For 21 years she's been helping students see the incredible science in everyday life. Now, Willowcreek teacher Mary Bucklew has been named the Utah Biology Teacher of the Year by the National Association for Biology Teachers.

"I know a student who's had Mrs. Bucklew is well prepared," said Lehi High teacher Reva Beth Russell who encouraged Bucklew to apply for the award.

Bucklew said the main focus of her teaching is to get her students out into the world instead of just in the classroom.

"It's everyday life. Everything having to do with life and the world is biology," she said.

She's taken her honors biology class to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. They studied how light pollution affects nocturnal animals and biodiversity in small areas.

Bucklew also teaches her students about the medical, social and ethical applications of biology.

"It's a rapidly changing science right now with DNA testing, cloning and stem cells. There are a lot of controversial issues with the new technologies we have," she said. "The biotechnology field is changing so fast books can't even keep up with what's current in biology."

Bucklew taught for 17 years at Orem Junior High and has spent her last four years at Willowcreek Middle School.

She said the energy of the kids and the new aspects of the field have kept the job fresh.

"It's the excitement of the kids and seeing them learn new things and getting out and being able to learn new things myself," she said. "I'm introducing kids to the world."

Bucklew will be recognized and receive her award at the National Association for Biology Teachers Conference in Memphis, Tennessee in October.

As part of the award, she'll receive some lab equipment.

Russell said the award is well deserved and past due. "She's been doing very good work with the students and has never been recognized for that."