Dayton teacher wins Unsung Heroes award

Christine Koch, a gifted-and-talented education teacher at Dayton Intermediate School, won a $2,000 award through the ING Unsung Heroes program for her innovative classroom teaching methods.Koch is one of 100 winners across the country to receive the award. She will now compete with other winners for one of the top three prizes — an additional $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000.Koch was recognized for a bridge-building project, in which students work in groups to build a bridge in order to solve a problem such as transporting food over a ravine.Students must design and construct a bridge that is less than 12 inches, using the least amount of materials possible which can support as much weight as possible. They conduct computer research to explore bridge design, construction materials and limitations. In the process, they acquire basic drafting skills.During the project, students travel to a local bridge under construction, which helps them connect what they learn in the classroom to real life. At the end of the project, they present a final report discussing the scientific principles behind the design as well as any challenges they faced, from drafting to data application.“ING is proud of the hard work and dedication of all of our nation’s teachers,” said Maliz Beams, CEO of ING U.S. Retirement Services, in a press release. “It is a privilege to invest in the innovative ideas of educators across the United States who are preparing our children for the future. We hope the additional funds Christine Koch is awarded through ING Unsung Heroes will help sustain her program and continue to make an impact on the children in her community.”