Grades 5-8 Summer Scholars

STEM Creators Cohort (Gr 5-6)

The Magic of Claymation (Gr 5-6): This class will cover the basics of storytelling through Claymation. Students will work together developing dynamic characters and plots during the initial storyboarding phase of this class. Students will use creative ideas, modeling clay and stop motion technology to create illusions of movement which will amplify their story. Afterwards, students will celebrate and present their productions as an artistic community.

Engineering the Ride (Gr 5-6): Explore the mechanics of the standard road bike while riding through the urban parks and streets of Minneapolis in this two-part course. Students use the engineering design process to solve problems they encounter.

3D Innovation Lab (Gr 5-6): (field experiences with Dunwoody and U of MN)
Experience what it’s like to be on Shark Tank! Design and create pro-types to present to potential “investors.” (This course includes CAD and 3D printing and various other technologies to help bring your inventions to life.)

Journalism (Gr 5-6): Have your voice heard through contributing original story ideas and writing from student perspectives in the GEMS/GISE/STEM newspaper. Students will learn Journalism basics such as interviewing, note-taking, developing story ideas, editing, and publishing writing in the GEMS/GISE/STEM student newspaper. Aspiring writers wanted!

STEM Adventurers Cohort (Gr 5-6)

Expedition Minneapolis (Gr 5-6): (outdoor adventure field experiences)
Discover the richness of the urban forest we call Minneapolis. Engage in a wide variety of environmental field experiences through the use of scientific inquiry while learning to use the tools of a naturalist.

Engineering the Ride (Gr 5-6): Explore the mechanics of the standard road bike while riding through the urban parks and streets of Minneapolis in this two-part course. Students use the engineering design process to solve problems they encounter.

A Magnificent Journey! Literature Explorations (Gr 5-6): Go on a literary expedition exploring new places and times or enter the literary laboratory to experience spellbinding books!  The choice is yours!  This course supports students reading critically to comprehend, interpret, and analyze themes and central ideas in complex literary and informational texts.

The Amazon Trail Challenge:  Math Mission (Gr 5-6):  Ready for an adventure that will put your math skills to the ultimate test? Welcome to The Amazon Trail Challenge, a Project-Based Learning experience where you and your team are resource managers, budget analysts, and logistical experts on a vital expedition!

STEM Innovators Cohort (Gr 7-8)

Engineering the Ride (Gr 7-8): Explore the mechanics of the standard road bike while riding through the urban parks and streets of Minneapolis in this two-part course. Students use the engineering design process to solve problems they encounter.

3D Innovation Lab (Gr 7-8): (field experiences with Dunwoody and U of MN)
Experience what it’s like to be on Shark Tank! Design and create pro-types to present to potential “investors.” (This course includes CAD and 3D printing and various other technologies to help bring your inventions to life.)

Journalism (Gr 7-8): Have your voice heard through contributing original story ideas and writing from student perspectives in the GEMS/GISE/STEM newspaper. Students will learn Journalism basics such as interviewing, note-taking, developing story ideas, editing, and publishing writing in the GEMS/GISE/STEM student newspaper. Aspiring writers wanted!

LUMA Robotics (Gr 7-8):  Empowering Young Innovators Through Coding and Robotics!  In this hands-on class, students explore the fundamentals of coding, engineering, and robotics design to build and program robots that solve exciting challenges. Challenges include navigating obstacle courses, designing autonomous machines, and coding innovative solutions. Through collaborative projects and creative problem-solving activities, students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and technical skills.

STEM Adventurers Cohort (Gr 7-8)

Expedition Minneapolis (Gr 7-8): (outdoor adventure field experiences)
Discover the richness of the urban forest we call Minneapolis. Engage in a wide variety of environmental field experiences through the use of scientific inquiry while learning to use the tools of a naturalist.

Engineering the Ride (Gr 7-8): Explore the mechanics of the standard road bike while riding through the urban parks and streets of Minneapolis in this two-part course. Students use the engineering design process to solve problems they encounter.

A Magnificent Journey! Literature  (Gr 7-8): Go on a literary expedition exploring new places and times or enter the literary laboratory to experience spellbinding books!  The choice is yours!  This course supports students reading critically to comprehend, interpret, and analyze themes and central ideas in complex literary and informational texts.

The Amazon Trail Challenge:  Math Mission (Gr 7-8):  Ready for an adventure that will put your math skills to the ultimate test? Welcome to The Amazon Trail Challenge, a Project-Based Learning experience where you and your team are resource managers, budget analysts, and logistical experts on a vital expedition!

STEM Blasts are one-week GEMS-GISE STEM Academies! STEM Blast courses are held the weeks of July 6th, July 13th, and July 20th for 6.5 hours per day Monday through Thursday at Sullivan STEAM Magnet School. Families can register for just one of the weeks or up to all four weeks STEM Blasts are offered. Breakfast, Lunch and transportation are provided.

STEM Blasts Options

July 6 - July 9, 2026  

Titans of Tech! (Gr 5-8) - The ultimate creative playground for the next generation of digital pioneers. Become a Titan of Tech! Master the future by coding 2D worlds in Scratch, designing in 3D with Delightex, and producing podcasts on Soundtrap. Level up your content creation and graphic design skills as you explore Magic Student AI and build professional Google Slides newsletters and digital portfolios. It’s the ultimate hands-on lab to build, broadcast, and brand your creative ideas!

Drones- Designing, Coding & Flying! (Gr 5-8) In this course students customize their drone by working through designing, building, and flying their own drone! Students work through the engineering design process to iterate their own drone design. Students develop skills in drone flight with different drone models and participate in varied obstacle course flight challenges as they hone their skills.

Solar Explorations! (Gr 5-8) Harness the energy of the sun in Solar Exploration!  This hands-on course introduces students to the science and technology behind solar power.  Explore how solar energy works, its impact on the environment, and its role in shaping a sustainable future.  Through interactive projects, students design and build solar-powered devices, experiment with solar panels, and discover real-world applications of renewable energy.

Timber Titans- The Balsawood Engineering Challenge! (Gr 5-8)  Are you ready to put your engineering mind to the ultimate test? The Timber Titans course challenges you to design and build incredible structures from tall towers to mighty bridges using only lightweight balsa wood and glue! This is not just about building; it's about designing for strength and efficiency. You'll explore the real-world science behind structural integrity, learning how civil engineers build structures that withstand immense loads and forces.

July 13 - July 16, 2026

Titans of Tech! (Gr 5-8) - The ultimate creative playground for the next generation of digital pioneers. Become a Titan of Tech! Master the future by coding 2D worlds in Scratch, designing in 3D with Delightex, and producing podcasts on Soundtrap. Level up your content creation and graphic design skills as you explore Magic Student AI and build professional Google Slides newsletters and digital portfolios. It’s the ultimate hands-on lab to build, broadcast, and brand your creative ideas!

Drones-Designing, Coding & Flying! (Gr 5-8)  In this course students customize their drone by working through designing, building, and flying their own drone! Students work through the engineering design process to iterate their own drone design. Students develop skills in drone flight with different drone models and participate in varied obstacle course flight challenges as they hone their skills.

Solar Explorations! (Gr 5-8) Harness the energy of the sun in Solar Exploration!  This hands-on course introduces students to the science and technology behind solar power.  Explore how solar energy works, its impact on the environment, and its role in shaping a sustainable future.  Through interactive projects, students design and build solar-powered devices, experiment with solar panels, and discover real-world applications of renewable energy.

Timber Titans- The Balsawood Engineering Challenge! (Gr 5-8)  Are you ready to put your engineering mind to the ultimate test? The Timber Titans course challenges you to design and build incredible structures from tall towers to mighty bridges using only lightweight balsa wood and glue! This is not just about building; it's about designing for strength and efficiency. You'll explore the real-world science behind structural integrity, learning how civil engineers build structures that withstand immense loads and forces.

July 20 - July 23, 2026

Titans of Tech! (Gr 5-8) - The ultimate creative playground for the next generation of digital pioneers. Become a Titan of Tech! Master the future by coding 2D worlds in Scratch, designing in 3D with Delightex, and producing podcasts on Soundtrap. Level up your content creation and graphic design skills as you explore Magic Student AI and build professional Google Slides newsletters and digital portfolios. It’s the ultimate hands-on lab to build, broadcast, and brand your creative ideas!

Drones- Designing, Coding & Flying! (Gr 5-8)  In this course students customize their drone by working through designing, building, and flying their own drone! Students work through the engineering design process to iterate their own drone design. Students develop skills in drone flight with different drone models and participate in varied obstacle course flight challenges as they hone their skills.

Electronics! Power-Up: Design, Solder, Innovate! (Gr 5-8) Become a true electronics innovator! In this high-energy, project-based course, students learn to design and build their own electronic gadgets from the ground up. You will use tools and software to master the art of circuit board design. You will then bring your electronic projects to life by learning to safely and effectively solder components onto your circuit boards. Core activities will include: Circuit Design, Soldering & Assembly, Electronics Fundamentals and Debugging.

Innovation Lab- In this course Innovation is 3D! (Gr 5-8)  Investigate 3D model design to finalize your designs in the 3D printing process. Learn how 3D printers and slicing software work. Students will design in 3D space to create their own 3D characters and objects. The final product will include students creating their own game or board game, rules, and designing their own 3D printed playing pieces and board. Students will take home their projects at the end of the session.

STEM Creators Cohort (Gr 5-6)

The Magic of Claymation (Gr 5-6): This class will cover the basics of storytelling through Claymation. Students will work together developing dynamic characters and plots during the initial storyboarding phase of this class. Students will use creative ideas, modeling clay and stop motion technology to create illusions of movement which will amplify their story. Afterwards, students will celebrate and present their productions as an artistic community.

Engineering the Ride (Gr 5-6): Explore the mechanics of the standard road bike while riding through the urban parks and streets of Minneapolis in this two-part course. Students use the engineering design process to solve problems they encounter.

Solar Explorations: Solar Houses and Community! (Gr 5-6): Get ready to design the eco-friendly house of the future! This hands-on, project-based course challenges you to use math, science, and engineering to design and build a model home that runs entirely on solar power and works within a modern, energy-efficient community.

Journalism (Gr 5-6): Have your voice heard through contributing original story ideas and writing from student perspectives in the GEMS/GISE/STEM newspaper. Students will learn Journalism basics such as interviewing, note-taking, developing story ideas, editing, and publishing writing in the GEMS/GISE/STEM student newspaper. Aspiring writers wanted!

STEM Adventurers Cohort (Gr 5-6)

Expedition Minneapolis (Gr 5-6): (outdoor adventure field experiences)
Discover the richness of the urban forest we call Minneapolis. Engage in a wide variety of environmental field experiences through the use of scientific inquiry while learning to use the tools of a naturalist.

Engineering the Ride (Gr 5-6): Explore the mechanics of the standard road bike while riding through the urban parks and streets of Minneapolis in this two-part course. Students use the engineering design process to solve problems they encounter.

A Magnificent Journey! Literature Explorations (Gr 5-6): Go on a literary expedition exploring new places and times or enter the literary laboratory to experience spellbinding books!  The choice is yours!  This course supports students reading critically to comprehend, interpret, and analyze themes and central ideas in complex literary and informational texts.

The Amazon Trail Challenge:  Math Mission (Gr 5-6):  Ready for an adventure that will put your math skills to the ultimate test? Welcome to The Amazon Trail Challenge, a Project-Based Learning experience where you and your team are resource managers, budget analysts, and logistical experts on a vital expedition!

STEM Innovators Cohort (Gr 7-8)

Urban Boat Builders-Swimming (Gr 7-8): (Course offered in collaboration with Urban Boat Builders & Wilderness Inquiry) Design and construct handcrafted wooden boats, canoe waterways, and improve swimming skills.

Solar Explorations: Solar Houses and Community! (Gr 7-8): Get ready to design the eco-friendly house of the future! This hands-on, project-based course challenges you to use math, science, and engineering to design and build a model home that runs entirely on solar power and works within a modern, energy-efficient community.

Journalism (Gr 7-8): Have your voice heard through contributing original story ideas and writing from student perspectives in the GEMS/GISE/STEM newspaper. Students will learn Journalism basics such as interviewing, note-taking, developing story ideas, editing, and publishing writing in the GEMS/GISE/STEM student newspaper. Aspiring writers wanted!

LUMA Robotics (Gr 7-8):  Empowering Young Innovators Through Coding and Robotics!  In this hands-on class, students explore the fundamentals of coding, engineering, and robotics design to build and program robots that solve exciting challenges. Challenges include navigating obstacle courses, designing autonomous machines, and coding innovative solutions. Through collaborative projects and creative problem-solving activities, students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and technical skills.

STEM Adventurers Cohort (Gr 7-8)

Expedition Minneapolis (Gr 7-8): (outdoor adventure field experiences)
Discover the richness of the urban forest we call Minneapolis. Engage in a wide variety of environmental field experiences through the use of scientific inquiry while learning to use the tools of a naturalist.

Engineering the Ride (Gr 7-8): Explore the mechanics of the standard road bike while riding through the urban parks and streets of Minneapolis in this two-part course. Students use the engineering design process to solve problems they encounter.

A Magnificent Journey! Literature  (Gr 7-8): Go on a literary expedition exploring new places and times or enter the literary laboratory to experience spellbinding books!  The choice is yours!  This course supports students reading critically to comprehend, interpret, and analyze themes and central ideas in complex literary and informational texts.

The Amazon Trail Challenge:  Math Mission (Gr 7-8):  Ready for an adventure that will put your math skills to the ultimate test? Welcome to The Amazon Trail Challenge, a Project-Based Learning experience where you and your team are resource managers, budget analysts, and logistical experts on a vital expedition!