Bollier’s ‘egg-cellent’ idea takes national award
March 28, 2017
The unconventional use of a few cartons of eggs helped Lexington Technology Center Agricultural Science Instructor Robert A. Bollier garner national recognition.
During the National Association of Agricultural Educators convention in December, Bollier received the Ideas Unlimited Award for a series of lab experiments involving eggs. Only six teachers nationwide received this honor.
Robert’s award-winning idea, “The Incredible, Innovative, Inexpensive Egg,” used both store-bought and fertilized eggs, allowing students to practice mathematics, science and critical thinking. They studied the overall quality of the eggs in addition to determining why some did not hatch and how the chick’s growth affected the weight of the egg.
Bollier believes the idea is a win-win for teachers since it combines affordable materials and inquiry-based learning that keeps students engaged.
“The lessons that can be taught with this are relevant in any classroom. From math to language arts, students see how everything ties together,” he explained. “Once students perform these hands-on activities, they have a better understanding.
“Being able to share this with other educators is very important to me, since it gives them lessons that may work in their classroom,” Bollier added. “Retention in the agricultural education field has become vital, as many programs lack enough teachers.”
Winners of the Ideas Unlimited Award receive a plaque and the opportunity to present their idea at the 2016 NAAE Convention. The contest allows educators to exchange ideas to improve their classroom and encourage student leadership. Ideas submitted for consideration may be original or borrowed.
