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University and Green River Partnership Trains Kent Teachers, Brings STEM and Robotics Curriculum to Middle Schools
Summary
University of Washington and Green River College staff reported June 3 on a two‑year teacher training and curriculum project that placed robotics kits and space‑science curriculum into Kent middle schools and trained teachers who deployed the modules to students.
City leaders on June 3 heard a report on a two‑year teacher professional development and curriculum project led by the University of Washington and Green River College in partnership with the Kent School District.
Presenters said the program trained middle‑school teachers and seeded classroom curriculum in four Kent middle schools—Canyon Ridge, Cedar Heights, Meeker and Meridian—reaching 749 students and placing about 60 robotics kits into classrooms. Teachers developed modules on topics including remote sensing for volcano monitoring, satellite imaging, thermal imaging and Arduino‑based robotics. Participating teachers described student projects such as building space‑probe prototypes, launches tied to Newton’s laws and robotics competitions.
Program leaders said the particular grant project has concluded, but noted ongoing partnerships: Green River College and the University of Washington have existing CTE relationships with the Kent School District and the city has allocated American Rescue Plan funds for professional development. Staff said the district and college plan to continue expanded professional development through CTE pathways and a Discovery Academy summer program that provides college‑campus experiences and career exploration for middle and high‑school students.
Councilmembers praised the teachers and asked about next steps, funding for kits and opportunities to engage industry partners and local STEM organizations.
