Dianna McDowell to Receive the Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Laura Rios (awards@americangeosciences.org)
2/29/2016

Alexandria, VA - Dianna McDowell, a teacher at Kemps Landing Old Donation School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been named the 2016 recipient of the Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching. McDowell, who earned her Master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Virginia, started as a Naval Oceanography Officer and switched careers to a middle school Earth science teacher in order to foster natural curiosity about the world. Her application demonstrated her efforts to honor her students' curiosity and lead them to experiences that allow them to draw meaning out of the world around them.

"Ms. McDowell works to stretch her students' horizons and provide them with authentic learning experiences. This is the type of Earth science instruction that we want to encourage," said Dr. P. Patrick Leahy, Executive Director of the American Geosciences Institute. "Her exemplary innovation, dedication, and enthusiasm are inspiring."

In April, the award will be given to McDowell at the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) Friends of Earth Science Reception during the National Science Teachers Association 2016 National Conference in Nashville. Finalists for the award were Ella Bowling of Mason County Middle School in Maysville, Kentucky, and James Christopher Spiegl of Montgomery Bell Academy in Pegram, Tennessee.

Given annually, AGI's Edward C. Roy Jr. Award recognizes one classroom teacher from kindergarten to eighth grade for leadership and innovation in Earth science education. The award is named in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr., who was a strong and dedicated supporter of Earth science education. To learn more, please see www.americangeosciences.org/education/awards/roy

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The American Geosciences Institute is a nonprofit federation of geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 250,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other Earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with the environment.