Broomfield High teacher wins grant for innovative physics idea

Amy Bounds, Daily Camera, Boulder, Colo.
·1 min read

Oct. 22—Susan Nicholson-Dykstra, a science teacher at Broomfield High School, won second-place in the annual Voya Unsung Heroes program, winning a total of $12,000 in grant money to fund her "Physics for Social Impact" idea.

Her idea incorporates engineering design and service learning into physics classes to increase student engagement and the enrollment of female and other underrepresented students. Throughout the school year, students will be challenged to use physics to develop new products to help specific groups in a local community, including nursing homes.

Nicholson-Dykstra was one of 50 winners nationwide of an initial $2,000 grant for her idea, making her eligible to be considered for one of the top three prizes. She plans to use the grant to buy a GlowForge 3D laser printer for students to use as they develop prototypes.