Susan Nicholson-Dykstra

"Partners in Physics," a science partnership between elementary and secondary students, is the winning idea designed by Nicholson-Dykstra to keep science in the curriculum at several local elementary schools that have had to cut science from their lesson plans. Through the service-learning project, high school students at Northglenn High School will develop educational activities to share with elementary students during four "Science Afternoons" throughout the school year. Each "Science Afternoon" session will cover one of four physics concepts and topics. The overall goal is to build stronger mentoring relationships between the elementary and high school students, and ensure elementary students have an opportunity to experience science exploration within their classrooms. The high school students will develop skills in mentoring, leadership and communication as well as strengthening their own subject-matter understanding through preparing and delivering their lesson plans to younger students. Nicholson-Dykstra lives in Denver.