College of Education Summer STEM Institute registration open
MANHATTAN — Registration is now open for the Summer STEM Institute, a collaboration between Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 and Kansas State University's College of Education that brings approximately 325 middle schoolers to the K-State campus.
The Summer STEM Institute, in its 12th year, provides engaging, hands-on learning for students. Enrollment is open to students in grades fifth through eighth during the 2021-2022 school year.
Sessions are 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday on June 6-9, 13-16 and 20-23 and are based at the College of Education in Bluemont Hall on the Manhattan campus. Classes will be conducted at various locations across campus, as well as in the community.
This summer, the institute will offer 32 different topics — the largest selection offered in the history of the camp. Among the new topics are Learn to Crochet, Rube Goldberg Machines, Treehouse Architecture, Dream Green, Geology Rocks, Tiny Houses/Big Learning, Disney Dream Designs and Pop Art Photography. Plus, some old favorites return, including Drones and Coding of Spheros, CSI, STEM in the Outdoors and Thinking Through Games.
"We're excited to offer such creative classes this summer," said Paula Hough, executive director of teaching and learning for USD 383. "Each summer we try to bring back popular classes plus add some new topics to keep it fresh. This summer our teachers are providing outstanding options that we believe will provide some great activities for students."
To learn more about specific classes and to register, visit usd383.org/community/summer-learning. Because class sizes are intentionally kept small, early registration is encouraged.
Lori Goodson, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in the College of Education and the college's STEM coordinator, said K-State pre-service teachers assist with the institute as part of their Core Teaching Skills class.
"The program not only offers exciting classes for the middle schoolers, but it also provides an opportunity for our pre-service teachers to gain quality experience working with students and collaborating with some of the local district's top classroom teachers," she said.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of district transportation. The tentative locations for buses to pick up students to take to Bluemont Hall are Ogden Elementary, Northview Elementary, Green Valley Community Center and Marlatt Elementary.
Fees are $120 for all three weeks, $45 if the student qualifies for reduced lunch, and $30 if the student qualifies for free lunch. A 10% military discount is also available. Scholarships are available to ensure all students have an opportunity to attend. The scholarship form is available on the registration site.
If you have questions, please contact USD 383's Diane Daniel at stem@usd383.org.
