Projects of the
Model Science Lab Project
Some Highlights 1991-1996
Special Opportunities for Students:
Satellite video conferences with students in Hampshire, England
Problem solving and creative challenges, as in Snow Cats and Marsville Projects
Hands-on innovative curricula, as in Fast Plants, FACETS, Voyage of the MIMI, SEPUP, Science Sleuths,
Brain Links, AIMS, GEMS, and FOSS
Resource tools such as computer challenges, CD ROM resources, E-mail with other countries, laser disc
scientific mysteries, video microscope, video camera, and the internet
Science communication through National Geographic, GLOBE, E-mail across the World, and the
International Arctic Project
Shuttle missions involving Fast Plants grown by Model Science Laboratory and Hartman Middle School
students in November, 1993 and February, 1994. Eight students observed a shuttle lift-off.
Students demonstrated the Earth Forum program at Photofest Convention, 1995
TEED and NEED Energy Workshops
Field trips to Challenger Center, Zoo, Arboretum, Marsville link-up at Rice University,
Space Center Houston, University of Houston, Galveston Bay, Lyondell Chemical Company,
Project Wild, Plastic Fabricators, Houston Police Department Crime Lab, Mercer Arboretum,
Exxon Baytown Polymers Center, Living Resource Center, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Equipment
Headquarters Machine Shop, and Museum of Natural Science
Camping trips to Brazos Bend State Par, El Paso, New Mexico, and other sites
Highlights of Achievements for Model Science Laboratory Teachers:
Articles in Science Scope and The Science Teacher
Publication of Teaching Science Process Skills ; and Earth Focus, a student environmental
journal which won the HEB Environmental Challenge Award
Earth Science textbook authored by former resident chosen for state adoption
Former resident's essay Girls (Only) in Science? published in an anthology of science writing
Presentations at national, regional, and state NSTA and NMSA conferences
International presentations in Scotland
Participation on state science education committees
Workshop series for 450 HISD 5th-8th grade girls
Several former residents have been the recipients of grants
Eleanor Roosevelt Fellow award to a former resident
Creation of a Girls' Science Club
A pilot project at Parker Elementary School headed by a former resident
A former resident is heading the RITE (Rodeo Institute of Teacher Excellence) Program, a reading project funded by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Vertical Team Training at Attucks Middle School lead by former resident teachers
Former resident teacher spends summer in Russia helping write science curriculum
Special Visitors to the Rice Model Science Laboratory:
International
Education ministers from the National Republic of China, Argentina, Panama, Bolivia, and Japan
Educators from Hampshire, England
National
Dr. Diane Ravitch, Assistant Secretary of Education
Conference call with Dr. Lamar Alexander, Secretary of Education
Representative from Challenger Center, Alexandria, VA
Educators from: Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Detroit, El Paso, Fresno, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Haven, New York City, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, San Diego, St. Paul, Stoney Brook, Washington D.C., and Winetka
State
Texas Board of Education
Dr. Lionel "Skip" Meno, Commissioner of Education
Mr. Jim Collins, Texas Education Agency Science Director State Systemic Initiative
Representatives of the Texas Education Association Regional Collaboratives for Excellence in Science Teaching
Representatives of Project 2061, San Antonio
Local
Coalition for Essential Schools
Many visitors and speakers representing donors, the community, and universities (Rice University, University of Houston, Texas Southern University, University of St. Thomas, Prairie View A&M University, and University of Houston Clear Lake)
Model Science Laboratory Honors:
National Science Foundation award of three year grant
Filming by BBC, PBS, Channel 51, and Channel 8 KUHT-TV (Houston)
Governor's Exemplary Partnership Award, Texas Alliance For Science, Technology, and Mathematics Education 1992, 1994
Rice/HISD
