Rice Wireless
Innovators Lab

About the Rice Wireless Innovators Lab

The Rice Wireless Innovators Lab, powered by Rice Wireless and hosted by the Rice Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM), offers middle and high school educators and students a hands-on introduction to wireless communication, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. Using the BBC micro:bit, participants will explore how emerging technologies can be used to solve real-world challenges.

Program Breakdown

This two-part series features a one-day professional development workshop for middle and high school educators and a technology immersion workshop for high school students. Each session focuses on practical applications of wireless messaging, coding, and intelligent systems.

Educators will engage in hands-on activities and leave with over $700 worth of classroom-ready tools, lesson plans, and resources. This workshop is designed to help teachers bring cutting-edge STEM content into their classrooms with confidence and creativity.

Students will explore wireless tech and AI by coding and testing real-time micro:bit projects. Participants will receive take-home tech gear and gain skills to continue innovating long after the workshop ends. No prior experience required.

2025 Rice Wireless Innovators Lab

Applications close: August 17th (no applications submitted after this date will be considered)
All forms are due by the application deadline.

^{*Program times, dates, locations, and compensation subject to change before the first day of the program.
**Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to apply.}

Middle and High School Educators

Workshop Overview
The Rice Wireless Innovators Lab offers a one-day immersive workshop for middle and high school educators, focused on wireless communication, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. Through interactive, hands-on activities using the BBC micro:bit, participants will explore how to integrate these technologies into engaging, real-world classroom lessons. This professional development experience is designed to spark innovation and confidence in STEM teaching.

Benefits
- Hands-on training in wireless communication, AI, and machine learning
- Ready-to-implement classroom activities and lessons
- Over $700 worth of classroom tools and instructional materials
- Certificate of completion and professional development credit (if eligible)
- Opportunities for ongoing collaboration and curriculum implementation

Eligibility & Application
- Open to Greater Houston-area middle and high school educators
- Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Applications close: August 17th (all supporting documents due)
- Applicants must include their school website in the application
- Space is limited; $30 Fee. Lunch and parking are included in the registration fee.

Register Here

One-Day Educator Workshop

- September 13, 2025
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Rice University

Participant Expectations:
- Engage in full-day workshop and hands-on activities
- Integrate workshop content into your curriculum
- Participate in post-workshop feedback and follow-up opportunities
- Share outcomes or lesson adaptations with R-STEM (optional)

High School Students

Program Overview
The Rice Wireless Innovators Lab offers a one-day, hands-on STEM workshop for high school students focused on wireless communication, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. Using the BBC micro:bit, students will dive into real-world applications of these technologies through fun, interactive coding and prototyping activities designed to spark curiosity and innovation.

Benefits
- Hands-on experience with wireless messaging, AI, and machine learning
- Learn to code using real-world tools with no prior experience needed
- Take-home micro:bit and tech gear for continued exploration
- Exposure to high-demand STEM skills and concepts
- Certificate of participation and Rice University experience

Eligibility & Application
- Open to Greater Houston-area high school students
- Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Applications close: August 17th (all supporting documents due)
- Applicants must include their school website in the application
- Space is limited, applying doesn't guarantee placement.

Apply Here

One-Day Student Workshop

- September 20, 2025
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Rice University

Participant Expectations:
- Attend full-day hands-on workshop
- Actively participate in team activities and project-building
- Respect workshop guidelines and fellow participants
- Complete pre- and post-surveys to support program improvement

Program Flyers

Please see the Rice Wireless Innovators Lab flyers below.

Rice Wireless Innovators Lab Teacher Flyer

Rice Wireless Innovators Lab Student Flyer

Rice Wireless Innovators Lab Administration

If you have any questions about Rice Wireless Innovators Lab, you can contact the workshop lead.

Brittany Templeton
Assistant Director for Computer Science and Mathematics
713-348-8218 | bt36@rice.edu

^{*Program times, dates, locations, and compensation subject to change before the first day of the program.
**Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to apply.}