Katona Miller

Miller’s innovative teaching idea, “Splash into STEM,” focuses on developing interest in scientific inquiry among 7^th and 8^th grade students through the use of real-time data collection and analysis using peer-to-peer engagement. The Voya grant would provide students with the resources to conduct surveys of the physical and chemical properties of the neighboring Lackawanna River, and conduct subsequent research on the data collected. Miller believes that research on the realized issues will aid in the development of practical solutions which, in turn, will develop students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as a greater awareness of the environmental issues that their generation will face in the future.