GEMS, GISE & STEM

The GEMS-GISE-STEM Academies are after-school and summer school STEM programs designed specifically for Minneapolis Public School District students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.  The programs focus on explorations of science and mathematics through project-based and problem-based learning experiences promoting the integration of engineering and technology concepts, content, and process. Students that participate in GEMS-GISE enroll in a year-long after-school program that is comprised of two semester courses with an opportunity to continue learning in the six week summer K-8 STEM Academy.

Fall 2024- Robotics

In this dynamic robotics class, students will explore mechanical design, construction, programming, and teamwork skills. Working in pairs with LEGO building elements, motors, and sensors, they will build various robot prototypes. Student will program these robots to move, react, and make sounds, applying their skills to solve design challenges using LEGO SPIKE Prime robotic systems. The class will culminate in participation in the 2025 FIRST LEGO League Challenge SUBMERGED℠ on January 25, 2025.

In the SUBMERGED℠ Challenge, students and their LEGO team will harness creativity, critical thinking, and technology to explore the ocean's depths, surfacing their discoveries and innovative ideas. Beneath the surface of the ocean lies one of the planet's most complex and vibrant ecosystems, streaming with life and brimming with opportunities for exploration and learning. Each organism plays a crucial role in maintaining a thriving environment. Along the way, students will discover our collective potential to strengthen communities and drive innovation for a healthier, more sustainable world with thriving oceans.

Spring 2025 – Force & Motion:  STEM of Speed

Explore Science and Engineering!  In these engaging and investigative classes students are immersed in the fundamentals of aerospace engineering and rocketry through an interactive problem-based approach.  Working in pairs, students solve a series of complex problems designing, constructing and testing a variety of aircraft.

GEMS-GISE-STEM students conduct hands-on investigations exploring aerospace engineering and related career fields.  Students explore this specialized field that includes the design of spacecraft and aircraft.  Discovering that air (navigating within the earth's atmosphere) and spacecraft (operating primarily in outer space, beyond the earth's atmosphere) are technologies that extend human potential to transport people and goods.  Students work and learn through exciting, project-based aerospace engineering activities designing, construction, testing, and troubleshooting as they work toward their final flight.

To learn more about afterschool programming or to register at your school, click the school name to email your afterschool lead.