Set the stage for a #SummerofSTEM
Summer break is upon us and we know families and educators deserve a recharge. Learning Heroes suggests families lean into activities that refuel interests and reconnect with passions while keeping learning at the center. (You can see all of their tips for a summer recharge here.) If you're still looking for ideas, here are a few places to start:
For high school students
Consider a camp to explore career pathways or check out a makerspace or learning lab to try new skills.
Engineering U // June 8-10
Meet engineers, architects and drafters working on chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering projects plus summer interns and college admissions professionals during this three-day experience at Burns & McDonnell. There's a special session just for girls!
Learn more >
KU Engineering // July 10-15 & July 17-22
For an intensive on-campus experience, consider KU Engineering Camps. Campers will work closely with KU faculty on hands-on projects in a choice of seven engineering disciplines during a week-long session on campus.
Learn more >
UMKC Cybersecurity // July 25-29 & Aug 1-5
Crack the code to cybersecurity career options during this FREE camp at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Volker Campus. The camp does not require any previous experience and includes breakfast and lunch.
Learn more >
Makerspaces and learning labs
The Kansas City Digital Media Lab, Best Buy Teen Tech Center and makerspaces at the Johnson County and Olathe public libraries all provide great spaces for experimenting and trying out new skills this summer.
BONUS: A gift for graduating seniors
The DeBruce Foundation has a gift for graduates deciding what their next season holds. The Graduation Toolkit features three online tools to help gain awareness of your skills, discover where your interests align with workforce opportunities, and devise your plan to get there.
Open your tool kit >
For elementary & middle school students
Build on interests or discover new possibilities by tapping into free STEAM programming around the region or embarking on some fun STEAM activities at home. A few options:
Free library programs!
The Mid-Continent Public Library includes STEAM programming on the regular. Check out upcoming sessions at branches around the metro. The Kansas City Public Library's youth and family programs offer hands-on learning you can enjoy together. And the Kansas City Kansas Public Library has outdoor learning, a Girls Who Code series, in-person science fun and more.
Summer camps, day camps + STEAM at home
The brand new IDEA Space KC has new summer camp options for elementary students on up, including a STEAM Challenge and Invent It! Engineering camp. See all of the options here. For more camp options around the region plus fun projects to do at home, see STEM Connect-KC.
For educators
Materials Camp for Teachers // June 13-17
Learn the basics of Materials Science Technology as taught at the high school level during this cost-free, week-long camp at UMKC.
You will work hands-on with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites and will leave with a comprehensive series of low/no cost laboratory demonstrations in applied science to use in chemistry, physics, math, technology and industrial arts. Download this flyer for more details.
Apply here >
Exeter Math Institute // June 20-23
Calling all math teachers! The Exeter Math Institute returns in person to Rockhurst High School this June. During the four-day workshop you can spend a majority of your day working through thought-provoking problem sets with other math educators. (And receive $240!) Get the full details. But hurry, registration closes on May 20!
Register here >
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