9 Sep 2010
Astronauts Dr. Bernard Harris and Dorothy M. Metcalf-Lindenburger Will be Keynote Speakers
DALLAS–Dallas ISD students and teachers will participate in a NASA Science Symposium and Expo taking place from Tuesday, Sept. 14, through Thursday, Sept. 16, at the Dallas Informart, 1950 N. Stemmons Freeway.
The symposium is part of a $1.45 million federal grant received from NASA, secured by the Foundation for Community Empowerment, to implement a Math, Science, and Technology initiative in the district and in a number of pre-school programs in Dallas.
Teachers and students will be able to visit exhibits provided by the Johnson Space Center during the symposium. Teachers also will have the opportunity to attend workshops geared toward science, technology, engineering, and math.
"The Dallas ISD/NASA Science Symposium and Expo is an example of the innovative approach to bringing STEM into the forefront of our school district," said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa.
Astronauts Dr. Bernard Harris, first African American in space, and Dorothy M. Metcalf Lindenburger will be the keynote speakers during the symposium. Bernard Harris will address students and teachers at 9:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14. Dorothy M. Metcalf-Lindenburger will speak at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15, and Thursday, Sept. 16. Astronaut Dorothy M. Metcalf-Lindenburger also will visit several Dallas ISD schools. On Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 10 a.m., she will visit Dallas Environmental Science Academy, 3635 Greenleaf St., and at 1:30 p.m., she will visit Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School, 1718 R. B. Cullum Blvd. On Thursday, Sept. 16, at 1:30 p.m., she will visit Arthur Kramer Elementary, 7131 Midbury Dr.
The Math, Science, and Technology Initiative is providing increased educational opportunities in STEM disciplines both for teachers and students. The initiative is focused on scaling up proven STEM academic programs that lead to high academic achievement and college and career readiness.
"Dallas ISD principals and their teachers are no longer focusing on teaching to the test but rather creating academically challenging assignments that will better prepare students for college and the world of work. Dallas ISD has become an exemplar for urban schools as an effort based district that focuses on high achievement for all students."