A room full of scientists and engineers lined up rows of dominoes and balanced frogs on a plastic cone until the clock struck 12:18, signaling lunch and recess.
The frogs were paper cut outs. The dominoes, part of a lab. And the scientists? Just kids for now.
But in those kids, Dawn O'Connor, 44, recognizes a passion for learning that she nurtures through hands-on scientific experiences. O'Connor is a science teacher at Ascencion Solorsano Middle School and is rewarded on a daily basis each time she sees the "Aha!" in one of her student's eyes. This week, she will be formally rewarded for her efforts in Washington, D.C. O'Connor has been selected by President George Bush as a nominee for the 2007 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, an honor only a handful of teachers from each state receive. With the nomination comes an all-expense paid week of celebratory activities and a ceremony with the President.
