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Science &
Math
Investigative
Learning
Experiences
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ANNUAL EVENTS
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ELEMENTARY OUTDOOR SCIENCE
ADVENTURE This is a
three day Elementary Outdoors Science Adventure at URI Alton Jones Campus
for elementary students that focuses on biology and environmental science.
Every year URI offers a Spring course for 25 college students interested
in teaching science and mentoring. They develop activities for elementary
students that integrate science and math and develop an appreciation for
the natural environment. During the weekend, these college students acting
as teachers, counselors, and mentors stay at Alton Jones with the
elementary SMILE students. |
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MIDDLE
SCHOOL ENGINEERING CHALLENGE WEEKEND
The
Engineering Challenge Weekend at the University of Rhode Island brings
together middle students and teachers from all the participating school
districts. The students work in teams, with mentors from various URI
students organizations. URI engineering faculty also mentor and help
students to solve the engineering problem. On Saturday morning
students to tour the campus, visit labs, and learn about college
admission procedures and financial aid availability. |
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HIGH SCHOOL
ENGINEERING-ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE WEEKEND
This is a two-day environmental
science problem solving. The challenge is based on true real-world
scenarios and real data. The activity allows students to learn and
demonstrate processes and skills necessary for success in their academic
studies. Students work in teams with mentors emulating life situations
mastering new scientific principles, and developing skills such as problem
identification, data collection and analysis, risk analysis, teamwork, and
effective presentation techniques.
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FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHTS
Family Science Nights bring
together SMILE students, their families, and community members. Students
demonstrate interactive science activities. SMILE personnel inform parents
and students about college admissions and student financial aid. The
Family Science Night is a wonderful expression of interest and support by
parents and community members. Parents have the opportunity to get more
involved in their children's education, and see them as competent
learners. The children's self esteem soars!
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SMILE provides continuous support to
the club teachers through professional development workshops, networking,
e-mail accounts, curriculum materials, and equipment.
Professional development workshops, conducted three times a year, are led
by URI resource faculty and SMILE professional staff. The workshops
provide: hands-on science and math activities, scientific knowledge
and curriculum, techniques for integrating math and science, culturally
appropriate techniques, computers and technology training.
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The SMILE Program 