The ConocoPhillips Applied Math Program (AMP!), part of Rice University’s Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM), welcomed more than 120 educators, corporate partners and academic community members to its annual event April 12. Participants gathered at Rice’s Duncan Hall for a day of inquiry and professional development centered on STEM education.
“The AMPosium! is the culminating event of a yearlong professional development program and really showcases the awesome work that these teachers are doing … to bring inquiry teaching to science and math classrooms to impact the futures of their students,” said Matthew Cushing, executive director of R-STEM. “We are creating the STEM leaders of tomorrow through this incredible program.”
This year’s AMPosium! explored innovative teaching practices with a strong focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of education, including how it can enhance learning and support educators. Interactive lessons and breakout sessions offered hands-on opportunities to explore AI tools and strategies, alongside other emerging technologies and creative approaches.
Paul Padley, professor of physics and astronomy, vice president for information technology and chief information officer at Rice, offered the keynote address in which he discussed the composition of the universe, highlighted the importance of advanced math in STEM and encouraged students and teachers to pursue scientific discovery.
“There’s an amazing opportunity to discover things,” Padley said. “We don’t know what 96% of the universe is. What an opportunity for discovery. Get your students to get into science and figure that out.”
AMP! provides instructional stipends and materials for local teachers and offers innovative teaching strategies that ignite inquiry in the classroom to improve science and math education in Houston-area middle schools, while also aligning with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills teaching standards.
“We want teachers to have the tools and resources necessary to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders,” said Roger Ramirez, associate director for mathematics and engineering education in R-STEM.
For more information on the program, visit https://research.rice.edu/rstem/amp.