Fall 2007 Teacher Innovation Grants

The following Teacher Innovation Grants were approved November 27, 2007.

#1007-03 and #1007-07 Jerry Clemens, Middle School North Science Teacher Earthquake Shake Table/Earthquake Towers $2500.00

We propose funding $870 for construction materials for Earthquake Shake Tables. Mr. Clemens will construct 8 tables using wood and “nuts & bolts”. These tables will be powered by a variable speed electric drill and simulate earthquake waves (one drill which will be purchased and moved to each table). Students will build structures to test on the tables. The remaining $1630 would fund a second, related request for Earthquake Towers equipment. This is a computerized tremor table which demonstrated the affects of various earthquake frequencies on structures. The tremor table uses purchased polycarbonate structures which illustrate displacement from resonance frequencies without breaking. Student built structures will also be tested on the tremor table.

#1007-05 J.B. Hanson, Lake Zurich High School Math Teacher Database for Geometric Proofs $1588.00

Mr. Hanson will purchase a Tablet PC to compile an online database of student solved geometric proofs, including multiple solutions to the same problem. The Tablet PC will allow students to write directly onto a laptop monitor while work is displayed using an overhead projector. Students work can be corrected on site and converted to text to produce the database. The database will prove invaluable to students studying for ACT math exam which is nearly 40% geometry based. The goal is that this database will increase the ACT scores for Lake Zurich High School students.

#1007-06 Pam Grimm, Middle School North Family & Consumer Arts Teacher Computerized Embroidery Design Software $800.00

The school is purchasing a computerized embroidery machine and this software will enable students to turn any design they can create on the computer into an embroidery design. The software will be used by all Home Ec. and Art students and will also be incorporated into Drama and other core classes. 8th grade Health students are required to complete a service project and can use the software to create apparel to sell for fundraising and to support school sponsored efforts for the Ryan York Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes, to name a few.

#1007-08 Laura Cohn and Chris McOmber Lake Zurich High School Biology Teachers Lab Equipment for DNA Analysis $2590.00

Students will extract and amplify samples of their own DNA. Right now students can only read about the process of DNA analysis during the Honors Biology unit on biotechnology and current research methods. This equipment will enable students to experience the research technology in a “hands on” environment. The equipment will also allow students to sequence their own DNA, which is a future goal for the biology curriculum. NOTE: All samples are for educational purposes only and will not be used to identify any individual student. Samples will be destroyed at the end of the unit.