UNM-LA Hosts Summer Programs For Youth

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on July 23, 2017
- 1:22 pm

Robotics underway at UNM-LA. Photo by Nancy Coombs/UNM-LA

More robotics. Photo by Nancy Coombs/UNM-LA

UNM-LA News:

This year, more than 125 students participated in the annual Summer Programs for Youth at UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA).

In the Adventures at the University program, students in grades 1-3 experienced a different field of exploration each day, including music, art, engineering, chemistry in the lab, and general chemistry. Students in grades 4-6 selected specific topical classes including computer programming with Minecraft, Robotics with Lego MindStorm kits and a class investigating Chemistry in the Kitchen.

Now in its 29^th year, the Summer Program for Youth at UNM-LA provides exciting, hands-on, activity-based learning sessions focusing on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) for students in grades 1-10.

During the final week in July, UNM-LA will host approximately 60 teenagers in grades 7-10. From Forensics to Engineering, Game Design and Comics, students will explore STEAM through hands-on activities.

“We try to provide a selection of subject matter and age-appropriate learning experiences,” said Dr. Gabe Baca, Director of Community Education. “All of the classes have been popular and well-received, due to the outstanding teachers and volunteers who have provided assistance for us at every step.”

One of the most popular classes each year is the Robotics class, in which students build, program and command robots using LEGO Mindstorm kits. Chemistry in the Kitchen, taught by Los Alamos High School teacher Kathy Boerigter, also is a perennial favorite. Boerigter discusses the chemical changes involved in cooking and baking while students make bread, rock candy and other tasty treats.

For the younger students, in the engineering session of Adventures at the University, Bob and Susan Dryja set up learning centers with a variety of projects that explored different concepts. The children made geometric shapes with straws and gumdrops. They tested the principles of flotation with handmade aluminum foil boats and coins. With popsicle sticks, glue and tape, they investigated levers by making catapults and shooting marshmallows.

The Summer Program for Youth is supported by Merrick and Company, Los Alamos Radio Shack (Bill Cabral), Village Arts and the Los Alamos Police Department, as well as great teachers and campus and community member volunteers.

UNM–Los Alamos is an innovative, rigorous, and affordable comprehensive branch community college that provides foundations for transfer, leading-edge career programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. For more information, visit https:////losalamos.unm.edu.