Fun with Real Science »»
Too often when people are asked about their science experiences in school, the recollections revolve around facts and charts, lab reports, or memorization of terms and formulas. REAL science means exploring, adventuring, and sensing the excitement in scientific discovery within the world. REAL science is fun!
At RPDS we are not just learning science, we are DOING science. First grade students peel away the protective coat to see a seed’s embryo before planting a garden. Cleaning an oil spill in the lab provides the foundation for second grade students to share ideas that may help the Gulf begin the process of restoration. Before building rubber band powered cars, third grade students take apart old clocks and appliances to watch how those moveable parts work together.
With more maturity, fourth grade students take the leap into chemical reactions. If you are ever wondering what an owl has for a midnight snack, just ask a fifth grade student after dissecting its pellet. This experience allows each student to determine last night’s prey. CSI labs lead sixth grade students to use forensics and DNA studies to solve classroom mysteries. Each activity is purposely planned to be a brick in the foundation of an RPDS education.
At RPDS, teachers engage in inquiry based instruction that allows each student to wonder and ask “why” while developing a lifelong love of learning. Interpretation of the world, and exploration in scientific theory, never comes to an end. It is a problem-solving approach that leads to issues in our neighborhoods and an RPDS student responding with determination.
The Rice Sports Zone »»
In 2009-2010, the RPDS Board of Trustees completed an exciting process begun in its 2005 Comprehensive Strategic Plan: to develop a secure, integrated, interconnected campus that provides the program space, play space, parking and traffic flow to effectively support the programs and mission of RPDS in harmony with the programs and missions of Riverside Presbyterian Church. This bold strategy was made possible through the successful Campaign for Riverside, which funded the purchase of the necessary land for these improvements; the sizable lead donation from the Charles Rice Family, which encouraged new gifts by matching the gifts of new donors; Run, Pass and Kick Capers, the RPA annual dinner/auction; and the student’s Pennies for the Playground. These successes have facilitated final planning, engineering and the aggressive summer 2010 construction calendar, which leads to unveiling “The Rice Sports Zone” as students return this fall!
