Tafuna High School teacher receives grant to enhance STEM education in the territory

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Society of Science — which focuses on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science — is providing STEM Research Grants totaling $135,000 to 95 teachers to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning in middle and high schools.

This year’s recipients come from 29 states, Washington, D.C., American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay. The recipient in American Samoa is Claire Bacus, of Tafuna High School.

“Teaching STEM has been challenging yet very rewarding — seeing students who loathe science and math actually enjoy learning and exploring STEM is pure joy,” Ms Bacus said in a media release after the announcement.

“The STEM and Education communities on island have been very instrumental in helping me become a better teacher since 2006. The students have been a constant inspiration to push for better opportunities in STEM education,” she said.

85 teachers received STEM research equipment valued at $1,000 and 11 teachers received up to $5,000 in funding to purchased specialized research equipment. The STEM research kits and funding will help educators to fuel and facilitate scientific inquiry in all settings, whether remotely, in-person or through a hybrid model.

According to the release, this recognizes the perseverance, labor and critical role teachers and mentors play in supporting future STEM talent and leaders through the ongoing public health emergency and its associated challenges to education systems.

Recipients of these awards will get research kits and funds to be used for STEM-related equipment, such as lab supplies or software.

These kits and funding, sponsored by Regeneron and National Geographic, will help the teachers facilitate scientific inquiry.

The kits contain the tools students need to learn about electronics, conducting research animal monitoring, water quality and more.

BACKGROUND

Society for Science is a champion for science, dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education and scientific research. The Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization focused on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire.

Since 1921, the Society (originally known as Science Service) has conveyed the excitement of science and research directly to the public through our award-winning publications and since 1942, through our world-class science education competitions.

Today, the Society provides concise, accurate, and inspirational science news and opportunities to our nearly 100,000 subscribing members, the 70,000 alumni of our competitions worldwide, and millions of unique online visitors and social media followers.