FLOW Area June 23, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 9 Dr. Elliot Richman, a science teacher at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, recently received the 2010 Edward J. Merrill of the North Jersey Section of the American Chemical Society at a recognition and awards dinner held on the campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University - Madison. The award, which is cosponsored by the New Jersey Science Teachers Association, is given for outstanding teaching of chemistry at the high school level. Richman has been a teacher of chemistry and physics in the Ramapo Indian Hills district since 2002. The honoree, who became a teacher as a direct result of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, holds BS and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry from the University of Rochester and has been a member of the American Chemical Society honors Ramapo teacher American Chemical Society since 1975. “I entered the education profession because I had a deep and thorough knowledge of science—chemistry and physics in particular—and a desire to share it in a meaningful way, so I turned to the education of young people, and I have not regretted this decision,” Richman said. He believes that scientific accomplishments, such as the development of theories and solutions to scientific questions and technological challenges, are achievements of humanism just as much as are the writing of great literature and music, the creation of great painting and sculpture, the development of belief systems and governing and political philosophies, and other milestones in areas outside science. Richman incorporates reading and writing in his sci- ence classes, noting, “…words are the tools with which most people think. We need to learn to use them well in all areas.” He is also a proponent of reading, especially biography. “Students who may not relate to scientific concepts and mathematical relationships nonetheless enjoy learning about the movers and shakers who made the great discoveries,” he explained, “and this human aspect of science often motivates students to learn the course content and enhances their overall enjoyment of science.” Richman has found that giving students this perspective makes the science more accessible to them and encourages them to overcome difficulties they encounter in understanding or mastering the scientific ideas. ����������������� ��������������������� �������� Come See Us in Action June 28th thru August 19th ����������������������������� Door to Door A/C Transportation Catered Lunch Included - Heated Pools 3:1 Camper/Staff, Special Events & Trips Well Rounded Swim, Sports & Arts Program Boys & Girls - Ages 3 to 15 Full Day 9am - 4pm Mini Day 9am - 1:20pm Magnificent 26 Acre Campus Lake for Boating & Fishing Daily Swim Instruction 234 Conklintown Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456 973-831-9000 www.springlakedaycamp.com 6-23-10 SpringLakeDayCampOpenHouse3x3(6-23-10) Joan...from Janine Summer specials available now for a limited time only. Call Robin at 973-636-7000