William H. Robertson, Ph.D. – Dr. Skateboard on Studio 9
Published May 10, 2021
Recently, the work of William H. Robertson, Ph.D., also known as Dr. Skateboard, was featured on the local KTSM show Studio 9. In the segments, Dr. Skateboard interacted with host Robert Bettes at a local skatepark to talk about his work in Action Science, and how he uses skateboarding and other action sports to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts.
A long-time participant and performer in skateboarding with over 40 years in the sport, Dr. Robertson has developed Dr. Skateboard's Action Science (http://www.drskateboard.com), which addresses physical science concepts for students utilizing skateboarding and bicycle motocross (BMX). Robertson has created a number of curriculum products including videos, books, graphic novels and is currently working on a video game as well. The overarching theme about Dr. Skateboard’s work in Action Science is the appeal of skateboarding and BMX as teaching and learning vehicles for families, young people, and adults in the area of physical science education.
The term Action Science can be defined as the use of familiar objects, circumstances and situations within the lives of students in order to explain specific concepts in science built around student interests. Through the use of engaging video resources and classroom activities that present primary STEM content within a constructivist framework, students move from memorizing facts and content towards constructing knowledge in meaningful and relevant manners., as educators integrate familiar experiences and materials from students’ lives in order to amplify specific concepts in STEM.
Dr. William H. Robertson is a Professor in the Teacher Education Department in the College of Education at the University of Texas at El Paso. His academic areas of expertise are in science education, curriculum development and technology integration in the K-12 levels. Additionally, he develops, researches and teaches materials related to inquiry-based STEM Education, project-based learning, problem-based learning and action science. He currently serves as a Distinguished Research Fellow with the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, part of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
Episode 1 - https://www.ktsm.com/studio-9-bettes/dr-skateboard-pt-1/
Episode 2 - https://www.ktsm.com/studio-9-bettes/dr-skateboard-pt-2/
