Tackling School Summer Reading Lists

by Trish Reed
Wed, June 19, 2013
summer reading

Like many parents, you may have just attended an end-of-the-year conference with your child’s teacher. If you did, your child’s teacher probably recommended that he/she read over the summer from a list of required or recommended books. Some children welcome the idea of reading books from a summer reading list. For others, particularly weak or reluctant readers, school reading lists can seem like a chore. Try some of these tips to make sure your child’s required summer reading goes smoothly.

Innovation and Engineering in Action at VCU’s Engineering Senior Design Expo

VCU Design EXPO

What does an iron, an ice skating rink and a chickpea have in common? They are all elements used by seniors in VCU’s School of Engineering at this year’s Senior Design Expo. Hundreds of VCU Engineering students gathered at the Science Museum of Virginia in April to display and discuss their innovative designs for products to improve our lives and advance technology and research. Watch this Science Matters video of three teams discussing their design prototypes. And be sure to encourage your local middle or high school to schedule this as a field trip next year to see innovation and engineering in action!

Bryan Innovation Lab Transforming Education through Creativity and Productivity

Bryan Lab Innovation Center

Can the design of a building, a classroom space, and the surrounding environment make a difference in how teachers teach and students learn? Absolutely! The Steward School’s new Bryan Innovation Lab is a perfect example of how school administrators, teachers, architects and designers worked together to create a new learning environment and curriculum focused on preparing our students for the challenges of the future. Watch Science Matters’ video of opening day to discover how this unique learning lab promotes creativity, productivity and innovation in a fun and engaging way.

PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest 2013 Winners

The Community Idea Stations (WCVE PBS, WHTJ PBS), along with our Ready To Learn program, held its annual PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. Children in kindergarten through third grade were invited to enter the contest by illustrating and writing original stories. Local winners were selected in the spring of 2013 and each winner recorded their stories in front of a studio audience of friends and family.