Maryellen Grebin

Grebin, a second grade teacher at the New School of Orlando, wants to develop a "Biodome," a self-contained screened atrium where insects and plants thrive. In this structure, students will observe and monitor insects as they change, measure and record plant growth, experiment with cross-pollination and hydroponics, test the theory of global warming and learn the importance of bio diversity. The students will plant and learn to care for shrubs such as milkweed, porter weed, roses, hibiscus and other insect-friendly plants. As they watch the insect life cycles, students will keep a science journal of their observations and notations. The "Biodome" will provide a chance to show how living things depend on each other for survival and that humans rely on natural resources. Grebin lives in Longwood.