Janet Richards and Anthony Iorio

Richards and Iorio collaborated to develop the winning program idea, "The Pulse of Hamilton". The program is a unique multidisciplinary way of merging the educational disciplines of math, science, technology, and health/physical education. The program also fosters inter-school relations. Approximately 100 fifth-grade students at Mercerville and Morgan elementary schools will study their own heart rates and pulses. They will also identify parts of the human circulatory system and study blood flow. Using electronic heart rate monitors and stethoscopes, students will listen to their own heart rates, determine their pulse, and compare their resting heart rates during physical activities (such as jumping jacks, running and step climbing) to those of a variety of animals. In the end, participants will develop a comprehensive report of their findings and assess the benefits that physical activity has on their personal fitness levels and overall health. Richards resides in Yardville and Iorio is a resident of Hamilton.