Laura Darnall Madison, TN | 7-12, Science, 2015

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Laura Darnall has taught high school science at Goodpasture Christian School for the past nine years. Currently, she teaches Physics, Advanced Placement Physics, and Pre-Engineering to 11th–12th grade students. She has also taught Chemistry, ACT Prep, and Scientific Investigation throughout her tenure. Over the years, Laura has encouraged her students to grow in science content knowledge, and as citizens of the 21st century. Through project-based learning, she has formed partnerships between her students and community members to use physics to develop solutions to relevant problems. Her students’ favorite projects include creating the electrical system for a tiny house and preparing testimony for a crash investigation with the Los Angeles Police Department. As well, she has trained other teachers in her problem-based learning methods. An active member of the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation, Laura serves as a Leadership Grant Reviewer, member of the Coaching Institute, and Senior Fellow. Laura has presented sessions at local and national conferences on teaching methods and science content. Laura earned a B.S., summa cum laude, in chemistry from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN and a M.Ed. from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. She is certified in physics and is National Board Certified in Adolescent/Young Adult Science. 

• High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
• Awardee holding Presidential certificate between Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director, Dr. John P. Holdren, and Assistant Director, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation, Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy.
• High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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