The African American Success Initiative partnered with Southern Methodist University Athletics and Physics Department to provide an exciting STEM experience to students.
Over 25 schools were invited to participate and approximately 1,000 Dallas ISD elementary and middle school students had the opportunity to see an exciting women’s basketball game between SMU and Texas State. In preparation for the event, students were encouraged to create their own fun STEM related posters to encourage the women’s basketball team to win; SMU won the game!
Students participated in a creative half time show that exposed them to the world of STEM. Dr. Fred Olness of the SMU Physics Department showcased his “Physics Circus”, which looked like a magic show but was composed of various science and physics educational components.
As part of the partnership and follow up, students had the opportunity to write an essay about their experiences on this field trip and be entered into a contest to win a free basketball clinic from the SMU Women’s basketball team.
“When you look at the reactions from students, learning and having fun, you know it was a great educational experience,” AASI Coordinator Jamila Thomas said. “The goal is to hopefully partner every year to expose students not only to college, but to the exciting of world of STEM.”
