The goal of this project was to spark an interest in the fields of science, technology, math and engineering and to allow for creative applications of math and science skills. The curriculum, written especially for RISD by esteemed members of UTD’s SEEC (Science and Engineering Education Center) integrates math, science and language arts with a focus on energy, the physics of force and motion, as well as Newton’s Laws and the algebra of relationships, ratios, proportions, and programming. UTD provided support for this endeavor by training all sixth-grade teachers and supplying UTeach Dallas mentors to help in the classrooms. They also kept in touch with teachers via webcam meetings.

Dr. Russell Hulse, a Nobel Prize winner in Physics and now Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and founder of SEEC at UTD, had the vision and helped get the project started. Dr. Ken Berry, formerly with NASA in their Jet Propulsion Lab, a leading center in the world for the robotic exploration of space, and current assistant director at SEEC, wrote most of the curriculum. They worked closely with members of RISD’s Elementary Curriculum & Instruction team and district Instructional Technology staff in a collaborative effort.

Working in small groups with Lego materials purchased by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, MTBC, and various business partners, students’ learning culminated last week in The Big Event: a robotics competition and quiz bowl at each campus. Students divided into teams and applied their knowledge and robot designs through a series of tasks to be performed within a limited time.

All students learned a great deal and benefited from the partnership, and RISD is exploring ways to expand the program for next year.

Thanks to all who volunteered and participated!

For more information, please visit the UTD website here. >Top

The 2009-2010 school  year begins on August 24.  Elementary parents are strongly encouraged to register their children in school prior to the first day of classes.  Parents can register at their home campus on Tuesday, August 11, through Friday, August 14, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Campuses will also be open for registration the following week, but schedules may vary.  Please contact the home school for registration hours.

Please bring the following documents for registration:

Every campus has limited capacity for each grade.  Waiting to register may result in a child being unable to attend their neighborhood school and assigned to another through RISD's Overflow Office.

Please contact your neighborhood school with any questions or visit www.risd.org. >Top