West Melbourne Elementary School for Science
Partners: Nannette Apel, Mary L. Jensen, Laura Thurman, Julie Wilkinson

Ms. DeChristofano and her partners implement “Mars Base 2020: Weather and Worms” to help students understands of the Earth, its relationship to the sun and other planets, and the effect of gravity. Using a biosphere that simulates life in a semi-permanent science colony on Mars, students and teachers also work together to cultivate a food supply that can sustain scientists and astronauts.  

INDIANA

Beverly Hoeltke, Indianapolis
Flow Educator
Indianapolis Public Schools – The Key Learning Community
Partner: Sandra Sheets

Ms. Hoeltke and Ms. Sheets develop a claymation project centered around the theme, “A Mission to Mars.” Designed as a collaborative effort between NASA and Purdue University, the project requires students to develop animations that reflect knowledge of space, time, and the interdependence of life and various environments. Students research books, magazines, and Internet articles to gather information about Mars. They then create spacecrafts, storyboards, and scripts based on their research.

IOWA

Bert J. Miller, Wayland
K to 12th Grade Library Media Specialist
WACO Community School District
Partners: Renea Reichenbach, Anne M. Weir

Mr. Miller and his partners help their students understand the roles that various individuals and groups in the rise of Nazi Germany. Students are organized into investigative cadres that act as police detective teams. Each team searches for evidence on individuals and organizations who aided Adolph Hitler’s rise to power. Student teams develop cases over the course of the school year and present their cases to a grand jury of teachers at the year-end trial.

MICHIGAN

Elaine LaMarre, Alpena
9th to 12th Grade Science and Photography Teacher
ACES Academy
Partners: Dana Burns, Colleen Gambs

To help alternative education students explore the artistic aspects of photography, Ms. LaMarre and her partners develop a nature photography project that incorporates science, writing, research, and self-exploration. Students are introduced to photography and scrapbook design, editing and printing techniques, and reflect on how forces of nature are similar to internal conflict. Students also research a community environment problem by taking photographs. Students create presentations including digital slide shows for parents and friends as a final project.

MINNESOTA

Kent Sall, Saint Paul
K to 6th Grade Technology Coordinator
Museum Magnet School
Partners: Lolita Cox, Heather Seifert, Karen Thimmesch

Mr. Sall and his partners develop an iMovie poetry project to improve student achievement in reading and writing and to introduce students to drama, the visual arts, and technology. Students are exposed to various styles of poetry and write a poem of their own based on what they learn from studying each particular genre. Participants chose three poems by their favorite authors and produce a storyboard on one of these, indicating which lines from the poem correspond to each image. Images created for the students’ poems are drawn or painted and imported to iMovie where students record their voices for added effect. All students present their work to their classmates, parents, and community members during exhibit night which features dramatic readings of student poems.  

NEVADA

Jeannette Bautista, Las Vegas
8th Grade Mathematics Teacher
Frank F. Garside Junior High School
Partner: Eliseo Bautista

Mr. and Mrs. Bautista implement “Mathematics Roadshow: Algebra On The Go!” to show students potential uses of algebra outside of the classroom. Working in groups, students gather data and relate algebraic functions to science, music, sports, medicine, and business. Students learn algebraic principles through a series of projects and experiments that require the use of graphing calculators, computers, and spreadsheets to gather and analyze data. While conducting their experiments, students use digital video recorders and cameras to capture their work on film, which is later downloaded into iMovie software and used for presentations. Finally, students interview and write letters to adults exploring how they use mathematics in their careers and create “Math in Careers” booklets to share with family and friends on Family Math/Science Night.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Heather Brady, Weare
10th to 12th Grade Science Teacher
John Stark Regional High School
Partners: Robert Clarke, Sherry Phinney

At this comprehensive high school, Ms. Brady and her partners improve the career and technical education curriculum for ninth grade students who are achieving below their potential. Faculty and students conduct joint site visits to career and technical education programs in neighboring communities to determine ways to strengthen the scope and sequence of curriculum at their own high school. The teachers also ensure that the new instructional modules reinforce achievement of essential standards and proficiencies required in core content areas. The goal is to make learning more hands-on and relevant for students who often fall behind in the core subjects during their freshman year.  

NEW MEXICO

Susan M. Mayer, Santa Fe
2nd to 6th Grade Teacher – Gifted Student Program
Acequia Madre Elementary School
Partner: Cris M. Cole

Ms. Mayer and Ms. Cole develop “Cultural Connections: An Exploration of the Early Cultures of New Mexico” to introduce students to early civilizations and important events that helped to shape New Mexico. Students compare the early civilizations that lived in what later became New Mexico to those of other countries around the world by exploring topics such as architecture, religion, and art. The project includes visits to some of New Mexico’s ancient ruins at Bandelier National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historical Park so that students can make observations, ask questions of experts, and take photographs to be used in their final reports. Students present their findings through written and oral reports, photographs, drawings, and three-dimensional models.

NEW YORK

Katherine Whittaker, Andes
9 th to 12 th Grade Business Education Teacher
Andes Central School
Partners: Anthony Coiro, Wendy Redden

Through their project entitled, “Broadcast Communications,” Ms. Whittaker and her partners help students develop and run a school newspaper, an online magazine, television programs, and a school-based radio station. Students design a company logo and conduct research about the history of media communications. After writing an essay on careers and jobs in print, radio, and television journalism; media roles; and ethical standards, students write their own Statement of Ethical Standards for Journalistic Performance. Using information gained from extensive research, students write sample and feature articles, radio scripts, television or video scripts, and commercials. Students also work in teams to develop marketing strategies and advertise to their school and their community.   

OREGON

Margaret Dieter, Bend
9th to 12th Grade World Cultures Teacher
Marshall High School
Partner: Michelle Hanford

Ms. Dieter and Ms. Hanford implement “Expeditions” to provide high school students with a broader understanding of English, world cultures, fine arts, and physical education. One portion of the program entitled “Around the World in 45 Days” combines knowledge of world cultures and English. Students learn about other cultures and religions by researching global issues such as natural resources and the environment, and read related fiction and nonfiction novels. In addition, students create multimedia presentations for a cultural fair in which observers can visit different countries. In the program’s second portion, “Adventure-Literature,” students read adventure biographies and gain outdoor experience. Students then interview local athletes and adventure enthusiasts, write their biographies, and present their final essays to community members or post them on personal webpages. A booklet of one-sentence stories is published, presented to parents and friends at an open-mike night, and sold at local coffee shops to raise money for future publications. 

PENNSYLVANIA

Amitabha Basu, Philadelphia
9th to 12th Grade Science Teacher
George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science
Partners: John J. Kalicki, Annette Sample, Christine Swift

Dr. Basu and his partners implement “Urban Pesticides and Ecology of Philadelphia Watersheds” to help their students understand the causes and effects of our living habits on the watershed and wetlands in Philadelphia. Students learn about the impact of pesticides and herbicides used in Philadelphia and its suburbs along the Delaware River and develop watershed and wetland lesson plans. After creating a version of a map of the local Watershed, students collect samples of water and soil and compare data from various locations along the Delaware River. Students create a website to publish their results and compare them with information from the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Lea Becker, Quakertown
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Springfield Elementary School, Palisades School District
Partner: Susan Blanco

Ms. Becker and Ms. Blanco introduce their students to family life in the 1800s while blending history and technology by creating museum-quality exhibits. Students take trips to local museums to learn about life in the 1800s and how museum displays are constructed. After choosing a topic to research, using the internet, books, personal interviews, and information from the Pleasant Valley Historical Society, students use technology such as Microsoft Publisher or PowerPoint to create displays of 1800s life to be viewed by other students, families, and community members.

Marie Lowe, Avella
5th Grade Science and Language Arts Teacher
Avella Elementary School
Partner: Lynette Zimmerman

Ms. Lowe and Ms. Zimmerman introduce their students to the principles of environmental studies and ecology. Students conduct a recycling project and learn about renewable and nonrenewable resources. While learning about ecosystems, students participate in hands-on activities including planting and pollution experiments. Students also learn about the human impact on the environment and study issues of littering, mine run off, and illegal dumping. As a final project, students create posters and fliers throughout their community to foster awareness of environmental issues such as recycling, littering, and protection of natural resources.

Alison Morett, Lansdowne
6th Grade Elementary Teacher
Ardmore Avenue Elementary School
Partners: Gita Chopra, Marierlle Martino

Through “The Art and Philosophy of Magic,” Ms. Morett and her partners introduce their students to the history and practice of magic. Students enjoy a performance by an award-winning magician who introduces students to the concepts, theories, and practices of magic. As a part of their research, each student learns to perform a trick or illusion. The project concludes with a student-developed production in which the entire class participates. A short documentary, compiled into a PowerPoint presentation, will be shown to the public through the school district cable channel and students will have the opportunity to perform at local community centers, nursing homes, and the local Head Start. 

RHODE ISLAND

Charles B. Smith, Jr., North Kingston
Custodian
North Kingston School Department
Partners: Susan Hartnett, Marion Slater

Mr. Smith and his partners introduce students to multiple perspectives, traditions, beliefs, and values of the Pokanoket/Wampanoag tribe. Students participate in a variety of activity stations and workshops led by members of the tribe, including Mr. Smith, and learn aspects of tribal culture and history. After a native arts and crafts demonstration, students have the opportunity to create their own crafts. To demonstrate learning, the project culminates with a student presentation of dance, music, and story telling.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Susan I. Rae, Florence
7th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Williams Middle School
Partner: Sheila Barnes

Ms. Rae and Ms. Barnes enhance students’ reading comprehension and analytical skills by incorporating a unit on Russian culture into the curriculum. Students read literature by Russian authors, such as Anton Checkov and Alexander Solzhenitsyn. After reading Russian fairy tales, students compare them to American fairy tales and write fairy tales of their own. Students then research a Russian poet, present a poem and an interpretation to their classmates. They then select their favorite lines of poetry and display them on t-shirts worn on showcase night. In addition to literature, students learn about Russian ecological issues such as the Chernobyl power plant meltdown of 1986 and study the effects of pollutants on the ecosystem. Students explore other aspects of Russian culture as well, such as language, holidays, food, geography, and politics.  

TENNESSEE

Vonda Stevens, Bristol
K to 6th Grade Library Media Specialist
Central Elementary School
Partners: Amy Canter, Tiffany Williams

In a project entitled, “Adventure in Learning: Iditarod? Iditaread!” Ms. Stevens and Ms. Canter increase student awareness of health-related issues and the importance of physical fitness while integrating technology and studying current events. Students learn about the Iditarod, an Alaskan sled dog race. After watching a movie entitled Balto, to understand the origin of the Iditarod, students begin tracking the amount of walking they do each day using pedometers and LogIt.com. Students also keep journals to log their walking and reading progress each day. Further research on the state of Alaska allows students to create three-dimensional images to demonstrate what they have learned about the state. Students hear from guest speakers including members of the Boy Scouts, HollyHelp Spay and Neuter Organization, and the local K-9 unit.

TEXAS

Thelma Eller, Beaumont
K to 3rd Grade Reading Coach
Fletcher Elementary School
Partners: Lori Douresseau, Debra Guidry

Ms. Eller and her partners develop “Hiding Places,” a project in which students learn about the habits of animals. Students select an animal to research and read stories and articles about animal habits. A resident visual artist from Young Audiences of Southeast Texas, a local arts education organization, works in teams to create a classroom book, written and illustrated by the students, who work with partners to create pages. Students also create tiles which illustrate animal habits and are displayed as a mural in the school hallway.

Elisabeth Ivy, Fort Worth
6th to 8th Grade English and Drama Teacher
Dunbar Sixth Grade Center
Partner: Christopher Smith

Ms. Ivy and Mr. Smith implement “The Stop Six Drama Project” to introduce engage students in performing arts and technology. Students participate in theatrical productions using unique set designs and special effects created by blue screen technology, computer animation, and computer graphics. By participating in structured activities such as role-playing, script reading and analysis, live and taped broadcasts, set and costume design, and improvisation, students are exposed to the history and culture of theater.  

VIRGINIA

Brooke Derrickson, Annandale
8th Grade Special Education Teacher
Poe Middle School
Partners: Laura Borell, Nora Oney, Carrie Simms, Nora J. Watts

Ms. Derrickson and her partners develop a Student Choice Mobile Libraries Project in which students create a library based on research and created for each grade level. Students work in groups to compile data and to select library materials based on the reading interests of other students. In addition to creating a library, students develop a budget to present to administrators and school librarians, and learn how to operate a small business.

Denise Ondishko, Portsmouth
K to 5th Grade Music Teacher
Churchland Elementary School
Partners: Heather Albert, Laurie Allan, Eliza Fly, Emma Rawls

Ms. Ondishko and Ms. Johnson implement “I’ll Be Making History!” in which students create interactive online videos that portray important American figures. Each video includes monologues about each American’s life contributions to the United States and a song about the character. Students choose a person to study and prepare lessons that include songs and monologues which summarize the life of each American and address the question, “What would my life be like if this person had not done what s/he did, and what would I try to change?” A video on each person is then produced by each student.

William C. Van Evera, Arlington
8th Grade Science Teacher
H-B Woodlawn Program
Partners: Nancy Kinnemann, Eleanor Reed

Mr. Van Evera and his partners develop “Rocket Flight!” to help students understand concepts of physics and motion using technologically advanced rockets. After participating in experiments to learn the physics of rocket flight, students are assigned to groups and use what they have learned to design a model rocket. Students also develop launch procedures, choose the type of engine to use, and analyze data to create a final art project expressing what they have learned.