The Ohio Academy of Science announced that six Hubbard High School teachers are among those selected to receive Governor's Awards for Excellence in Youth Science Opportunities for accomplishments during the 2008-2009 school year. Certificates will be issued by the Ohio Department of Education.
''Our teachers make sure we continue to participate in science fairs that enable us to compete at Youngstown State University and go to state,'' said Hubbard School Superintendent Richard Buchenic.
Teachers selected were William Hart, physics and physical science; Laura McCleery, chemistry and advanced placement chemistry; Maria Pizanias, general science and physics; Tiffany Bendersky, earth and environmental sciences; Tracie Liptak, biology; and Irene Pizanias, biology, advance placement biology, physiology and and anatomy.
Hubbard's science program is one of only four programs in the state used as program models, Buchenic said.
The teachers were among 300 teachers from 90 schools selected to receive the awards.
"These schools are engaged in project-based curricula, the central element of any STEM education program," said Lynn Elfner, the Academy's CEO.
"Receiving a Governor's Award for Excellence sends a clear signal that these schools and teachers value student-originated, inquiry-based science education as outlined in the Ohio Science Education Standards and in the National Science Education Standards," said Lynn Elfner, the Academy's CEO. "Whole new worlds of opportunities open up to students when they compile research or technological design project," he said.
To qualify for the Governor's Award, each school conducted a local science fair with 20 or more students, sent one or more of these students to one of the Academy's 16 district science days, and involved students in one or more youth science opportunities beyond the classroom such as State Science Day, visits to museums, mentorship programs and extended field trips.
The Ohio Academy of Science initiated this educational partnership program in cooperation with The Office of The Governor and the Ohio Department of Education to recognize schools and teachers who stimulate student scientific research and extend science education opportunities beyond traditional classroom activities. The Technology Division of The Ohio Department of Development has supported this program since 1985 by grants to The Ohio Academy of Science.