LHS Chemistry Teacher Receives 3 Innovation Grants

Sherri Rukes, a chemistry teacher at Libertyville High School has received three innovation grants from the District 128 Foundation for Learning.

The innovation grants are awarded to teachers whose proposed projects actively engage students and impact student learning. Foundation trustees awarded a total of $10,860 to eight projects at a luncheon on Nov. 24.

Rukes will receive a total of $4,435 for following three projects:

Fish Tails: Merging Chemistry and Biology by Looking at the Great Lakes, this project will connect biology and chemistry and provide students the opportunity to explore existing problems with the Great Lakes. The Shedd Aquarium will visit the school to teach the science department about the Great Lakes and students will take a field trip to learn firsthand the complexities of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Nanotechnology: Big Things from a Tiny World

This project will offer chemistry classes, demonstrations and discussions that look into the concept and emergence of nanotechnology and how it impacts what students see in stores, medical fields, and elsewhere.

Solar Cells: The Forgotten Energy Source

Chemistry students will be introduced to the concept of alternative energy. Students will look at the design, functionality, and efficiency of a solar cell and compare this source of energy to biofuel, gasoline, wind, etc. The project will provide students the chance to test solar cells and see how they compare to the outputs of other energy sources.

The District 128 Foundation for Learning is a non-profit led by local community leaders in business and education who want to enrich the programs in Community High School District 128.

Information provided by Community High School District 128.