Local Teacher’s Native Plant Experiment Lands Her National STEM Scholar Spot

Introduction

Sarah Nelson Wiese, a seventh-grade science teacher at Bryan Middle School in Omaha, Nebraska, has earned the distinguished honor of being named a National STEM Scholar.

This recognition, extended to only nine exceptional teachers nationwide, highlights her innovative approach to science education.

Wiese’s Path to Recognition

Wiese’s journey to becoming a National STEM Scholar is marked by her dedication to hands-on learning and engaging her students in scientific inquiry.

Her project, which focuses on native plants and grasses, invited students to collect and analyze data, comparing these native species to common lawn grasses.

This practical approach aims to captivate students’ interest, promoting both scientific discovery and community involvement.

The Power of Hands-On Learning

By including fieldwork and classroom experiments, Wiese’s project seeks to give students a deeper understanding of ecosystem diversity.

They will engage in activities such as species richness counts at a local nature preserve and observe the growth and erosion rates of different plant types.

Beyond these scientific aspects, Wiese’s project encourages students to share their findings with family and the community, thereby fostering a broader educational impact.

The project develops people through study

Specialized Training for Broader Impact

Wiese’s selection for the National STEM Scholar Program included a week-long training at Western Kentucky University.

Here, she delved into advanced topics such as space science and adolescent brain development.

This newfound knowledge will be indispensable as she integrates these concepts into her fall curriculum, aiming to inspire and build confidence in her middle school students – a crucial time for shaping their interests in STEM fields.

A Platform for Inspiration

Looking ahead, Wiese will not only implement her innovative project in the upcoming fall semester, but she will also share her progress at the National Science Teacher Association Conference in April 2024.

Her participation in this conference underscores a broader goal: empowering students through practical scientific exploration and nurturing a lifelong passion for STEM.

Wiese’s Innovative Project

Engaging with Native Plants and Grasses

Sarah Nelson Wiese, one of only nine teachers chosen for the prestigious National STEM Scholar Program, has designed an innovative hands-on science experiment project focused on native plants and grasses.

This initiative goes beyond traditional classroom settings by immersing students in real-world scientific inquiry.

Fieldwork and Data Collection

Students will embark on a field experience to a nearby nature preserve.

During the trip, they will collect data by counting the species in various areas, specifically focusing on native plants compared to common lawn grasses.

This hands-on approach aims to offer a unique, immersive learning experience.

Classroom Experiments

Back in the classroom, students will grow both native plants like switchgrass and common turf grasses.

They will observe and analyze differences in species diversity and erosion rates.

This comparative study will offer students firsthand insights into the ecological and environmental values of native plants.

Community Outreach

A unique aspect of Wiese’s project is the educational component where students share their findings with their families and the broader community.

This not only reinforces their learning but also fosters a greater appreciation for native flora among the public.

The goal is to make the scientific process a collective, community-enhancing effort.

Building Student Confidence

By involving students in data collection and analysis, Wiese ensures they gain ownership of their learning.

When students actively engage in scientific discovery, they develop a deeper sense of confidence and interest in the STEM fields.

This approach is particularly vital in middle school, a critical period for nurturing academic passions.

Students grow with the community

Long-Term Goals

The success of Wiese’s project will be showcased at the National Science Teacher Association Conference in April 2024, where she will present her progress and findings.

Wiese’s broader aim is to empower students through the process of scientific exploration, encouraging them to develop a lifelong passion for STEM. 

Enhancing STEM Education

Specialized Training at Western Kentucky University

Sarah Nelson Wiese’s journey to becoming a National STEM Scholar has been shaped by her dedication to hands-on learning and her participation in specialized training at Western Kentucky University.

During this intensive week-long program, she delved into advanced topics in space science and the intricate workings of the adolescent brain.

This unique training broadened her scientific perspective and equipped her with innovative approaches to teaching middle schoolers about STEM subjects.

Integrating Training into the Curriculum

Wiese’s newly acquired knowledge will play a pivotal role in her fall curriculum.

She is keen to translate complex scientific concepts into engaging classroom activities that spark curiosity and foster a love for learning.

By incorporating elements of space science and insights into adolescent brain development, Wiese aims to create a learning environment that resonates with her students, making STEM both accessible and exciting.

The Middle School Advantage

Middle school is a critical time for students to develop interest and confidence in various subjects—including STEM fields.

Wiese understands this developmental stage’s importance and leverages it to inspire her students.

Engaging in practical experiments and data analysis allows students to take ownership of their learning, boosting their self-assurance and interest in science.

This approach not only nurtures a foundation for future STEM education but also empowers students to see themselves as capable scientists.

Looking Ahead

Wiese’s efforts are geared towards making a lasting impact on her students’ educational journeys.

Her goal extends beyond the classroom as she prepares to present the progress of her native plant experiment at the National Science Teacher Association Conference in April 2024.

Here, she will join her fellow National STEM Scholars to share insights and developments from their projects, contributing to broader educational practices and inspiring other educators nationwide. 

Ongoing Impact

This fall, Sarah Nelson Wiese will bring her innovative native plant experiment to the classroom, aiming to revolutionize how her seventh-grade students at Bryan Middle School engage with STEM subjects.

The project, which has already garnered her recognition as a National STEM Scholar, empowers students through hands-on learning experiences, from data collection to analysis, and shares their findings with the community.

In the Classroom

In the classroom, Wiese’s students will embark on a scientific journey that begins with the collection of valuable data comparing native plants to common lawn grasses.

They will have the opportunity to venture into nearby nature preserves to collect samples and count species. Back in the classroom, they will grow native plants such as switchgrass alongside common turf grasses.

This immersive experience allows students to observe differences in biodiversity and erosion rates, fostering a deep understanding of ecological principles.

Community Engagement

Beyond the classroom, the project emphasizes community outreach. Students will prepare presentations to share their findings with their families and the broader community.

This component not only hones their communication skills but also instills a sense of civic responsibility and environmental stewardship.

By engaging with their community on scientific matters, students learn the importance of making their discoveries accessible and relevant.

National Science Teacher Association Conference

Wiese’s commitment to enhancing STEM education doesn’t end with her classroom.

In April 2024, she will join her fellow National STEM Scholars at the National Science Teacher Association Conference to present their progress.

This gathering will provide her with a platform to exchange insights, refine methodologies, and inspire even more educators to adopt hands-on learning approaches.

Broader Goals

The broader aim of this project is to inspire confidence and ignite passion for STEM among middle school students.

By involving them in real-world scientific exploration, Wiese hopes to empower her students to pursue further studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The skills and knowledge they gain through this project will serve as a strong foundation for their future educational and professional endeavors.

In summary, Sarah Nelson Wiese’s project is not just an educational initiative; it’s an empowerment tool designed to cultivate a lasting interest in STEM subjects.

Her participation in the National STEM Scholar Program has not only validated her innovative approach but also set the stage for a transformative educational experience for her students.

Here a post about PHS Class of 2024.