Belzer Middle School Teacher Mike Conners was the recipient of a 2008 Golden Apple Award from Indianapolis Power & Light Company, honoring educators for creative use of math, science or technology in the classroom.
“It has become increasingly important for students to utilize emerging technologies in an education environment,” Connors wrote in his project summary. So his students created newscasts, using 21st century technology, about five events that occurred in the 1800s. Students used knowledge from classroom discussions as well as material gathered using the Internet to develop newscast scripts. Students could choose to report on a topic from five historical events: the Louisiana Purchase, the journey of Lewis and Clark, Texas independence, the Mexican War or the California Gold Rush.
IPL hopes that recognition for the creative achievements of IPL Golden Apple Award winners will inspire all classroom teachers throughout central Indiana. Up to 25 winners are selected each year and are recognized at a special celebration in May. Each recipient receives a $2,000 check, and their school receives $1,000. IPL feels these educators are the “power behind education.”
