Today "S" stands for sushi
Mar 05, 2020
ROCKVILLE, MD -- Students from the Charles E. Smith (CES) Jewish Day School here recently got their brains in high gear for an academic competition that married U.S. rice and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). After learning all about U.S.-grown rice from curriculum provided by USA Rice, the middle school students participated in four activities that studied the relationship between the structure and function of different types of rice.
The students collected qualitative and quantitative observations about each type of rice and then compared that data with written descriptions of the different varieties to determine the accuracy of their observational skills. At the conclusion of the competition, students had even more fun making sushi rolls using rice donated by USA Rice.
“This is one of the most unique incorporations of rice in a classroom that I have come across,” said Cameron Jacobs, USA Rice director of domestic promotion. “It just goes to show that the versatility of rice cannot be understated, and even a single grain can serve as an educational resource.”
In addition to the donated rice and curriculum materials including Registered Dietitian guides to U.S.-grown rice, USA Rice also provided students with Think Rice pens and notepads.
“I commend the teaching staff at the Jewish Day School for developing such an interesting intersection between rice and STEM,” said Jacobs. “These students not only learned what they should within the STEM disciplines, but also left with a newfound appreciation of U.S.-grown rice.”