Over the past few weeks, the Kino-Eye Center has worked with many community partners to bring exciting new technology learning opportunities to students and teachers in the Houston area.
Microsoft Youth Spark – The Youth Bowl Experience
As a part of an ongoing partnership with Microsoft Youth Spark, the Kino-Eye Center hosted a series of STEM workshops for middle school students at the 2017 Microsoft Houston YouthBowl Event.
According to Youth Bowl organizers, “The goal of the program is to help boys and girls of all backgrounds, especially those in low to moderate communities who need the most and let them know that their lives matter.”
Dr. Cesare Wright students through a drone demonstration and Q&A session, with the goal of inspiring K-12 student to pursue the math and science skills necessary to excel in college and industry.
CLICK HERE for Fox 26 News story on Microsoft Youth Bowl event
National Engineers Day @ Rice University
Dr. Cesare Wright and Shelea Majors hosted a professional development session for HoustonISD teachers as part of the annual National Engineers Day @ Rice University event on Wednesday, Feb. 22nd.
Developed in partnership with Microsoft, the in-service workshop provides teachers with a framework for developing integrative STEM curriculum and project-based learning models.
Using the Rice Drone Camp as a case study, participating teachers explored strategies for tapping into the intrinsic interests of students, in order to facilitate rigorous, authentic learning encounters and promote an interest in STEM.
Each teacher left with an actionable, project-based lesson cycle that may be implemented for students at their respective campuses.
For information on how your school may participate in future professional development workshops offered by the Kino-Eye Center, please contact Dr. Cesare Wright.
TH Rogers Science Night
On Tuesday, Feb. 21st, the Kino-Eye Center partnered with Rice University to host an educational booth on drone and aerial robotic technology for the annual Science Night at TH. Rogers School (HISD magnet school for Gifted/Talented and Physically Disabled students).
Shelea Majors and Dr. Cesare Wright spoke with students about drone technology and STEM careers, while kids ranging from 4-12 yrs old practiced flying small drones.
HISD/Microsoft District-Wide Technology Contest
On Thursday, Feb. 23rd, Dr. Cesare Wright served as a judge and delivered an address to the finalists of the Together with Tech competition – a district-wide technology contest aimed at encouraging technology integration in K-12 classrooms.
The final round of presentations was hosted by HoustonISD at the Microsoft Technology Center, where local high schools competed in a structured pitch contest that outlined the scope and impact of their innovative use of technology.
The 10 finalist teams were selected from over 45 participating schools as part of the Together With Tech event – the district’s first student-led technology conference. Full event info: Together with Tech
According to organizers of the Together with Tech converence, the students were challenged to “[present] on technology-based platforms that include digital animation, mobile app design, and tools such as Google Earth. Each participating school has a team of at least three students who will share ways in which the district’s PowerUp initiative has transformed what it means to be a high school student in HISD.”
The student team from DeBakey high school took first place with a compelling and technologically intensive presentation on their multi-layered project to increase awareness and education about the dangers of lung cancer.
The Kino-Eye Center is dedicated to supporting high quality learning enrichment opportunities for students and teachers. Please feel free to contact us for information on future events and initiatives.
Teachers and administrators are also welcome to connect regarding education partnerships and support opportunities through the Kino-Eye Center, Rice University, and Microsoft.
Bookings/Press/Partnerships Contact – Dr. Cesare Wright, Kino-Eye Center President
