North High Teacher One of Five Nationwide to Receive STEM Award

The National Science Teachers Association has selected Jeff Grant, a science teacher at North High School in Downers Grove, to receive the 2014 PASCO STEM Educator Award for his exemplary science teaching skills.

The PASCO STEM Educator award recognizes excellence and innovation in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, according to a Community High School District 99 press release. 

Grant is one of five winners nationwide, and one of two high school teacher recipients. He was selected in part based on his implementation of an innovative “inquiry-based, technology-infused” STEM program for students.  

Specifically, one of the projects Grant has been working on has been in partnership with the Morton Arboretum to record the DNA sequence of oak trees in their laboratory and preparing samples of sedges for students to analyze. 

Students worked with morphological data from the sedges to make connections to the geographical distribution and DNA sequences of various species. These connections allowed them to develop novel scientific questions and intriguing research pathways.

“Whether it’s his work with the Morton Arboretum or any of the other science lessons he creates, Jeff always makes a positive impact on student learning and we’re proud of him for being recognized,” said North High Science Department Chair Mike Heinz in a press release. “His passion for science is contagious, and our students benefit so much from his leadership.”

As part of his award, Grant will receive funding to attend the NSTA national conference in Boston in the spring, where he will be honored and also be part of a STEM share-a-thon workshop. He will also receive a monetary gift and scientific products for his classroom.

For more information about the NTSA, visit www.ntsa.org.

Credit: Community High School District 99 press release.