As a veteran Math and Science teacher, Greg Obsincs is always looking for new ways to engage his students.
While attending Pittcon, a yearly conference made up of the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP) members, Mr. Obsincs learned about an opportunity to apply for grant money.
The Elementary/Middle School Science Olympiad Program (EMSSOP) Grant rewards up to $2,500 per school for equipment and materials related to a Science Olympiad. Mr. Obsincs applied for the grant and got it, earning materials that will not only be helpful in bolstering future Science Olympiads, but that will also be instrumental in the classroom on a day-to-day basis.
Through the grant, Mr. Obsincs was able to purchase an extensive range of classroom materials, like illuminated globes that display constellations, magnetic solar systems, weather stations, scales, a solar system game and much more.
Mr. Obsincs helped pilot a science olympiad at the middle school last year, and is excited to see how these materials will help bolster the event.
“The goal of the science olympiad is to give students at all ability levels a hands-on opportunity at science,” said Mr. Obsincs.
“This year, hopefully we can move from piloting it in classrooms to rotating stations within the science classrooms, and maybe make it a daylong event next year.”
In the grind of the school year, Mr. Obsincs added that these materials will be helpful in keeping students engaged.
“I think anytime you can incorporate something new, it’s great. It’s a long school year. When you do the same thing everyday, it can get boring for the kids. So you have to always find different ways to keep students engaged,” Mr Obsincs said.
“I think anytime you can get them to do something hands-on, it can be helpful. There are multiple modalities when it comes to learning. Not everybody learns the same way. Some people learn from just reading in a book, but with others, it’s helpful to be more hands-on.”
Having taught in the district for 25-plus years, Mr. Obsincs is a lover of education and, of course, Math and Science. With a little help from these extra materials, Mr. Obsincs is hopeful to see that same joy spark in his students.
“It is very rewarding to see kids enjoying school,” Mr. Obsincs said.