Summer 2025
Core Programs
Afternoon Programs
Our 5-week Core Programs provide students with inquiry-based instruction and hands-on learning in the classroom, laboratory, field, studio, and theatre.
Afternoon classes run from 12:30–3:15 pm.
*Registering more than one child? Submit a separate registration for each student.*
Introduction to Robotics with Lego® WeDo
Grades 1, 2
The Lego® Education WeDo 2.0 system is designed to provide young students a simple introduction to robotics and mechanical design. This course uses Lego® WeDo to allow students to explore and develop science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as language arts and social studies skills through project-based activities. Working in teams, students will use these skills to design, create, and program moving models, all while enhancing their creative and problem-solving abilities.
STEM Workshop: Journey to the Stars
Grades 1, 2
Our young astronaut recruits will have a blast this summer on this wild adventure through space. After learning what it means to be an astronaut, students will leave the Earth behind and head to the stars. Through creative hands-on projects and group activities, we will view life on a space station, learn about lunar landings, investigate other planets, and study the stars. Join us on an adventure that is out of this world!
IMPORTANT: Please notify the office of any food sensitivities or dietary restrictions, as sampling food may be an optional part of this program.
Artist Studio: Animals in Art
Grades 1, 2, 3
Learn to draw and paint various animals, in an "all levels welcome" art class. Students will have the opportunity to explore various art mediums while learning about different animals and their natural environment. The class will be focused on exploring creativity and creating depth and context in their portrayals of animals. We will be using a wide variety of art supplies as well as mixing them within projects. The class will range from pencil and paper sketches to creating a 3D model of an animal using clay.
Minecraft®: A Virtual Learning Adventure
Grades 3, 4, 5
Minecraft® is one of the most popular open-world video games, providing limitless opportunity to build, discover, and problem-solve. In this interactive course, students will participate in a virtual learning adventure within the Minecraft® environment. Students will approach gameplay from a new angle, working in collaborative groups to tackle projects and learning how to think critically about their own work. Students will create themes and storylines and meet their assigned objectives through projects such as group/team builds challenges, presentations, and various class-driven projects.
STEM Workshop: Science Olympics
Grades 3, 4, 5
In this hands-on class, students will engage their creativity, enhance their engineering skills, and apply STEM concepts to real-world challenges. Divided into teams, students will tackle a series of exciting building projects that require critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. Each week, teams will design and construct structures, vehicles, or machines based on specific challenges, such as building the strongest bridge, designing a balloon-powered car, protecting an egg from a high drop, launching a paper airplane, or creating a tower that can hold weight. After completing each project, teams will compete to see whose design performs the best in the challenge. This course is a fun, interactive way for students to strengthen their teamwork, communication, and scientific knowledge while applying their learning through hands-on experiences!!
Creative Programming with Scratch
Grades 3, 4, 5
Students will be introduced to the basics of programming through projects that explore creative arts. Using elements of design, drawing, music, and dance, students will create interactive art, stories, animations, games, and more using a programming language developed by MIT Media Lab called Scratch. This course will encourage students to imagine new possibilities of what they can do with computers, express themselves creatively with new technologies, and explore computational ideas through personally meaningful projects, all while learning valuable computer programming concepts.
Musical Performance: Shooting Stars
Grades 3, 4, 5
In this beginner Musical Performance course, students will learn the art of musicality and the ability to perform for a live audience. This fun and upbeat course will help the students to develop confidence both on and off the stage by engaging them in exercises that promote self-expression through musical performance and to develop their musical styles and aptitudes through singing and rhythm games. They will have weekly opportunities to perform for their peers and engage in mock auditions which will help to develop the ability to perform in either a solo or group setting. They will be introduced to many different musical styles and cultures and will work in collaboration with the director to put together a diverse showcase. This course is a student/director collaboration effort. By allowing the students to choose music that they enjoy and relate to, we are fostering a positive environment wherein they can develop a love and passion for self-expression through music. The conclusion of their efforts will culminate in a Musical Showcase, where the students will be able to share their talents and efforts with friends and family.
Artist Studio: Creator Space Advanced
Grades 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Creator Space Advanced is geared towards students who enjoy creating art by hand. This studio class builds on pre-existing student knowledge and is collaborative and project-driven. Individual pieces will be inspired by weekly prompts and demonstrations where we will use a variety of techniques and materials. This studio environment is designed to support and inspire our artists.
*NEW* An Adventure in Design
Grades 6, 7, 8, 9
Dive into the exciting world of graphic design, where creativity meets problem-solving. In this hands-on class, students will learn the basics of design by taking on fun challenges—craft eye-catching product packaging, create a personal logo, and designing dynamic posters. Students will work with various design software, including Adobe Illustrator and Canva. This class is intended to spark imagination and help bring ideas to life.
Unlimited Adventure: Dungeons, Dragons, and Tabletop RPGs
Grades 6, 7, 8, 9
Come learn to play Dungeons & Dragons or other table top role playing games (TTRPGs)! TTRPGs can best be described as collaborative storytelling or a verbal video game. Players design their very own characters complete with their own unique abilities, backstories, and personalities. The players then must work together to explore fantastical worlds, escape traps, defeat foes, and complete quests. As a team, the players learn valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and creative problem solving all while building a world of their own and being the hero in a fantastical tale. Players will also learn to appreciate the rich storytelling in RPGs by writing their own campaigns and then turning them into a short story or comic book. Whether you are a D&D veteran or never played before, this course will teach you how to do character creation, interactive roleplay, and game design. By the end, each of you will be prepared to be a game master and capable of running your very own quests.
Robotics with VEX V5
Grades 7, 8, 9
This course is designed for incoming 6th-9th grade students will explore robotics using VEX® V5 kits. The program focuses on teamwork, creativity, and real-world problem-solving, with lessons that teach basic design principles and coding transitions from block-based to written code. Each week begins with a team-building activity to foster collaboration, leading up to a mini competition in the final week. Students will develop technical skills while applying their knowledge to hands-on projects inspired by real-world applications. This competition-style class provides an engaging environment to inspire creativity and critical thinking.
No previous robotics experience is required.
Announcements
Happy 2025! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season.
We are finalizing our course schedule and preparing to launch registration for Summer 2025 in February. Thank you for your continued support of COE Summer Programs.
**updated 01/16/2025**
Registration opens February 2025
