The ultimate goal of the Rice Model Science Labs is to stimulate active student “thinking in science,” which in turn requires drastic paradigm changes in the teachers. Through a variety of experiences in these programs, teachers are stimulated to redefine their ideas about the basic nature of instruction, learning, and science. Teachers work together to explore instructional paths to improve student understanding.

The three RICE/HISD Model Science Labs represent long term collaboration between Rice University's Center for Education and the Houston Independent School District. The Middle School Rice Model Lab (Lanier Middle School) began in 1991,  the High School Lab pH Lab (Lee High School) began in 2002 and the Rice Elementary Model Science Lab (Sanchez Elementary) began in 2006. The two secondary labs are in the process of redesign during academic 2007-08.

The aim of all three Labs is to provide extensive and sustained teacher professional development and campus support to HISD science teachers in order to improve the science achievement of all HISD students. The Lab programs emphasize hands-on learning and inquiry-based methods, teaching for understanding and a focus on science content knowledge, science teaching methods and teacher leadership.

In the two secondary Labs, "Resident" teachers take a full year sabbatical to participate in the secondary Lab programs; whereas, the Elementary Lab serves approximately 80 teachers who attend the Lab one full day each week throughout the academic year. The Rice Model Science Labs are recognized on a state and national level as successful University- ISD collaborations focused on creating real systemic change in a large urban school district's science programs.

For more information contact:
Wallace Dominey, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Rice Model Science Lab Programs