Adam Felzani, Science teacher in Chelmsford, MA

My name is Adam Felzani, M.Ed., and I am a Science teacher in Chelmsford, MA.  In the sixth grade, we teach General Science, covering Earth, Life, and Physical Science, as well as Ecology. Attending last month’s NSTA conference in Boston was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my teaching career; I found every day to be a rewarding one.  So many positive benefits have come from my time at the conference.  Specifically, the conference has impacted my professional growth in four major ways: new curriculum ideas for my class, technology support, new and improved rules and regulations for my classroom, and it has blessed me with over 2000 pounds of new science materials for our district.

As a STEM teacher, I am always looking for ways to infuse more projects that incorporate Science, Technology Engineering, and Math into our existing curriculum.  My time as a STEM teacher has also taught me about the importance of getting students to begin to consider future careers in these fields.  Although my students are only sixth graders, they have been very receptive to discussions about college, choosing a major, and finding a rewarding/satisfying job that you love to do. 

Like all teachers, I am always looking for new materials to supplement my curriculum.  I almost didn’t even bother to throw my name into the grand prize raffle, but the prizes in the Ultimate Science Classroom Giveaway were too appealing. Between gifts like a brand new weather station, an interactive whiteboard, DNA analysis kits, GIS technology books, yearlong memberships to BrainPop.com, among many other gifts and prizes, I just had to fill out the raffle ticket.  When I heard my name called over the P.A. system, I felt a shot of adrenaline rush through my veins; it has taken me a long time to truly understand the impact that this blessing will have on my current and future students, my fellow teachers, school, and district.  The prizes are too many for only my class to benefit from.  I will be working with my principal, Dr. Frank Tiano, and my Science Curriculum Coordinator, Barbara O’Keefe, to find the appropriate home for all these materials so that our district can maximize the use of these materials.  These gifts will extend from fifth grade though high school classrooms.  We will be able to complete more hands-on projects like dissections, rocket construction, space exploration simulations, and much more. 

The NSTA conference was a true blessing in so many ways.  Back when I was originally deciding whether or not to go, a science co-worker told me that everyone needs to experience it at least once in their lifetime.  I give this same advice to all I talk to; it’s an amazing opportunity that doesn’t happen all too often, you’ve got to go and experience it for yourself!