Reflecting her commitment to science education and her passion for developing young students to be problem solvers and critical thinkers, Jean Yu, an eighth-grade science teacher at Almeria Middle School, recently announced the 2023-24 Science Award. Recognized as a Chief Advocate by the Society (SFS).
Yu is one of 13 science educators nationwide to be named an SFS Lead Advocate. This honor comes with a $5,000 award that will be used to further Almeria’s science projects and to obtain materials needed for student success.
“I am humbled and encouraged by this honor as I think of the great things we can do this year and in the years to come,” Yu said. “I encourage my students to just try. When you try, sometimes a door opens, sometimes it doesn’t, but when that door opens, it leads to the next door, and then another. This is how you learn, you just keep trying.”
The goal of SFS Advocates is to help historically underserved and underrepresented students access science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, undertake scientific research projects, and To support and encourage people to enter STEM competitions. As lead advocate, Yu will oversee a group of his colleagues and organize and host cohort calls to discuss ways to involve more students in science programs.
Yoo has been a supporter of SFS for two years. In 2022 she received her SFS grant of $5,000. This grant will support science research projects such as pocket her lab sensors to collect data for 8th grade science experiments and hydroponic/aeroponic gardening kits for students to explore different agricultural techniques. Used to purchase tools. These supplies supported students participating in her classroom-based NASA civics project, “Growing Beyond Earth.”
Growing Beyond Earth is a NASA program for young STEM learners that introduces them to the concept of growing food in space and encourages them to contribute their own science projects and ideas. The Almeria student participated in his NASA symposium and presented evidence from a research project examining how light duration affects plant growth.
Almeria students presented a hypothesis that mimicking natural light cycles and equalizing day and night hours is the most effective way to grow plants. After weeks of testing and research, the students discovered that a 24/7 lighting system produced the best results, impressing NASA representatives, although their hypothesis was disproved.
“It is important for students to develop strong research skills to ensure the most accurate scientific results,” Yu said. “Students do all kinds of work, collect data, and come to their own conclusions. In science, we learn by doing. Rather than reading books, students create with their own ideas and challenge their classmates. We want to work with them to find answers. It makes science fun for them.”
Ms. Yu began her career in the education industry as a private music teacher. Her desire that at the end of the day she wanted to be with children led her to become a public school teacher and led her to earn her math and science teaching certification. For Yoo, the best part of being an SFS She Advocate is networking with other teacher advocates who have a strong passion and commitment to science.
“Jean Yu is a tireless champion of science education and is committed to seeing students challenge themselves and reach their highest levels,” said Almeria Principal Dr. Kim Hall. Ta. “Jean has transformed the Almeria science culture on campus, encouraging all students to explore new worlds where they can be innovators and bring about positive change in their communities and beyond.”