EIU Media Relations

EIU Sigma Xi Banquet to Include Award for Teaching Excellence

Brett Block, a Paris Cooperative High School physical science teacher, will be honored for her teaching excellence with an award from the Eastern Illinois University chapter of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society.

Sigma Xi's Excellence in High School and Middle School Science and Mathematics Teaching Award goes to high school or middle school science or mathematics teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching, actively involve students in critical thinking and problem-solving, actively involve students in the learning process, and teach an appreciation for science and mathematics.

As a high school science teacher in Illinois since 1994, Block has promoted science through incorporating computational chemistry programs to enhance student learning and visualization of chemistry and molecular modeling.

Block received her bachelor's degree in biological science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her teacher's certification from EIU. She and her family reside in Paris.

Block is to be presented with the 2010 award plaque and stipend during a short Sigma Xi EIU chapter meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 25, in the University Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union. The public is welcome.

Prior to the meeting, a social hour will be held from 5-6 p.m., after which the banquet, featuring a buffet dinner, will begin. Those planning to attend should RSVP to Brenda Wilson at 217-581-2712 or bmwilson@eiu.edu by March 22. The cost is $16 if paid by March 22, or $20 at the door.

The evening will conclude with a lecture on "Frankenstein: How Physics, Literature and Theatre Led to a Scientific Success” by Emily Tobey, a Nelle C. Johnston Chair in communication disorders in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas.