Martha Turner

Turner is adding detail to exploration with the winning project she developed, "Knowledge in Hand." Students at Blue Ridge Elementary School will be able to observe nature up close with hand-held microscopes. The portability of the microscopes will allow students to investigate nearby parks, rivers, farms, gardens, and caves to increase problem-solving skills. Students will have access to detailed observation on plants and insects. Turner, who lives in Jefferson, hopes to incorporate the hand-held microscopes into a science club and Blue Ridge's annual science fair. The school will also host a Family Science Night to promote parental involvement as families work collaboratively to investigate scientific wonders.