The Rio Learning Academy Presents the 2nd Annual Science and Technology Exhibition
The Rio Science and Technology Exhibition will showcase 130 student experiments at Rio Vista Middle School in Oxnard on Saturday, May 21st, 2011.
The exhibition will bring together the largest gathering of science experiments by migrant scholars in Ventura County. A new generation of students in grades 3rd-8th will display and discuss their work during the event.
“We are trying to pass the torch of scholarship and academic excellence to the younger generation” said Wanda Kelly, Principal of the Rio Learning Academy and Director of Migrant Education. “We want these young students to embrace the ideology that science is a window into life and culture. It is a subject that allows discussions and conversations about how the universe works.”
The exhibition features a wide array of experiments that include such pertinent issues as solar energy, tsunami patterns, and DNA testing. All participants will present their research and experiment results to community leaders and professionals for competition.
“This is the next generation of scientists, computer programmers and community leaders,” said Joe Mendoza, Director of the Special Populations Educational Support at the Ventura County Office of Education. “Through experimentation each student is forced to research, question, and explore new concepts. This Science and Technology Exhibition challenges students to excel and succeed as critical thinkers. ”
The Rio Learning Academy is serving as both organizer and host. Schools participating in this year’s exhibition include Rio del Mar, Rio del Norte, Rio del Valle, Rio Lindo, Rio Plaza, Rio Real, Rio Rosales, and Rio Vista.
The exhibition and judging will take place from 9a.m. to 12p.m. May 21st at Rio Vista Middle School, 3050 Thames River Dr., Oxnard, CA 93036. After the morning activities, an awards dinner will be held from 6p.m. to 8p.m.
Admission is free. For questions, please call (805) 983-1662 or email Wanda Kelly at wkelly@rio.k12.ca.us
ABOUT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION
In its 2nd year, the Rio Learning Academy’s Science and Technology Exhibition is showcasing the best of academic projects by young migrant scholars and providing access to emerging talent from the Rio School District. The Exhibition features unique signature programs including solar energy, chemistry, and DNA projects. Approximately 130 experiments from young migrant scholars make up the main body of the Exhibition. More information can be found at (805) 983-1662.
ABOUT RIO LEARNING ACADEMY
The Rio Learning Academy provides an environment in which inquiry is welcomed and learning has continuity and relevance. The academic program is designed to meet the needs of migrant students whose ability to participate in education is often challenged by their transient lifestyle, limited English and poverty. In an effort to overcome these obstacles, the Rio Learning Academy provides rigorous academic training that includes courses in language arts, English, science and technology. These courses are supplemented with academic student support, student leadership training, health services, and parental involvement in an effort to develop and support the student and their family. The Rio Learning Academy is committed to training migrant students to become well-rounded, responsible and productive citizens. With a strong emphasis on literacy, technology and character, the Rio Learning Academy prepares students to compete and excel in the technologically advanced world of tomorrow.
ABOUT MIGRANT EDUCATION
As part of the Special Populations Educational Support at the Ventura County Office of Education, Migrant Education supports programs designed to strengthen the school, community, and family experiences of children and their families. Programs are developed in collaboration with the school districts that enroll migratory students. These programs are designed, implemented, and evaluated through the collaborative efforts of the migrant education regional office and educators at the school and district levels. Every effort is made to base the content and methodology of the programs on the needs of migratory children and their families. The services focus on the themes of the NCLB legislation: standards and assessment; teaching and learning; professional growth and development; links among schools, families, and communities; and funding and governance. The programs are supplemental and intended to assist migratory students to succeed in their academic course work, improve staff’s ability to teach migratory students effectively, and build a support network for educators, students, and their families. In Ventura County, the programs are operated by 13 school districts with approximately 100 schools.
