A Wells High School science team's examination of genetic variation in microscopic organisms in the Ruby Mountains won first place in the Desert Research Institute's Nevada Science Teacher Enhancement Program (N-STEP).
Fourteen teams of high school science teachers and students from across the state competed with research papers, science posters and presentations in Las Vegas last month. The competition capped a full year that included a spring semester of training in research methods, three weeks of intensive summer field research, and a fall semester of data analysis and report writing.
DRI Archeologist Paul Buck, N-STEP program director, said the National Science Foundation-sponsored program is designed to bring the role of real world scientists into Nevada's high school science classrooms, enhancing traditional textbook and laboratory instruction. The teams final posters and presentations on their findings were conducted in the manner of professional science meetings, judged by working scientists and educators.
Second place in the N-STEP competition went to a joint team from Silverado High School and Advanced Technologies Academy (ATA) in Las Vegas with their study of the effectiveness of environmental and artificial filters for ultraviolet-B radiation. The team from Eldorado High School in Las Vegas took third place for its examination of the reflection of sunlight from various surfaces, also related to ultraviolet radiation.
In addition to the studies of genetic variation and UV exposure, other N-STEP teams examined geologic evidence of ancient precipitation levels as indicators of climate trends in the Death Valley region. The teams were coached by scientists from DRI, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Northern Arizona University. Judges of their findings included scientists from the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, UNLV, and the chancellors office of the University and Community College System of Nevada.
Cash prizes of $1,000 for first, $500 for second and $250 for third will go to the teachers for science books and equipment. The winning team members include: First Place, Wells High School, Wells, NV: Students Amanda Spratling, and Magdaleno Llamas, and teachers Thomas Wernau and Brian K. Zeiszler; Second Place, ATA/Silverado High Schools, Las Vegas: Students Shawn Cunningham of ATA and Graham Linck and Alyssa Worker of Silverado High School, and teachers Karlene McCurry of Silverado and Anga Rebane of ATA; Third Place, Eldorado High School, Las Vegas: Students Adam Bousum and Trina Brown and teachers Karen Ashley and Debra Meyers.