Foundation awards first grant in memory of Ingrid Smith Foundation awards first grant in memory of Ingrid Smith (December 29, 2004)

The Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation has awarded a team of Laurel second-grade teachers the first science grant given in memory of school volunteer Ingrid Smith, a Menlo Park resident, parent in the Menlo Park district, and foundation board member who lost her battle with cancer last July.

The foundation established the Ingrid Smith Math & Science Award to be given each year to a teacher (or team of teachers) who develops innovative methods for teaching math or science at Laurel, Encinal, Oak Knoll or Hilview schools.

A team at Laurel developed the winning grant proposal, called "Phun Physics," which will use hands-on science stations for students to learn about such things as "viscosity" and weight comparisons by making and testing paper airplanes, ball rolling and more.

"The culmination of our Phun Physics program will be a day at the San Francisco Exploratorium, where the children can enjoy dozens of wonderful physical science activities," said lead teacher Linda Creighton.

Five teachers will conduct the program and 140 second-graders will participate.

"Ingrid would have whole-heartedly supported this program," said Lyle Smith, her husband of 17 years. "Kids love to learn by experimenting outside of the textbook."

Ms. Smith was a data applications designer and especially enjoyed the subjects of math and science, he said.

The award is administered by the foundation's Jeanie Ritchie Grant Program, established in 1984 to encourage creative teaching projects. This year, the 13-member Jeanie Ritchie grant committee awarded 16 grants for projects involving 60 teachers and hundreds of students in such area as reading, writing, social studies, math, science and music.

The Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, raises money to fund five areas: libraries, science, technology, musical instruments and teaching development. Founded in 1982 by parents and community members, the foundation has raised more than $10 million over the past two decades. For more information, go to www.mpaef.org.

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