#fftfellow

Welcome friends, family and colleagues,

I am about to embark on an amazing adventure. On Sunday I will be flying to Berlin with my BFF Erika Bleiberg. Erika and I have known each other since we were 14, and so have been on many adventures together. Our newest is sure to be one of the most exciting. 

“B4″ You Finish Your Fellowship...

It’s the craze that’s sweeping the 2017 FFT Fellow class. FELLOW BINGO!

Rules of the Game

Create a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line with photos of you “in action” on your fellowship (creativity encouraged).

Provide the proof in a single email with FFT BINGO in the subject line to [email protected]. Send the photos and descriptions of the boxes you’re dotting.

We mail you an FFT Swag Bag.

Per a proclamation by the United Nations, today is World Science Day for Peace & Development -- an apropos time to highlight the fellowship of Emily Hart, chemistry teacher at KIPP NYC College Prep High School in the Bronx.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) celebrates this day in order "to underscore the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of the remarkable, fragile planet we call home and in making our societies more sustainable." Similarly, the focus of Emily's FFT fellowship was to study the debilitating effects of acid rain and other environmental factors on archaeological sites in Greece.

"I designed a fellowship to explore Greece's ancient archaeological sites and learn from experts in the field of conservation and restoration," said Emily. "These sites provide a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the chemical processes behind the decomposition of these magnificent structures caused by environmental factors such as acid rain. The powerful combination of chemical change and historical relevance at these ancient sites is now capturing students' interest in chemistry as never before."

During her fellowship, Emily met with one of only 22 conservators on the Acropolis, learning in one of the small office buildings next to the Parthenon. She also secured a back stage visit through the collections and laboratories at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, known to be the leader for conservation efforts of ancient Greek art and cultural pieces. To transfer her experiences to the classroom, Emily is planning to host an "Effort Olympics" simultaneous to the Winter Olympics in February. Students will display research and findings related to authentic experiences applying acid-based chemistry and be awarded medals in various categories.

"Students will be busy researching the composition of acid rain using the EPA website and investigating the chemical reaction of acid rain and limestone (the common component of Greek sites) through a multi-day lab activity." said Emily. "The plan is for them to then set up a simulation of decomposition using the scientific method to see in real time the effects of acid rain on calcite (a mineral that comprises limestone). In their conclusion, students will compare and contrast this chemical reaction to others we have discussed. Also, students will complete a comprehensive analysis citing data to explain how acid rain is an urgent problem and provide suggestions on what society should do about it. This lab report will assess students’ ability to complete scientific writing, using the evidence collected to explain a real world phenomena."

"I love how chemistry has the ability to explain different phenomena like acid rain and how something that we might think isn't important has the ability to change history and a person’s whole way of living," said Jasmine, one of Emily’s students. Another student, Maya, added: "I've always been interested in biochemistry, so the story how the site of Akrotiri was preserved is fascinating. I like learning about history and this project will be a cool way to combine my knowledge, getting the best of both worlds."

Lighting Up STEM Learning

Pam Ulicny’s students are capturing lightening in a bottle. Using solar energy kits and curriculum she created, students in the heart of coal country are bringing photovoltaic energy to peers around the world through online tutorials.

In 2013, Pam developed a STEM curriculum for her students to make solar powered lanterns using an upcycled glass or plastic jar. She then manufactured the lanterns as kits accompanied by lab manuals and supplemental activities, which she also wrote. Two years later on a Fund for Teachers fellowship, Pam introduced the project to impoverished youth in South Africa to help them learn STEM/business skills, increase hours of productivity, and eliminate fire hazards related to kerosene lanterns.

Building on Pam's experiences, her students at Tri-Valley Jr/Sr High in Hegins, PA, now serve as online ambassadors for alternative energy. They regularly host Skype sessions with classrooms across America, providing solar lantern construction tips and educational input for spinoff humanitarian projects. Internationally, students in South Africa, Mali and Nicaragua now build solar lanterns after watching instructional videos Pam's students research and produce.

“Working on the solar lantern project teaches us not only about solar energy and electricity, but it also helps us to understand the situations people in third world countries are dealing with and appreciate what we have more,” said one student.

The social business enterprise Pam developed to empower South African youth continues to grow, as well. Kwelanga Solar recently hosted its first Cape Town workshop, combining construction of solar lanterns with an English class around the theme of peace. Pam helped secure a $10,000 grant to cover hard costs associated with supplies.

“My fellowship learning in STEM applications, social entrepreneurship and sustainability efforts now impacts students in four countries,” said Pam. “Fund for Teachers helped me accomplish my mission as a teacher: To do the most good and give my students the best tools to succeed.”

FFT Fellow Receives EL Education's Highest Honor

Congratulations to Lindsay Slabich, founding teacher at the Springfield Renaissance School in Springfield, MA, who just received EL Education's 2017 Klingenstein Teacher Award and its $5,000 cash prize.

Voted on by peers within EL Education's national network of schools, the Klingenstein Award is given to the teacher who most successfully transmitted to students the essence of EL Education culture, building exemplary character, driving outstanding academic achievement, and instilling an ethic of “citizen scholarship.” 

In 2008, Lindsay, along with two peers, designed a Fund for Teachers fellowship to research the Ladakhi society in India concerning their efforts to balance globalization with preservation of culture and resources. The teaching team's insight into their experiences align beautifully with the award's criterion:

"As we experienced a fascinating cultural exchange, and grew individually, we also expanded our thinking about development. We began to ask more and more questions. What makes development sustainable? Whose responsibility is development? What role should local Ladakhis play in deciding how their society develops in the context of a globalized world? What about local, state and national government, what role should they play? And what about us, citizens of a powerful and developed country, what responsibilities do we have for development in places like Ladakh? Our visit to Ladakh and other parts of India are helping us to make sense of these important questions."