Helena Middle School Teacher to Receive National Award from SAE

WARRENDALE, Pa., Nov. 21 -- Edith Roos, a 7th grade teacher at Helena Middle School, Helena, Montana, will receive the Gary Dickinson Award for Teaching Excellence from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) Foundation. Arne Siegel, SAE Foundation Board of Trustee member, will present the award Friday, November 30 at Helena Middle School.

The Gary Dickinson Award recognizes teachers who have made creative and exemplary use of A World in Motion (AWIM)II, Challenge 2 or Challenge 3 to further develop students' understanding of the principles of motion in a way that brings to light the excitement of math, science and engineering. Established in 2000, the award commemorates Gary Dickinson, a longtime auto industry leader and former chairman of the SAE Foundation's Vision 2000 Committee.

Roos has introduced A World in Motion to nearly 400 students in her classroom since she began using the program three years ago. ``I love teaching it to the kids,'' Roos said. ``I have always pushed for teaching to reflect life. Life is not divided into subject segments, but instead is a compilation of all subjects we teach. One of the best parts of the AWIM Challenge 2 unit is the integration of all curricula into one project.'' According to Roos, ``The AWIM Challenge 2 is a phenomenal experience for students and teachers alike. It is totally engaging to the students.''

A World in Motion is an innovative, hands-on physical science curriculum that excites elementary and middle school students about math and science by bringing authentic engineering design experiences into the classroom. Designed by SAE, the AWIM curriculum joins teachers, students and volunteer practicing engineers and scientists together in an exploration of physical science. The AWIM program has been used in 17,244 schools and has touched over 1 million students worldwide.

Developed for middle school students, A World in Motion II, Challenge 2 requires students to work together in engineering design teams. Challenge 2 charges students with building a motorized toy vehicle. By creating an authentic engineering design experience for students, this challenge integrates learning activities in science, math, technology education, social studies, and language arts.