CWNC TEACHERS HONORED
Three teachers from Cardinal Wuerl
North Catholic were recently honored for
the completion of year-long Distinguished
Educator Research Fellowships through
Grow a Generation.
Amy Murray developed a Zebrafish
Aquaria in her classroom and enabled 16 of
her AP Biology students to compete in the
Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering
Fair doing sophisticated experimentation
on zebrafish embryos. In addition, Murray
is in the process of developing a website
that chronicles her class’ experiences with
zebrafish research. The website will serve
future students and other biology teachers
around the globe who will be able to access
her methods.
Murray was assisted by mentor Elizabeth Rochon, a Postdoctoral Associate at the Gladwin Lab, University of Pittsburgh. Students from the AP Biology classroom were able to visit the University of Pittsburgh Zebrafish Aquarium and listen to the fascinating research of Dr. Michael Tsang
during a STEM Career Tour earlier in the year. The visit inspired the kids to look deeply into current methods of medical research. “Their experience with authentic science research, one that is fed by their own curiosity, transforms the classroom into a place where students discover their future,”
says Murray.
Beth Young, Director of the Drama Department and Director of Forensics, led students to develop augmented reality experiences to enhance drama projects in the school. Students experimented with
making media for Aurasma, an interaction app for cell phones. They created still photography and graphic designs in addition to digital movies that interacted with a user’s cell phone. Projects are archived at CWNCDrama.weebly.com. The CWNC Drama Program has readily moved in the direction of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) by learning to incorporate the technology available on its new stage, and by looking for other ways to integrate technology into
the arts. “We are looking forward to the continued use of technology in our drama program. Theater, like all of the arts, needs to look for ways that technology enhances what the public enjoys,” says Young.
Keith Zielen, mathematics and computer science instructor, is one of 40 teachers in
our nation to pilot a new College Board AP program called Computer Science Principles
using the mobile CSP curriculum. His fellowship enabled him to lead students on the odyssey of creating a digital movie about their experiences with this unique course. They entered that digital video
into the I5 competition where they were named finalists. The video can be viewed at youtube.com/watch?v=1bx5VG0wrxY. “Teaching the course has been fun and a journey in learning for myself as much as the class,” says Zielen. “I hope our story inspires others to give Computer Science another look.”
Research Fellowship is an honor bestowed on teachers nominated by their principals. Each seeks to elevate the school, community and world through meaningful projects.
