By Staff
Debbie Easley, a fifth-grade teacher at Priceville Elementary School, will receive the Delta Education/CPO Science Award for Excellence in Inquiry-based Science Teaching through an awards program from the National Science Teachers Association.
Sponsored by Delta Education, LLC, the award recognizes full-time PreK-12 teachers of science who successfully use inquiry-based science to enhance teaching and learning in their classroom. Easley received her award at a special banquet and reception at the NSTA National Conference in Anaheim, Ca. April 6-9.
Easley received grant funds and used them to install a pond at her elementary school. A courtyard filled with diverse plant life followed the pond, and then a bridge was constructed over a drainage area. Next, an outdoor amphitheater was built, and a "Garden of Reading" was created. Students conducted water activities, including testing pH and dissolved oxygen (DO); count living organisms in the pond; and record data in their journal. The program includes all grade levels: kindergartners study living things; first graders study organisms; second graders study butterflies; third graders examine plant growth and development; and fifth graders explore the micro-world and ecosystems. All students use the "living laboratory" to conduct investigations.