• Company Information
• Contact Information
• Press Releases
  • Archive
• Conferences
• Employment
• Find a Representative

Educational Publishers Announce Excellence in Science Teaching Awards

February 17, 2004 - Nashua, NH - Delta Education, LLC, its subsidiary CPO Science and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) announced Peggy Carlisle, Maureen Barrett, and Margaret Holzer as recipients of the first-annual 2004 Delta Education/CPO Science Awards for Excellence in Inquiry-based Science Teaching. Full-time, K-12 science teachers who successfully use inquiry-based science to enhance teaching and learning in their classrooms submitted applications for one of three categories: elementary (pre-k - 5); middle level (6-8); and high school (9-12). A judging committee chosen by the NSTA reviewed submissions and selected the winners.

"Inquiry-based instruction is a powerful way to teach science because it engages students in hands-on, minds-on explorations as they develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas," said Gerry Wheeler, Executive Director of NSTA. "We're pleased to partner with Delta Education and CPO Science to encourage and reward teachers who embrace this innovative approach to learning science."

Peggy Carlisle is an ExCEL (Extension to Create and Enrich Learning) teacher for 3rd and 4th grade science at the Pecan Park Elementary School in Jackson, MS. She has been teaching science for 22 years and helped lead the Jackson Public School District in the implementation of Project SEED (Science Enhances Educational Development).

Maureen Barrett has been teaching science for 8 years and presently teaches 8th grade science at Thomas E. Harrington Middle School in Mt. Laurel, NJ. She and her students are raising close to 500 Monarch butterflies as part of their science project "Monarch Watch". Students are involved in collecting and analyzing butterfly data throughout the project.

Margaret Holzer has been teaching science for 17 years. She is presently an earth science teacher at Chatham High School in Chatham, NJ. Ms. Holzer's projects focus on the development of science process and inquiry skills to prepare students for any situation that requires critical thinking to solve problems. Inquiry-methods they use include long-range data collection, student designed laboratories, and field studies.

"I want to congratulate the winners and all of the talented educators who submitted applications," said Gary Facente, President, Delta Education, LLC. "Their dedication to inquiry-based science underscores its power as a teaching tool for today's students."

NSTA received over 40 submissions for this years awards which included an overview of the program and teaching efforts; a detailed description of the program's philosophy, goals, and objectives, the impact on their students and a copy of their lab activity.

Each winner will receive an expense-paid trip to the NSTA's April, 2004 National Convention in Atlanta. They will be recognized at the convention with a $1,500 check and a plaque commemorating their achievement. Delta Education, LLC, the leading publisher of K-12 inquiry-based science materials underwrites expenses. The high school award is sponsored by Delta Education's subsidiary, CPO Science, a Peabody, MA publisher of inquiry-based science materials for grades 6-12.

Additional information for the 2004 Delta Education/CPO Science Awards for Excellence in Inquiry-based Science Teaching can be found at http://www.nsta.org/565.

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education. More information about the NSTA can be found at www.nsta.org.

Delta Education, LLC, a New Hampshire-based company, has been serving educators for more than 30 years by providing the best in K-12 inquiry-based science and math materials and language arts products. Delta Education produces research-based products, including the most used elementary school hands-on science program FOSS® (Full Option Science System®), developed under a National Science Foundation grant at the University of California, Berkeley.

CPO Science (formerly known as Cambridge Physics Outlet;) offers a range of materials and services for grades 6-12 including innovative basal textbook programs (that integrate the student text, teacher support material, and hands-on equipment), supplemental curriculum, high-quality lab equipment, and nationally recognized professional development programs.

Delta Education also owns Educators Publishing Service , based in Cambridge, Mass., which provides trusted literacy solutions for every child. Their leading products include Explode the Code, Worldly Wise 3000, Words I Use and S.P.I.R.E.