Carrie Pryor-Newman

Jose Alvarez (left), eighth-grader at Horace Mann Junior School, helps Carolyn Leap from the Houston Museum of Natural Science with a demonstration using a flower and liquid nitrogen. Science teacher Susan Dagley’s grant, “KABOOM! Chemistry Demo,” for $1,270 was awarded by the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation last spring to enable all HMJ students to participate in the presentations.

Horace Mann science teacher Susan Dagley’s wish came true when her grant, “KABOOM! Chemistry Demo,” for $1,270 was selected by the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation last spring. Presented by the Grant Surprise Patrol, the grant funded the “Cool Chemistry” demonstration by the Houston Museum of Natural Science through their Science on Stage program, supported by ConocoPhillips.

“I was surprised and pleased to receive this grant from the Education Foundation. This allows our students to see chemical reaction demonstrations with some of the chemicals we don’t have,” Dagley said.

All HMJ students attended the presentation through their science classes. Carolyn Leap from the Houston Museum of Natural Science explained the demonstrations and interacted with the students, allowing volunteers to participate.

“The Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation encourages teachers to apply for the grants when they become available in the spring,” said Erika Foster, Education Foundation director. “Last spring, innovative teaching grants totaling more than $130,000 were awarded to GCCISD teachers to enhance the curriculum for our students.”