Skate, study and learn: Dr. Skateboard

Avid skateboarder/assistant science education professor Bill Robertson has taken his love for a sport that was once just a hobby to a whole other level, using it as a tool to teach the mechanics of science through a program he developed called "Action Science."

"Action Science" is a program that consists of a four part video series, with accompanying classroom lessons, to be utilized in the classroom among middle school age students. The program teaches science concepts through the use of action sports such as skateboarding and Bicycle Motocross.

Although Robertson acts as host, teacher and performer in the video series to demonstrate concepts such as force and motion using his skateboard and his skills, he also incorporates his BMX friends that have competed in the X-Games to enhance the video for young viewers.

"I used skateboarding as a teaching tool for physics in schools, but the teachers enjoy the message of science," Robertson said.

Other concepts covered in the "Action Science" video series include Newton's Laws and Simple Machines.

Robertson's "Action Science" program is currently being utilized in classrooms throughout the El Paso area to include the El Paso Independent School District, which aided in the development of the program, and the Socorro Independent School District.

"Dr. Robertson brings his knowledge and expertise about how students learn science and the importance of technology in education to light in new and interesting ways," said Heather Click, instructional specialist for the Socorro Independent School District.

Robertson said that he would like to see all the local distincts using his "Action Science" within the next year.

"I hope that all the local districts will be using it ("Action Science") within the next year," Robertson said.

In order to accomplish this goal, Robertson, a Spanish speaker, is working on translating "Action Science" into Spanish.

Robertson spent the better part of 2007 in Santiago, Chile, as a Fulbright Scholar. While in Chile, Robertson lectured to future physics teachers and conducted research at La Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencia de la Educación.

"My experience in Chile was both humbling and inspiring and it taught me how to better serve students here," Robertson said.

Dubbed Dr. Skateboard at a tradeshow a few years ago by a friend because of his work and the fact that he holds a Ph. D., Robertson teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in Science Education technology and Science Methodology at UTEP to students wishing to become teachers themselves. In 2007, Robertson was awarded the University of Texas at El Paso College of Education Excellence in Teaching Award.

"Dr. Robertson contributes high standards for his students and colleagues in the academic community. He is the epitome of professionalism and has reached out to focus on creating better teachers for the schools of El Paso," said Constance Luna, a former student of Robertson's and substitute teacher for EPISD.

Robertson obtained his Ph. D. in Multicultural Teacher and Childhood Education from the University of New Mexico in 2000 after working for 10 years at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He joined the UTEP staff five years ago.

"UTEP has allowed me to look at creative ideas. It is a supportive and positive environment and in a way I chose UTEP and UTEP chose me," Robertson said.

Robertson also holds a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Colorado, a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University.

In addition to teaching, Robertson has traveled from California to Argentina the world performing live skateboard demonstrations and has won awards in both professional and amateur skateboarding competitions. Robertson has even released his own style of skateboard in conjunction with Walker Skateboards.

For more information on Bill Robertson, visit his web site at http://www.drskateboard.com or e-mail him at drbill@drskateboard.com.

Kandice N. Diaz may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.