A Lafayette Christian Academy teacher is one of 28 teachers awarded STEM grants by the Society for Science & the Public
Dineke Lasater received a $5,000 grant, part of more than $100,000 awarded by the organization to fund much-needed equipment and amenities for classrooms.
Lasater teaches 8th grade science, and is hoping to bring stability and consistency to her program after a turnover of six teachers in the last six years. Currently all of her students complete research at home, as there is no equipment at the middle school except for one microscope. Dineke’s $5,000 grant will allow her to purchase equipment exposing students to a wider range of scientific disciplines.
“All students have different strengths and learning styles. This grant opens up a range of opportunities for students to explore STEM beyond the traditional teaching model allowing them to gain knowledge and confidence in their abilities," Lasater says.
"With this grant, I'll be able to purchase the kits that will give them access to projects and research that they otherwise never would have."
To date, the Society has given $440,000 to over 100 science teachers across the country to help ensure that research opportunities and exposure to STEM fields is available for all students, giving them the opportunity to become scientists or engineers in the future.
