Press Release
DCAT Announces 2009 DCAT “Making a Difference” Awardees
Robbinsville, NJ, May 28, 2009 – The Drug, Chemical and Associated Technologies Association’s (DCAT) Science Education Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that Jason Crean of Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois and Mette Schwartz of Sherwood Middle School in Shrewbury, Massachusetts are the 2009 recipients of the DCAT “Making a Difference Award” for their innovative science education programs for middle school and high school students. Crean and Schwartz were presented with their awards at the 2009 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Conference in New Orleans.
Through the “Making a Difference Award” and other scholarship initiatives with the NSTA, DCAT strives to both recognize and support science education programs and their educators who, through their passion for the field of science, prepare and inspire the future leaders of
our industry.
Crean, a high school biology teacher won for his interactive genetics program, Zoo Genetics: Key Aspects of Conservation Biology, which demonstrates the relationship between modern genetics, in situ field research, and wildlife population management for both captive and wild populations. The student activities apply actual research data from the Conservation Science Department at the Chicago Zoological Society to a wildlife question and illustrate commonly used genetic analysis techniques. In addition, students are introduced to men and women scientists conducting field research around the world and are given the opportunity to volunteer in a conservation genetics lab.
Schwartz, a science curriculum coordinator, won for her inquiry-based science program for 6th graders, Earth Now, which helps students make connections between classroom learning and real-world problems such as global climate change, fossil fuel supplies and alternative energy sources. Focusing on the theory of plate tectonics and a heliocentric planetary system required for this grade level, students develop explanations and models using evidence observed or measured in a lab, classroom, or field-setting.
About DCAT
DCAT is the premier business development association whose membership is comprised of companies that manufacture, distribute or provide services to the pharmaceutical, chemical, nutritional and related industries.
Contact:
Erin Sanders, Communications Coordinator
DCAT
609-448-1000