Ohaus has named Wendy DeMers, a teacher at Hynes Charter School in New Orleans, USA, as the 2008 Gustav Ohaus Award recipient for innovations in science teaching
The award, presented annually by Ohaus, recognises educational innovations with the potential to improve science teaching at the primary, secondary or college levels.
For almost 40 years, the annual Gustav Ohaus award programme has been recognising educators whose instructional methods or educational activities have the potential to improve science teaching at the elementary, middle, high school, and college levels.
This year's winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip to the US National Science Teachers Association Conference on Science Education in Boston, a cash prize of US$1500, and a personalized Gustav Ohaus award.
DeMers's school will also receive $1000 worth of Ohaus products and a plaque for display.
DeMers, a resident of New Orleans, teaches science to sixth, seventh and eighth graders.
Having taught at the middle school level, DeMers often came in contact with many students who lacked a firm foundation and understanding of accurate measurement skills.
Her Ohaus award-winning educational innovation involved integrating the use of measurement throughout an entire school curriculum.
DeMers' entry outlined a kick start to this integration, including a school-wide "celebration of measurement" that will coincide with the celebration of the 100th day of school.
The week-long celebration will include students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and focus on fun activities that strengthen students' understanding of measurement skills and tools.
In addition, DeMers sees her programme giving students a better grasp on the mathematical and scientific techniques necessary in higher grade levels.
"The idea behind this program is to reach as many students as possible by targeting the entire curriculum," said DeMers.
"This plan also involves the participation of all our faculty members, whose contribution helped develop innovative and relevant ways of presenting the information.
"When students participate in exciting, new mathematical and scientific activities, they are more likely to retain what they have learned."
