The new CEO of Perot Museum of Nature and Science visited Parish Episcopal School to tour the STEM design spaces and meet with school leadership. Colleen Walker met with Head of School Dave Monaco and Director of STEM Education Jennifer Makins, and discussed the organizations’ common commitment to the goal of increasing knowledge and understanding across all STEM subjects — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Parish is proud to have a close partnership with the Museum, with more than five years of collaborative study and programs.

Walker was visiting in advance of the First LEGO League (FLL) Regional qualifying tournament which was held at Parish on December 13. Parish has also been selected by the Perot as the host of the 2015 FLL Regional Championship Tournament, and the School is honored to host more than 500 qualifying robotics students from across the entire region in February.

The Perot Museum is the Affiliate and Operational Partner for the North Texas Region of FLL, and coordinates and oversees all FLL events for the North Texas area. The largest of these events is the Regional Championship Tournament, which will be held at Parish on February 14, 2015.

From the Perot Museum Website:

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to foster interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, FIRST inspires young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting, mentor-based programs that build math, science, and technology skills—abilities that, in turn, lead to a more well-rounded life through greater self-confidence, communication, and leadership. This invaluable mission is shared by the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. As a research and informal science education institution, we believe that children learn best when they overcome challenges through hands-on learning, project design, and experimentation. It’s an experience that gives them the opportunity to view science as a process, rather than merely an end result. This is why we are proud to support the North Texas Regional Tournament.

FIRST LEGO® League (FLL) is one of four competitive levels designed by FIRST, using LEGO® Mindstorms NXT robotics kids as its platform. Aimed at an international audience of students ages 9 through 14, this competition teaches real-world problem solving through engineering design and teamwork. Beyond the events, FLL also works closely with schools and other youth-based organizations to transform the perception of science and technology—inspiring kids who might not otherwise have found a love for these fields to pursue further studies and career paths in science and technology.

In 2008, the Museum became the Affiliate and Operational Partner for the North Texas Region. The Museum coordinates and oversees all FLL events for the North Texas area. The largest of these events is the Regional Championship Tournament, typically held in January or February of each year.