New Orleans Teacher to Receive Grant for Student STEM Research

Society for Science & the Public Awards Nearly $350,000 for Mentoring Students from Underserved Groups in Science and Engineering Research at Home

The Society for Science & the Public announced that it awarded almost $350,000 to 66 middle and high school teachers across the country to provide funding, training, materials and research equipment to make quality STEM learning possible in the face of COVID-19 shutdowns. The Society announced this year’s Advocates “demonstrate a profound commitment to students of different races and ethnicities in STEM and students from low-income households”. The 66 STEM educators were from middle and high schools, as well as universities, museums and nonprofits across the country.

New Orleans area teacher Sam Loftus, who teaches senior science at Livingston Collegiate Academy, received a $6000 grant to help make virtual STEM learning more possible for students. With the grant, Sam plans to create a science research club and help students assemble projects for science fairs.

Sam spent the past six years teaching at New Orleans Science and Math High School. While there, he received a $5000 STEM Research Grant from the Society for Science & the Public to fund student bat research with four acoustic detectors and a portable handheld ultrasonic microphone for tracking and identifying different types of bats. It also funded a visit to the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), where Sam’s students participated in an intensive three-day research workshop led by Loyola University Professor of Biological Sciences & Environment, Craig Hood to learn how to maintain their newly acquired detectors, analyze captured sonograms.

Teachers interested in other programs and grants offered by the Society for Science & the Public can find information on their Equity and Outreach tab on their website.

Source info and photo :

• New Orleans Advocate/Nola.com
• Society for Science & the Public Release

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ISEF, LSEF, GNOSEF Going Virtual for 2021

Due to the continued issues due to the current pandemic, the Greater New Orleans Region IX Science and Engineering Fair (February 22-25, 2021) and the Louisiana State Science & Engineering Fair (March 22-26, 2021), are scheduled to be held virtually. The GNOSEF is planning to schedule live virtual sessions with category judging for student participants. The Regeneron ISEF also will be held as a virtual competition with judging and awards including both Grand Awards and Special Awards. Regeneron ISEF is tentatively scheduled to be held May 9-14, 2021. Since the judging process may take longer than this time allows, some ISEF judging could take place in the weeks prior. More information will be forthcoming on all the fairs associated with GNOSEF.

For more information:

• ISEF
• LSEF
• GNOSEF