RUSD Distributes Innovative STEM Kits to Raise Elementary Engagement in STEM Programs
January 13, 2022
Known throughout the county as a district committed to innovation, Riverside Unified School District's department of Innovation and Learner Engagement offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) kits in our TK-6 classrooms to engage students in STEM education.
Known throughout the county as a district committed to innovation, Riverside Unified School District's department of Innovation and Learner Engagement offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) kits in our TK-6 classrooms to engage students in STEM education.
By offering early STEM experiences and making opportunities available to all elementary school sites for hands-on learning, RUSD hopes to ignite passion in our future innovators. “I love that every student has an opportunity to be successful when engaging in the hands-on STEM experiences,” said one elementary teacher.
Some STEM kits focus on science and engineering standards, including two types of Legos, BricQ Motion Essential and BricQ Motion Prime. Others are computer science tools and include Spheros, Ozobots, and micro:bits that can code with block coding to create products like a fitness tracker, digital watch, or a game.
“Our STEM kits help prepare RUSD students for a future we may not be able to imagine, solving problems that have not been discovered, using technologies that have not been invented,” said Christalle Hart, Specialist for Digital Learning & STEM.
The STEM kits entice students to apply 21st-century learning skills, including collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. "Teamwork makes the dream work!" said one kindergarten student.
In addition to its elementary STEM kits, RUSD also offers virtual coding clubs for 3-12 graders and partners with organizations like Girls Who Code to inspire more female involvement in the STEM fields. The clubs focus on coding with Scratch, Python, Javascript and already have 200 students from across the district participating.
For more information on RUSD's STEM offerings, contact Christalle Hart at Chart@riversideunified.org
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Contact:
Nick Hamre
Community Relations Manager
nhamre@riversideunified.org
Nick Hamre
Community Relations Manager
nhamre@riversideunified.org
About Riverside Unified School District
Riverside Unified School District is the 16th largest school district in California, serving nearly 42,000 students in 50 schools in Riverside, California. RUSD is governed by five Board of Education members and serves a large portion of the City of Riverside, as well as unincorporated areas of Highgrove and Woodcrest.
Riverside Unified School District is the 16th largest school district in California, serving nearly 42,000 students in 50 schools in Riverside, California. RUSD is governed by five Board of Education members and serves a large portion of the City of Riverside, as well as unincorporated areas of Highgrove and Woodcrest.