Dr. Brian Monson, a physics instructor and chair of the Science Department at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts received a grant from The Society for Science and the Public.
Monson received a $3,500 STEM research grant to purchase equipment for his classroom. He plans to use the money towards a capstone research project traditionally reserved for seniors that will now be an opportunity available to juniors. His students will specifically be participating in physics nanoscience experiments.
Monson said the new equipment will allow students to create nanoparticles and quantum dots. It will allow students in Fundamentals in Research Methods and Applied Research Methods projects to do advanced research in physics, chemistry and materials science without having to go to a university, he said.
“I am honored and excited to be awarded this STEM Research Grant," Monson said. "Thanks to the equipment and supplies we will be able to acquire, we can expand the ASMSA research program and open up new areas of science to our students. Nanoscience is a rapidly-growing and exciting field, and I'm delighted to be able to offer research opportunities to my students in it.”
The Society announced $20,000 in grants to six science research teachers to help them purchase much-needed equipment and services for their classrooms. In total, the Society has granted $120,000 to STEM teachers in 2017, having given $100,000 to 23 teachers earlier this year.