View full size
High school science teacher Darlene McDowell looks for grants, experts to visit her classes, and other resources to enrich and expand her curriculum. For instance, as part of a NC Sea Grant, Ms. McDowell invited Dr. Erica Young to come and work with students on February 24th.
On March 13th students had a unique lesson that involved edible insects. Ms. McDowell created a gallery walk of questions to go along with other resources that led up to an option (with parent permission) for students to try the edible insects at the end of class.
Kristin Holloman-Noe from the Fort Fisher Aquarium was a guest speaker in the marine science class on March 17th. Her presentation, Fantastic Fish, included an engaging discussion with the students about characteristics of fish, habitats, misnomers, and fossils. Later in the week, on March 19, the class added another layer of knowledge by delving into a collection of fossils, including shark teeth, a crab claw, sea urchins, fossilized coral, and shells thanks to the Aurora Fossil Museum.
There is more to look forward to later in the semester as well. In April, Mrs. McDowell has planned a field trip to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and the Jordan Lake Educational Forest.
Ms. McDowell’s extra efforts were recently recognized at the national level when she was chosen as a 2026 Bob Thompson Excellence in Energy Education Awardee. Named for a science and energy education advocate and teacher, it is presented annually to educators who embody his childlike wonder and enthusiasm for science and energy education. The award is sponsored by the National Energy Education Development (NEED). It includes a $1,000 check for recipients and a full sponsorship with registration and travel cost to attend NEED’s annual National Energy Conference for Educators, taking place this July 12–16 in Nashville, TN.