Reaching Out to the Region's Elementary Schools
On a blustery Tuesday in January, more than a dozen University of Washington students and 20 first graders poured into the Toys R Us store at Seattle's Northgate Mall. They roamed the aisles in small groups, scrutinizing the merchandise and taking notes. When they emerged nearly an hour later, they were empty-handed but full of ideas.
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| Industrial Design students Young Chang (center) and Cindy Gordon (second from left) brainstorm with first graders to design uniques toys. Photo by George Scott. |
Thus began an unusual partnership between the UW's Industrial Design Program--based in the School of Art--and a first grade class at Laurelhurst Elementary School. Over the next two months, industrial design students visited the first grade class regularly, working collaboratively with the young students to design and produce toys.
The industrial design project is just one example of recent efforts to link the College and the region's elementary schools through hands-on activities. Increasingly, Arts and Sciences faculty, staff, and students are sharing their enthusiasm and expertise with younger audiences.
"There is a growing awareness that we can be a valuable resource for the schools and that it is, in fact, our responsibility to do so," says Dean John Simpson. "What's wonderful about such outreach efforts is that the UW participants invariably learn as much from the experience as their grade school counterparts."
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First Graders as Clients and Collaborators
When UW industrial design students and first graders collaborate to design toys, the final products are memorable, ranging from a miniature pogo stick to an elaborate boat for Beanie Babies.
Becoming Educated About Education
Through the Community Literacy Program, UW students combine volunteer work in local elementary schools with course work devoted to issues in American education.
Working Side-by-Side with Scientists
Project ASTRO brings pairs astronomers—both professional and amateur—with fourth through ninth grade teachers, to lead hands-on science activities in the classroom. By the end of the school year, one class had built a working telescope.
A Fishy Look at Statistics
Using recognized statistical methods, elementary students learn how to estimate the number of fish in their school’s pond.
The College’s Many Links to K-12 Schools
A short list of other K-12 outreach programs in the College of Arts and Sciences.