Whitefish science teacher gets STEM grant

Todd Spangler, a science teacher at Whitefish High School, has received a $3,000 STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) research grant from the Society for Science & the Public to purchase equipment for his classroom.

Spangler will use the money to purchase Vernier sensors to be used by Whitefish physics students to gather real-world acceleration (g force) data. Students will gather data while skiing, mountain biking, skateboarding, playing sports, while driving, on roller coasters and many other activities.

“I’m especially excited to expand our research on concussions and helmet design,” Spangler said in a press release.

He is one of 35 science research teachers nationwide who were awarded a total of $120,000 in grants from the Society. To date, the Society has granted $340,000 to STEM teachers 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.

“Many teachers across the country are facing immense challenges obtaining the resources they need to purchase science equipment for their classrooms that can help engage their students and enrich their lessons,” said Maya Ajmera, president and chief executive officer of the Society for Science & the Public and publisher of Science News. “Through the STEM Research Grant Program, we are providing teachers with an opportunity to create meaningful STEM research experiences for their students.”

Grant recipients will use the funds towards equipment including digital incubators and microscopes for experiments, computer software needed for advanced analyses and various lab kits. Some teachers plan to use their funding to cover research-related transportation costs.

The Society’s STEM Research Grant Program supports educators who are implementing fresh and innovative teaching methods to shed light on discoveries that can be made through original STEM research projects.