ShawneeDispatch.com

It takes innovation in the classroom to keep students engaged.

Jason Donovan, Midland Adventist Academy teacher, was recognized for his innovative ways in the classroom.

Donovan was one of 100 teachers nation-wide to be honored in the 2010 ING Unsung Heroes award competition.

Hi idea “Midland’ Watershed Protection Program” received a $2,000 grant as part of the recognition.

The innovation is part of the pond ecology project at Midland. The program uses concepts of conservation biology to invest energy in caring for people and the environment.

Through the program students will restore and clean the 40 acres of wetland and woodland the school sits on. Additionally, students will become familiar with the area by researching and studying the wetlands’ plants and animals.

Students in a chemistry class will take water samples from the pond to test for nitrate, salinity, phosphate and other components. The findings will then be shared with biology students to determine why some plants and animals can or cannot exist in the area. Donovan will now compete with other winners for a chance to win a $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 grant.

ING Unsung Heroes awards program has recognized teachers in kindergarten through twelfth grade nationwide for 14 years. The program has awarded nearly $3.5 million to some 1,500 educators.

Comments