2013 Environmental Education (Teacher) Scholarship Recipients

 KLAPPA AND HUNGER RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS

Patricia Klappa and Jill Hunger were the recipients of the 2013 Environmental Education Scholarships offered by the Sauk County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Committee and Department.   Patricia teaches seventh grade science at the Sauk Prairie Middle School.  Jill teaches ninth grade biology, eleventh and twelfth grade geology, and eleventh and twelfth grade astronomy.

They both participated in the “Bioenergy Institute for Educators” sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison in association with the Wisconsin Energy Institute and the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center.  This course explored research efforts involved with removing glucose chains embedded within the cellulose of all plants.  This has the potential of producing biofuels (ethanol) from stems, leaves, and roots of any plant.  During their sessions, they were able to interact with researchers, visit research facilities and field sites, and evaluate the sustainability of bioenergy.

From what they learned at the course, they will develop educational materials for their students by applying real life examples of inquiry and engineering.  They will address the science education of young people in a way that will help them tackle the challenges for the future by adapting new technologies to a changing earth.

The Sauk County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department also support other teachers through its environmental education initiatives.  The benefits to teachers, our area youth, and ultimately the environment will be evident for years to come.  Each year two scholarships are made available to Sauk County educators.  Please contact the Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department if you would like to receive more information by emailing apape@co.sauk.wi.us, calling 355-4842, or checking out the website at www.co.sauk.wi.us.