Local teachers explore innovative teaching methods with NIMA

KANSAS (KOAM) -- Two local teachers are spending part of their summer learning new ways to expand knowledge in the classroom.

According to Pittsburg State University, Anni Beasley, who teaches chemistry, physics, and physical science in Frontenac, and Sheila Sandford, who teaches physical science in Pittsburg, participated in a paid internship program offered by the National Institute for Materials Advancement.

"We learned the process of making something new out of something old," she said. "We made golf tees out of ground-up plastics from recycled bottles, jugs, and the like. Along the way, we explored concepts like density in plastics," said Sandford.

PSU says scientists at NIMA come from round the world to conduct research to refine rapid, safe, cost-effective, and renewable chemical processes to build a diversified manufacturing economy throughout the region, which they say serves industry and businesses, communities, academic institutions, and the global marketplace.

"I'm looking forward to bringing some real-life experiences back to my students, who might be asking when they are learning something in a classroom setting, 'Why do I need to know this? How does it apply to the real world?'," Beasley said.

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