Pinnacle Earns Tapestry Grant from NSTA, Toyota

The National Science Teachers Association announced March 26, 2009 that Pinnacle School has been selected to receive a Tapestry Grant.  During 2009-2010, students at Pinnacle School will identify, study, and compare the most common invasive species at school, at a local forest habitat, and at home, to determine the biological characteristics that give invasive plants a competitive advantage.

Interdisciplinary class teams will work together with local scientists and community partners to study native plant species, complete field studies, remove invasive exotics, and monitor the results. They will also plan and create a mini-prairie for the school grounds, and propagate native plants in experimental conditions.

A dedicated web site will track progress and provide links to sources of native plant materials and habitat resources. This project builds on Pinnacle's continuing successful partnership with Sycamore Land Trust and creates a new opportunity to work with Hilltop Garden and Nature Center. The $9,100 project will be directed by science teacher Meredith Sullivan. For more information, contact Pinnacle at info@pinnacleschool.org.

Toyota Tapestry is a partnership between Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. and NSTA.  While there are many funding sources available at the collegiate level, there are limited opportunities for K-12 teachers to obtain funds for innovative teaching projects. Toyota Tapestry grants are a unique source of support for teachers who have an early influence on students. 

Dr. Lessow commented, "We are very proud of Miss Sullivan for earning this recognition. The Tapestry grant allows our students to work on an authentic issue involving science and sustainability in our community and around the world. This reflects the strength of our environmental science program and is a great use for our new EnviroLab, which will be opening this fall."