The Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) awarded four innovation grants at their annual CAST (Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching) event held in November. Lufkin ISD was given one of the innovation awards in the amount of $5,000 and presented to Suzy Jungmann, STEM Coordinator, and Vada Hughes, Director of Science and Social Studies K-5. The money will be used to purchase twelve Bodelin handheld microscopes that connect on devices with Bluetooth using WiFi. The microscopes will be used for students ages Kindergarten through 12th grade.

J.J. Colburn, CAE Executive Director, said in a letter to the District, “We are delighted to present this $5,000 financial award to Lufkin High School to be designated solely for the Seeing Science Through a Different Lens Program, to honor your work and support your continued efforts. In the spirit of collaboration and curiosity, this new award program recognizes the best and brightest science initiatives in Texas while also offering solutions to the resource challenges besetting science instruction in our state.”

Lynn Torres, Lufkin ISD Superintendent, said, “We are thankful for the STAT association that provides resources for districts like Lufkin ISD to take learning to the next level in the classroom. The students will enjoy using the microscopes and experiencing science through different lens. I am so grateful for Mrs. Jungmann and Mrs. Hughes who constantly search for new ways to spark learning for our students.”

The CAST event is attended by nearly 6,000 science educators and advocates each year. The association, STAT, was organized in 1957 and serves science educators of all disciplines and grade levels. To find out more about STAT, log on to the website statweb.org.