Cindy Benson – Chemistry Teacher, 14 years, Hastings High School

Describe a molecule. Now show an actual molecule swirling in a beaker of water. Seeing equals understanding, according to Cindy Benson. The "What If" grants have made it possible for a class of 36 high school students to take an active and close-up look into the world of science.

Connected to a laptop computer, the LCD projector financed by the Hastings Public Schools Foundation enhances science lectures with online and video resources.

"There are so many wonderful little things you can access on the Internet that supplement the curriculum," Benson says. "Students today are tech-based; that is how they want to learn. So much of what I do is not something you can see or hold on to, so if I can show a 15 second video clip of something I've just talked about, it clicks with students."

Thanks to the HPSF, Hastings High School now integrates this projector into the 11 science classrooms. Our dream is to continue adding projectors to classrooms, investigating science through all possible avenues. We now share three projectors between 11 teachers. Teachers are using the projector, sharing tips and suggestions with each other. The growth in staff collaboration and technical knowledge has been an added bonus. In the ever-evolving world of science, it is a win-win for teachers and students.

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