On Friday, Piner High school celebrated science teacher Steve Carpenter's $10,000 grant from the Toshiba America Foundation to pursue hands-on astronomy lessons with his students.

Carpenter was one of 16 teachers in the U.S. to win a grant this semester, according to the foundation. More than 100 teachers applied.

The grant will allow Carpenter, who teaches physics, AP physics and physical science, to purchase telescopes, astronomical imaging software and other tools to help students pursue their own hands-on experiments. The students are then encouraged to take their lessons into area elementary schools.

The outreach to younger students helped put Carpenter's application over the top, according to reps from Toshiba America Foundation.

"Ultimately, I hope to develop students who more deeply understand how the universe works by experience, and who have a clear sense of how scientific research is carried out. I also want to help students understand the importance of sharing their enthusiasm for and success in scientific pursuits," Carpenter wrote in his application.

For more information on how to apply for future rounds of the grant, go to www.toshiba.com/tafpub/jsp/about/HowApply.jsp