Money buys lab equipment for Streamwood science classes

Fifteen years ago, science teacher Greg Reiva arrived at Streamwood High School for his first teaching job.

"There weren't a lot of resources, it was basically just me doing what should be done for science," said Reiva, who teaches physics to juniors and seniors as well as physical science to sophomores.

Nowadays students have more opportunities, thanks to Reiva's aggressiveness in applying for grants as well as the support of school administration.

"I'm probably most thankful for the school district giving me the ability to do what I think is most important for science education at Streamwood High School," he said.

Reiva secured grants from Toshiba and BP PLC to purchase equipment for his students, thus enriching their classroom experiences. The school has won grants in each of the last two years from BP PLC that totaled $40,000. Over the years that money has gone to buy probes that allow students to better analyze data for experiments. The resources pay off.

"It's very engaging for the students, it leads to a deeper understanding that you want to get out of a 21st century classroom," he said.

For the last decade Reiva's classes have focused on alternative energy sources. They've also built prototype wind turbines, checked out fuel cells and electric cars.

"It's cutting edge, it's new, it's what happening in society today," he said.

But no matter what tools the grants bring, Reiva hasn't forgotten what's kept him teaching in Streamwood.

"I'm always thankful for the kids I've had; I've always had good kids," he said. "It's always been exciting, and challenging every day.

"I know it sounds corny, but I wouldn't be here for 15 years if I didn't like it here."