Contact: Meg Colafella--412-281-2345 School Phone: 816-741-5400
Kansas City and Parkville Students Honored in National Competition
Innovative Project Would Protect Endangered Species of Bats and Preserve Local Crops
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 29 -- Bright ideas, solid research and teamwork won four St. Therese School students a berth as semifinalists in the Bayer/National Science Foundation Award for Community Innovation, a nationwide program that challenges students to use science and technology to develop solutions to community issues.
The team of determined 7th graders, coached by their teacher Suzanne Greenwood, developed the "Batty 4 Bats" program, which would educate people about the benefits of bats. In addition to giving presentations at schools, libraries and community centers, the team of Natalie Blackburn, Lisa Fahey, Emily Kahm and Courtney Torres has aspirations to take their Batty 4 Bats program everywhere from the nature sanctuary in Parkville, to the Kansas City Zoo, to PBS, for a one-hour "Bat Special."
"Most people are afraid of bats and believe the myths about them," the team said. "But many people don’t know that a single bat can eat up to 2,000 insects a night, helping Missouri farmers control insects that can destroy crops. Without bats, there would be an overpopulation of insects that would affect the food chain and crop production. If bats are not protected, they could become extinct."
The team began work on its project last fall and submitted a written and visual presentation to Bayer/NSF Award. A panel of community leaders, scientists and experts in science education judged it one of the top three entries in a seven-state region. Nearly 2000 students participated nationwide.
A Chance to Compete at Epcot®
On April 17, 10 of the 30 semifinalist teams will be named winners of an all-expense-paid trip Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort, where they will compete in the Bayer/NSF Award's National Championship, June 20-26. The event is held in conjunction with the prestigious Discover Magazine Awards for Technological Innovation.
Rewards include $36,000 in US savings bonds for the top three national winners. In addition, one team will bring home the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant to help bring its idea to life in the community.
The finalists also will attend the Christopher Columbus Academy, a custom-designed educational program. Conducted by scientists, engineers and educators, the program reveals the science and technology behind the thrills and excitement of Epcot® and the Magic Kingdom®.
Real-Life Experience with Science and Technology
Sponsored by the Bayer Corporation, as part of its Making Science Make Sense program, the National Science Foundation and the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation with Discover Magazine, the Bayer/NSF Award is turning kids on to science. Its cross-curricular, team-oriented, inquiry-based, real-life approach to science education attracts kids of all interests and ability levels. The program premiered in 1996 and is endorsed by the National Middle School Association.
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