CEISMC K.I.D.S. Club at Georgia Tech

Last week, we interviewed the folks at CEISMC K.I.D.S. (Kids Interested in Discovering Science) Club at Georgia Tech, a program operating for over 10 years, to learn more about the program, how it’s helping students, and what it could mean for the future.

Q. What is the KIDS Club?

A. Georgia Tech’s K.I.D.S. Club is a program designed to enhance and encourage curiosity and enthusiasm for science, mathematics, engineering and technology. Students in grades 2-5 are invited to join our student-centered, hands-on discovery sessions on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 12 noon. During each meeting, students will rotate and experience three different hour long activities. We also have sessions on robotics and Mobile App/Game creation for older students and parents.

Q. Who are the instructors?
A. Programs are taught by a mixture of Georgia Tech faculty, Tech students, and area science and math teachers.

Q. What is the role of parents?
A. Parent volunteers would help a group of students rotate classrooms and help with in class supervision. Parent volunteers may also be used for help with check in/ check out, moving suplies to classrooms, and various other tasks. Parents can also take a class in Mobile App/Game building alongside older students.

Q. What role do you see Math and Science playing in the future and what is the role of a youth science club like this one for that future?
A. STEM is the key to the future of our country in many ways. As low skill jobs move to lower wage countries the future of the United States relies on our ability to innovate and create the products of the future. Expertise in STEM is key to that ability. Research shows that early experiences in science and math greatly influence the long-term career interests and academic success of students. K.I.D.S. Club can play a vital role in encouraging K-12 students of today to become those next generation innovators and creators of iPhones or other market changing products and services.

Q. What are the advantages for students in Kids Club?
A. Students have a hands-on opportunity to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at Georgia Tech. Students involved in the program often go on to study STEM in college and pursue related careers. Students find the activities highly engaging and learn that science and engineering can be fun.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out CEISMC K.I.D.S Club at Georgia Tech online. There will be two unique KIDS Club meetings: a fall meeting and a spring meeting. The activities at the two fall meetings are identical, and they are repeated so that more students will be able to experience these activities. Therefore, choose only one fall date to attend. The spring meetings are also identical. 

FALL DATES:
November 3, 2012 and December 1, 2012
 

SPRING DATES:
Febuary 9, 2013 and March 9, 2013