The 25th Annual Science Education Awards took place at The Argyle on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. This year, three area teachers are sharing $15,600 in grants to fund innovative projects in their classrooms. The Texas Biomedical Forum and the V.H. McNutt Memorial Foundation are partners in this Bexar County program.
The 2019 winners of the Science Education Awards were described in the ceremony’s program.
Shawna Lopez, Cornerstone Christian Schools
Ms. Lopez’s project is “Genetic Variation in Successive Generations of Poecilia Reciulatas.” Her students will be utilizing chromosomal inheritance in color patterns to identify paternity in Poecilia Reticulata, better known as guppies.
Dr. Jamie Holbrook, Saint Mary’s Hall
Dr. Holbrook’s project is “The Effects in Environmental Contaminants on the Development and Functioning of Skeletal Muscles in Zebrafish.” Her students will explore the effects that heavy metals, commonly found in our environment as contaminants, have on muscular development and functioning in zebrafish. As the dose of metal is increased, abnormalities in normal swimming behavior may be observed. Gene regulation and its importance will be studied to understand events that orchestrate proper embryo development.
Ivan Banuelos, Earl Warren High School
Mr. Banuelos’ project is “The Wonders of Space Exploration: Understanding Technology of Today’s Rovers.” His students will be applying a “hands-on” approach by designing and building unique space rovers to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They will analyze terrain, soil or substance composition and the atmosphere of other worlds, as well as use an app to maneuver the rover.
