The Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh has given Queen of Angels teacher Beth Babyak their 2008 Teacher's Award.

The society gave Babyak the award for sponsoring the most first- and second-place winners in chemistry and related fields at Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science meetings over the past three years.

Students at the meetings present projects that they develop in conjunction with a science teacher over the course of several months. Topics are chosen by the students, and can include any scientific field.

Babyak said the society gives out the award to help motivate teachers. "They just like to support engaging students to continue their interest in science," she said.

The award for sponsoring the most winners came as something of a surprise to Babyak.

"I was amazed, because, you know I have a relatively small student population."

She said it may be partially due to a numbers bias. Babyak said more students tend to work on biology projects because more science teachers have biology backgrounds.

As an engineer, Babyak's interests tend more toward the physical sciences, and she said that can rub off on her students.

She said she will continue supporting students with their projects, and she hopes to involve students in other science competitions as well, such as the Middle School Science Olympiad or robotics competitions.

"Anything where they're actually moving and doing something rather than sitting and listening keeps them motivated."