Godfrey, Ill. – Whether designing a roller coaster, programming a robot, creating a chemical reaction or studying animal behavior - kids can improve their problem solving, critical thinking and logical reasoning skills in a fun setting with College for Kids this summer.
Lewis and Clark’s educational program is offering a record number of math, science and technology concentrations this summer with 23 new camps and classes.
"Parents told us last year they wanted more math and science enrichment for their kids this year, so we collaborated with certified teachers from area school districts, as well as education partners like the St. Louis Science Center, to develop a selection of summer camps that will unleash kids' creativity and challenge their minds," said Carla Coury, director of Corporate & Community Learning.
This summer's expanded schedule is designed for kids in preschool through high school and offered at locations in Madison, Macoupin and Jersey counties. Weeklong classes begin June 7 and run through the first week of August. Most meet in the morning, from 9 a.m. to noon, or in the afternoons, from 1 to 4 p.m. Other classes meet all day long. Individual course costs vary by section and materials needed.
“Most of our summer programs are specially designed to help improve academic skills and develop self-confidence,” said Katie Sledge, College for Kids coordinator. “Parents tell us year after year how much fun their kids have, as well as what a great opportunity these classes are for their kids to learn outside of the traditional classroom.”
Highlights of this summer’s math and science offerings include:
- The Stream Team - Led by Riverwatch coordinator Vera Bojic, kids will hike Lewis and Clark Community College's China Creek where they will test water quality, collect and examine a myriad of water critters such as dragonflies and crayfish, and make important discoveries about nature and our watershed. Kids will also learn about global water issues and select an international water project to support. For kids ages 9 to 11, June 7-10, in Godfrey.
- Nuts for Newton - Students will get up close and personal with Newton's Laws of Motion as they learn about friction, inertia and energy through a variety of interactive projects. Kids will demonstrate how the physics of work, force, and power come together as they design their own roller coaster. For kids ages 11 to 13, June 14-18, in Godfrey.
- Mega Bloks Math - Through a variety of hands-on activities, students will discover how to simplify and solve algebraic expressions using Mega Bloks. Key concepts including perimeter, area and volume will come to life as kids build 2-D and 3-D structures like polygons and rectangular prisms. For kids ages 11 to 13, June 14-18, in Edwardsville.
- Engineering Explorers I - Students will work alongside members of the Army Corps of Engineers at the National Great Rivers Museum as they learn how to use math and science to solve everyday problems through a variety of hands-on activities and team building exercises. Each day will focus on a different engineering discipline including mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical and green engineering. For kids entering fifth through eighth grades, June 28-July 2, in Alton.
- Power Up with Proportions - This class will take kids' math skills to the next level as they learn how proportions are useful in everyday life. Concepts including ratios, rates, percentages and scale will become interactive as kids create maps, enlarge comic strips, and perform other everyday tasks requiring math. At the end of the week, kids should be able to answer the question, "How will I ever use math in real life?" For kids ages 11 to 13, July 19-23, in Godfrey.
- Kitchen Chemistry - Students will use scientific tools to measure and analyze data as they build molecules, grow crystals, investigate bubbleology and explore chemical reactions using ingredients and tools found in most kitchens. For kids ages 8 to 12, July 26-30, in Edwardsville.
- Battle Bots - Presented in partnership with the St. Louis Science Center, kids will learn the basics of mechanical design, construction, programming and teamwork as they build their own motorized battle bots with LEGO Mindstorms robots. Using principles of simple and complex machines, gearing and mechanical advantage, students will compete to flip, push or smash their opponent's battle vehicles. For kids ages 11 and up, July 26-30, in Godfrey.
- Live Animal Lab - Kids will spend the week in a veterinary science lab working with live animals (like chinchillas, ferrets and reptiles) while learning about proper care and management, history, behaviors, diseases, and nutrition through a variety of hands-on activities. For kids ages 10 to 14, July 26-30, at Southwestern High School.
Class schedules are available online and at elementary schools in the Lewis and Clark Community College district or by contacting Katie Sledge, College for Kids coordinator, at (618) 468-5750 or
ksledge@lc.edu.