Several South Dakota math and science teachers have been awarded Kelly Lane Earth and Space Science Grants and Daniel Swets Robotics Materials Awards. Congratulations to these innovative educators who were recognized at the SDSTA Virtual Science Day event in February!

Kelly Lane Earth and Space Science Grant
Congratulations to Jennifer Ekstrum, Kimball Middle School; Brenda Mizenko, St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary School (Rapid City); and Chad Ronish, Hill City High School! They have been awarded $5,000 Kelly Lane Earth and Space Science grants, provided by the NASA South Dakota Space Grant Consortium. The purpose of these grants is to improve STEM education in the state through the support of innovative programs in pre-college education. Preference is given to applications focusing on topics pertaining to space science, earth science, and/or the use of geospatial technology.

Daniel Swets Robotics Materials Award
Congratulations to Lynne Jones and Brett Cooper, Washington Pavilion Action Arts and Science Program (Sioux Falls); LaNessa Hof, St. Mary’s School (Dell Rapids); David Souhrada, Wakpala Middle School; and Spencer Cody, Edmunds Central Middle and High School (Roscoe)! They have received Daniel Swets Robotics Materials Awards. This funding is open to South Dakota educators who either have: A) taken robotics training or plan to take robotics training and want to begin new robotics programs and teams, or B) have sustained robotics programs/curriculum in their classrooms or at their schools that are in need of additional support due to growth in the number of student participants or aging robotics materials.