Science chairperson and teacher Peggy Parigoris has been selected to receive an American Chemical Society-Hach High School Chemistry grant, one of the most prestigious prizes awarded by the ACS to chemistry teachers across the country. The grant, worth $1,500 and awarded to approximately 60-80 teachers annually, is designed to enhance classroom learning, foster student development and expose students to the depths and wonders of chemistry.
"This national award is a great honor and Freeport Public Schools is proud of Ms. Parigoris and the innovative educational opportunities she brings to the students," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham.
Parigoris' grant proposal, "Using a Spectrophotometer to Teach Atomic Theory," was based upon the concept of facilitating student understanding of this generally abstract topic. Working with district Director of Science Dr. Vincent Pereira and Hofstra University professor Dr. Ling Huang, Parigoris is designing a laboratory experiment in which a spectrophotometer is used to discover traces of iron in drinking water and common household items, such as juice and wine. The team is in contact with Operation SPLASH regarding its technique to identify traces of iron in the soil at the bottom of the Great South Bay. Based on the success of the work, there are plans to publish the results in a scholarly journal so that it may benefit chemical education throughout the country.
