Thursday, June 5, 2008

U-Md. Hosts World Competition

The University of Maryland hosted the annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals Saturday through Tuesday. Nearly 18,000 people, including 8,500 students from around the world, attended the event, billed as the largest creative problem-solving competition in the world.

The students faced problem-solving challenges in the arts, science, storytelling, engineering and more. Several teams from Maryland, Virginia and the District participated.

Bowie State University will host the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp, an all-expenses-paid, residential program for Prince George's County public school students, July 6-18.

The program is designed to help students strengthen their math and science skills and give them a taste of college life. Students will take classes taught by certified classroom teachers and university faculty, who will focus on problem-solving, studying and researching.

The students also will conduct experiments, learn about engineering and other science-related careers, go on field trips and explore writing and communication skills related to biology, chemistry, physics and design concepts.

To be eligible, students must be entering the sixth, seventh or eighth grade in the Prince George's County school system, and they must have an interest in math and science.

Applicants also must have at least a B average in math and science, score at the medium to superior level in standardized math and science tests and be recommended by math and science teachers.

To apply, visit http://www.bowiestate.edu/about/events or call 301-860-3875. The applications must be sent by June 20 to Elaine J. Davis, Model Institutions for Excellence, Computer Science Building, Suite 308, 14000 Jericho Park Rd., Bowie, Md., 20715.

Judith Russ, math supervisor for the Prince George's County school system, was among 44 finalists for a national education award presented by the cable industry.

Russ was nominated for "Cable's Leaders in Learning Award," which recognizes classroom educators, administrators, community leaders and policymakers for developing innovative education programs.

Russ produces "Count On Us," a televised math hotline that provides teachers who help callers with homework. The homework hotline airs live Monday through Wednesday evenings. It was created by the school system's Office of Television Resources. Web Services staffers Dwayne Brown and Regina Walters also help with production.

The award winners, announced last month, will be recognized June 18 at the Library of Congress in the District. The cable industry's education foundation, Cable in the Classroom, sponsors the awards program.

The Prince George's County Board of Education will host its fourth Board Awards at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to honor outstanding students. The ceremony will be held in the board room at the Sasscer Administration Building, 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro. For information, call 301-952-6371.

-- Compiled by AKEYA DICKSON