Chad Lyon
Science Educator & Baseball Coach
Wheeler High School Applicant
Science & Research Experience
As a science teacher, my class aims to provide students with both knowledge and an understanding of the scientific approach to problem-solving. The critical skills that students develop in my science class include the ability to formulate hypotheses, design and conduct experiments to test them, and evaluate outcomes.
In addition to these skills, students are encouraged to connect the content of the classroom and laboratory to real-life situations, which helps them develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. By creating these connections, the classroom becomes more constructive and inquiry-driven, which leads to a better understanding of how science relates to everyday life experiences. These critical skills are the most important because they can be applied to different content areas.
As a science educator, I have gained extensive knowledge in life sciences, environmental science, anatomy, and infectious diseases. My primary goal is to communicate effectively and inspire others with my passion for science. I believe in adapting my teaching style to cater to the individual learning needs of my students, which encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In my classroom, I strive to create a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters curiosity and inquiry. I believe that connecting science to the real world requires positive relationships between the students and the educator. When I decided to pursue teaching as a second career, I knew that I wanted to teach science. As a science teacher, I am committed to continuous learning in both education and scientific advances. My passion for education stems from making a positive impact in the lives of my students and helping them reach their full potential.
For the first 4 years at Stratford STEM I taught a combination of Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Science. For the next 4 years, I was the educator in a co-taught classroom, in the Interdisciplinary Science and Research (ISR) pathway. ISR covered topics in environmental science, cellular biology, water quality studies, cancer research, human anatomy, life sciences, and scientific research and experimentation.
Data Collection & Analysis
Before teaching Interdisciplinary Science & Research (ISR), I was confident in my ability to collect and analyze data effectively. After a year of teaching ISR, I realized that teaching the class was allowing me to grow and expand my skills in the scientific inquiry process. Before teaching Interdisciplinary Science & Research (ISR), I was confident in my ability to efficiently collect and analyze data. However, after teaching ISR for four years, I realized how much it helped me expand my skills in the scientific inquiry process. It made me more curious about the world and allowed me to view things from a scientist's perspective.
Infectious Disease: Wolbachia
The Wolbachia Project is an initiative by Vanderbilt University to study insects that may carry Wolbachia, a bacteria that affects the reproductive organs and physical characteristics of various insects. As part of this project, students research and identify the types of insects that could potentially have Wolbachia, and then collect these bugs from different locations on campus. The students then extract DNA from the insects and potentially Wolbachia bacteria. The students then use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify the amount of DNA. Gel Electrophoresis is used to determine if there are two types of DNA in the sample. The findings are added to a national database to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases through insect vectors.
Advanced Research for Seniors
Every year, we had 15-20 seniors conducting research, and 90% of them needed help analyzing significant data sets and trends. We mentored and provided feedback to seniors throughout the year, starting with their initial pitch for a viable research question and hypothesis. After conducting their experiments and collecting data, the challenging task of analyzing the data followed. While collecting data was easy, the difficult part was analyzing and determining what was significant.
After helping to analyze dozens of data sets each year, I can confidently say that data analysis is one of my strongest skills. Now I observe the world with even more curiosity and through the frame of reference of a scientist.
Environmental Science Collaboration
Collaborating with other teachers, students and stakeholders has been a passion of mine since I started my career in education. ISR is a co-taught class with a post-doc and an educator collaborating together to develop engaging curriculum. We developed the curriculum for this class by using our collective expertise, the interests of our students and the needs of future scientific workforce. The pollinator garden was a unique collaboration with the Tennessee Environmental Council, TVA, community members, and school administration that has resulted in 25,000 square feet of turf grass being converted to pollinator gardens.
Athletics Portfolio
Baseball, Football, Flag Football, Athletic Performance Training
Head Baseball Coach
July 2015- June 2022
Stratford STEM HS
Nashville, TN
Directed all baseball operations, coaching, in/pre/offseason training.
Organized, directed, and improved operational and growth budget through donations, fundraising, and grants allowing for improved facilities and equipment.
Filmed and edited video and photography from games and practice as well as created unique graphic designs for senior posters and promotions.
Developed recruiting videos and campaigns for prospective collegiate level players.
Highest coaching win percentage since 1996
11 players signed to play at collegiate level
1 Region Appearance
12 All-district players
1 District Player of the year
2 TN Super-Sophomores
Playing Experience
Founder | Head Coach | Player
Nashville Stars Baseball | Nashville, TN
April 2021 – August 2023
18+ wood bat baseball team in the Middle Tennessee Adult Baseball League provided opportunities for player development, college recruitment, and community outreach.
Recruited Nashville area players that needed needed additional exposure and experience due to state of collegiate sports post 2020 pandemic.
2B | SS
Middle Tennessee State U. | Murfreesboro, TN | D1
August 2021 – October 2021 (Walk-on)
Played entire fall including Blue & White 3 game series
BA .333, 2 stolen bases, 3 runs scored, 4 RBIs (Cut final day of fall practice)
2B | SS
Aquinas College | Nashville, TN | JUCO
January 1999 – May 2021
Two year starter, led team in batting average and stolen bases 2000 & 2001
Contact & Flag Football
Graphic Design
Sports Posters, Promotions, Digital Media & Player Profiles
