Princeton Teacher Wins Grant Award For Work In STEM With Students

PRINCETON, NJ – Princeton High School science teacher, Mark Eastburn, won a grant award from the Society of Science to further STEM learning among his students.

Eastburn is among 52 teachers across the nation who received the Society of Science STEM Research Grant.

The funds will go towards covering the expenses of a science project Eastburn is currently helping his students with. The project is composed of three parts. The first is an ongoing investigation of land-walking, air-breathing fish called bichirs using high-resolution videography. The second component of the project seeks to develop a companion robot that is able to communicate in diverse languages and help people build technology skills. And the third part looks to improve the water filtration system the team is using to raise fish, shrimp and saltwater-tolerant plants.

The project includes students that Eastburn teaches in his science classes for English Language Learners.

“High school is the time of so many opportunities. It’s the perfect time to get students enthusiastic about choosing their subjects before going to college,” Eastburn told Patch.

“I hope through the projects and work in science we can set students on the professional path to their future.”

The Society’s STEM Research Grants program is committed to driving transformational change that will lead to increased access and full representation of all people in STEM.

Priority consideration is given to educators who serve students from low-income communities, including students of underrepresented and underserved backgrounds.

Of the 52 awardees, 36 teachers will receive kits worth $1,000 and 16 are receiving funds of up to $5,000 for classroom equipment to help their students with their projects.

"Every year, we look forward to celebrating these educators from around the country who are giving students the opportunity to see themselves as scientists and inventors,” Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News said in a statement.

“This program is building inclusive classrooms that make robust hands-on education and careers in science and engineering, more practically and psychologically accessible to students of all backgrounds.”

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