Abby works at the Howard B. Owens Science Center, a science education enrichment facility where teachers across Prince George's County can bring their students for classes that support the school system's science content framework. The center boasts the largest planetarium in Maryland, free-standing science exhibits, a nature trail, a computer lab, and even a simulated spacecraft and mission control in the Challenger Learning Center.

Abby specializes in teaching kindergarten through third grade classes who visit the center.  This year, for instance, she's teaching a short class where her students use computer software to examine the life cycle of insects. In her role as JASON project coordinator, she also provides professional development training to teachers who participate in the project.

With so much technology available to her, Abby has to consider its use carefully. "I use it to support the instruction," she explains, rather than an end unto itself. Technology has also proven to be a great motivator for her students - digital cameras, in particular. "If they can see themselves, it motivates them," she says.

On why students love computers:
"It motivates students... it's not static. It's always changing. It's a machine they can drive."