Grades 6-8 Summer Scholars
Why Choose GEMS & GISE?
GEMS/GISE (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science/Guys in Science and Engineering) STEM Academy helps students uncover the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in a six-week, all-day program.
Choose the GEMS-GISE STEM Academy 6 week program or the GEMS-GISE STEM Blast Academy 1-4 week program, affording your family flexibility and choice!
Students participate in project-based and problem-based learning, using a hands-on and minds-on approach that integrates the skills of reading and math. Knowledgeable staff help immerse students in high-interest and rigorous STEM experiences designed to provide relevant, real-world connections and career explorations. Students have the option of participating in GEMS, GISE or combined groups. Students entering grades K-8 are eligible to participate.
Example courses for different grades include:
- Skateboard Science (6-8)
- Engineering the Ride (6-8)
- Journalism (6-8)
- Everest Trek (6-8
Example courses for different grades can be found in the GEMS-GISE STEM Academy links:
The GEMS-GISE-STEM Academy will have an option for students that are only able to join us this summer for a week or two!
- Middle School STEM Blasts are one-week Academies in which students immerse and engage in course based, camp like experiences.
- STEM Blast courses are held the weeks of:
- July 8-July 11, 2024
- July 15-July 18, 2024
- July 22-July 25, 2024
- July 29-August 1, 2024
- 6.5 hours just like the full Middle STEM Academy Summer Experience.
Contact
Melinda Stapley
Program Coordinator, GEMS/GISE/STEM
612-668-1207
Melinda.Stapley@mpls.k12.mn.us
Chrisie Jennings
Project Coordinator, Extended Learning
612-668-1242
Chrisie.Jennings@mpls.k12.mn.us
1250 W. Broadway Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Fax: 612-668-5305
Information and Registration
- Dates/Locations/Times Info
- REGISTER NOW!! 6 WEEK PROGRAM
- REGISTER NOW!! 1-4 WEEK PROGRAM
- Course Descriptions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Public Charter and other District's Students
- Contact Info
Dates/Locations/Times Info
GEMS-GISE STEM Academy 6-Week Program
Thank you for a wonderful summer! Stay tuned for Summer Scholars 2025. Please begin watching our website for applications to open in January 2025. Here's to a great school year!
GEMS-GISE STEM Academy 4-Week Program
Thank you for a wonderful summer! Stay tuned for Summer Scholars 2025. Please begin watching our website for applications to open in January 2025. Here's to a great school year!
REGISTER NOW!! 6 WEEK PROGRAM
GEMS-GISE STEM Academy (6 Week)-Register Now!
Have another student to enroll in a different grade?
GRADES K
KINDERGARTEN SUMMER SCHOLARS ACADEMY
GRADES 1-5
DISCOVERY AND LEARNING ACADEMY
REGISTER NOW!! 1-4 WEEK PROGRAM
GEMS-GISE STEM Blast Academy (1-4 Week)-Register Now!!!
Have another student to enroll in a different grade?
GRADES K
KINDERGARTEN SUMMER SCHOLARS ACADEMY
GRADES 1-5
DISCOVERY AND LEARNING ACADEMY
Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions
GEMS-GISE STEM Academy 6 Week Program
Architectural Engineering & Design (field experiences with Dunwoody) (Gr 6-8):
Integrated engineering and design that answers affordability and sustainability needed for the 21st century. Everything you need in less than 200 square feet: learn the basics of architecture, design, construction, electrical engineering and plumbing.
Amazing Structures: Bridges & Towers (Gr 6-8):
Explore the fundamentals of civil engineering. Investigate tower and bridge designs, the forces that act on them, and the materials that can withstand those forces. Using CAD software and 3D printers, design your own structures, towers, and bridges.
Biotech & BioMed Exploration/NeuroMaker Hand (Gr 6-8):
Investigate biomedical and biotech concepts ranging from advanced prosthetics to current research in developing knowledge, interventions, and technology that are of use in healthcare or public health.
Dance (Gr 6-8):
Hip hop is a high-energy class that infuses the latest styles of street dancing, breaking, popping, and locking. Classes will encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements.
Design Art Meets Engineering (Gr 6-8):
Explore engineering through art and design. Design and create mechanical sculptures and models and bring them to life through the engineering design process.
Design Technology (Gr 6-8): Students will be able to build up their creativity, problem solving, planning, and evaluation skills. Students construct prototypes and modify designs to make sure they support the designed function, aesthetics, and ergonomics. Students will enhance their communication, teamwork, and presentation skills of design prototypes.
Digital Electronics (Gr 6-8):
Explore the foundations of computing by engaging in circuit design processes to create combinational logic and sequential logic (memory) as electrical engineers do in industry.
Drone Design & Flight (Gr 6-8):
In this course students customize their drone by working through designing, building, and flying a 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.
Ceramics (Gr 6-8): Students learn about the historical background, ceramics through multiple cultures and the artistic properties of ceramics through studio experiences. Students develop skills and techniques through creating with clay as they explore form, function, volume, and space relationships.
Claymation (Gr 6-8):
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.
Coding (Gr 6-8):
Learn to code using Tynker and CoderZ and progress to JavaScript and Python as you design games, build apps, and make incredible projects.
Engineering the Ride (Gr 6-8):
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.
Everest Trek (Going into 8th Grade):
Experience a simulation of navigating a mission in the Amazon or being stranded on an island in the South Pacific, or climbing Mt. Everest. Explore and apply algebraic thinking and data analysis in the context of engineering design and adventure.
Expedition Minneapolis (Gr 6-8): (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.
Game On! Recreational Sport & Activities (Gr 6-8):
Learn and practice the skills and sportsmanship of Lacrosse, Soccer, Rugby, and Volleyball. Engage in games with your friends while improving your ball handling and field play.
Innovation Lab (Gr 6-8): (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.)
Instrumental Music (Gr 6-8): (Instruments provided - Ukulele)
Students will be learning the science of the Ukulele. They will learn basic ukulele skills and chords. Students will learn about how to make music with ukulele and the science of sound waves.
Journalism (Gr 6-8):
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!
Photography (Gr 6-8):
Develop your visual literacy skills while capturing summer life in this engaging, hands-on photography class.
Skateboard Science (field experiences at skate parks and with an engineering firm)
Whether you are into extreme sports or just a nice ride, there is science and design in every board and rider. From momentum, gravity, friction and centripetal force to the basic parts of deck, wheels and trucks, build and learn to ride your own board.
Science – Fact or Fiction? (Gr 6-8):
Learn about chemical changes, chemical reactions, aquatic ecosystems, and our solar system while myth busting and determining if things are science fact or fiction.
Solar Powered Go Karts (Gr 6-8):
Explore mechanical engineering through designing and creating a solar powered go kart!
Sonic Pi - Coding Music (Gr 6-8):
Sonic Pi is a new kind of instrument for a new generation of musicians. Learn to code creatively by composing or performing music in an incredible range of styles from R & B and Hip Hop to Grime & EDM.
A Magnificent Journey! (Gr 6-8):
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.
Theatre & Production (Gr 6-8):
Act and Design! Students participating in Theatre will have the opportunity to perform or learn the technical elements of theatre by being on the tech team.
Boat Builders & Water Adventures (Gr 6-8): (Course offered in collaboration with Urban Boat Builders & Wilderness Inquiry)
Design and construct hand crafted wooden boats, canoe waterways and improve swimming skills.
GEMS-GISE STEM Blast Academy 4 Week Program
STEM Blasts are one-week GEMS-GISE STEM Academies! STEM Blast courses are held the weeks of July 8th, July 15th, July 22nd, July 29th for 6.5 hours per day Monday through Thursday at Sullivan STEAM Magnet School. Families can register for just 1 of the weeks or up to all four weeks STEM Blasts are offered. Breakfast, Lunch and transportation are provided.
STEM Blasts Options
July 8 - July 11, 2024
Drones- Designing, Coding & Flying! (Gr 6-8): 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.
Theatre & Improv Production (Gr 6-8): Act and Design! Students participating in Theatre will have the opportunity to perform and learn the technical elements of theater and improv by being on the tech team.
Expedition Minneapolis (Gr 6-8): 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. This class involves daily lake and river exploration, water quality testing, rowing, walking and biking! If you enjoy learning outdoors join us for Expedition Minneapolis this Summer!
July 15 - July 18, 2024
Drones-Designing, Coding & Flying! (Gr 6-8): 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.
Theatre & Improv Production (Gr 6-8): Act and Design! Students participating in Theatre will have the opportunity to perform and learn the technical elements of theater and improv by being on the tech team.
Expedition Minneapolis (Gr 6-8): 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. This class involves daily lake and river exploration, water quality testing, rowing, walking and biking! If you enjoy learning outdoors join us for Expedition Minneapolis this Summer!
July 22 - July 25, 2024
Drones- Designing, Coding & Flying! (Gr 6-8): 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.
Innovation Lab- In this course Innovation is 3D! (Gr 6-8): 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.
Engineering the Ride (Gr 6-8): 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. Students will also have an opportunity to repair and re-design bikes that once complete will be bike tech certified road ready.
Aerospace Engineering & Near Space Flight! (Gr 6-8): In this course students explore aerospace engineering and the physics of flight. Use the engineering design process to plan, design and construct a variety of vehicles that fly. Students design a payload container that will gather data, assist in the launch, and track in real time the near space flight of their high-altitude balloon.
Expedition Minneapolis (Gr 6-8): 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. This class involves daily lake and river exploration, water quality testing, rowing, walking and biking! If you enjoy learning outdoors join us for Expedition Minneapolis this Summer!
July 29 - August 1, 2024
Drones- Designing, Coding & Flying! (Gr 6-8): 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.
Engineering the Ride (Gr 6-8): 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. Students will also have an opportunity to repair and re-design bikes that once complete will be bike tech certified road ready.
Aerospace Engineering & Near Space Flight! (Gr 6-8): In this course students explore aerospace engineering and the physics of flight. Use the engineering design process to plan, design and construct a variety of vehicles that fly. Students design a payload container that will gather data, assist in the launch, and track in real time the near space flight of their high-altitude balloon.
Innovation Lab- In this course Innovation is 3D! (Gr 6-8): 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.
Expedition Minneapolis (Gr 6-8): 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. This class involves daily lake and river exploration, water quality testing, rowing, walking and biking! If you enjoy learning outdoors join us for Expedition Minneapolis this Summer!
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I know if my child is accepted into our chosen Summer Scholars Academy? Our summer team will send periodic emails to families to let them know their child(ren) is/are confirmed for one of our Summer Scholar academies. This email will simply confirm registration.
When will we find out more details about our summer scholar program, such as transportation, meals, schedules, etc? Further information should be sent out the first couple weeks of May (program details). Transportation information should be available during the second week of June (via robocall/text/email).
What does a typical day look like? GEMS-GISE (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science/Guys in Science and Engineering) STEM Academy helps students uncover the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a six-week, all-day program. Students participate in project-based and problem-based learning, using a hands-on and minds-on approach that integrates the skills of reading and math. Knowledgeable staff help immerse students in high interest and rigorous STEM experiences designed to provide relevant, real-world connections and career explorations. Students have the option of participating in GEMS, GISE or combined groups. A typical day this summer will include all the above-mentioned opportunities, student engagement in outdoor learning spaces, active investigative discovery, and a half hour of recess for students daily. Students in grades 6-8 can choose to attend our our GEMS-GISE-STEM Blast Academy which offers an opportunity to choose between one to four weeks of programming, allowing families to have more flexibility with their summer. In addition, we continue to offer our traditional 6-week program.
My child doesn't attend a Minneapolis Public School? Is my child allowed to attend? If your child attends a charter school or other district public school, and you reside in Minneapolis, your child may attend our learning academies for grades 6-8. Additional documentation will be required from your child’s teacher. Our summer team will reach out to begin this process. If you live outside of Minneapolis but your child does attend a Minneapolis Public School, your child may attend but you must provide transportation.
My child attends a charter school but doesn't have any academic needs, may he/she still attend? As mentioned above, we do need feedback from your child’s teacher. If your child does not require academic assistance, there are other areas that will qualify (social/emotional needs), such as practicing perseverance, maintaining positive relationships, etc.
My child needs to miss some of the summer scholar program due to vacation (or other reason). Is this okay? Because of our project-based learning techniques, i.e. group work, we prefer that a student does not miss any time. We do understand, however, that things may come up (i.e. previously planned events). In this event, however, we do not want a child missing more than one week. Please notify your site when your child is absent.
Do I select an application based on my child's current grade or on their grade in the Fall of 2024. When choosing the appropriate application (especially important for current 5th graders), choose based on your child’s grade in the Fall of 2024. So, a current 5th grader will choose the 6-8 application. A current 8th grader will choose the Fast Track application.
May I make a request that my child be placed in a class with a friend? Yes, you may. We will do our best to honor these requests, however, know that it is not a guarantee. Multiple factors may contribute to this decision, such as class size/availability, session time, etc.
Will students be placed in classrooms with other students from their year-long school? Requests for being in a class with students from your home schools can be made by emailing SummerScholars@mpls.k12.mn.us . Students will have some students from their attendance area school in their classes. We will honor placement requests as we are able based on classroom and grade level availability.
Will the summer program be following the Covid19 protocols and guidelines as they do during the school day? Yes, we will be following the same guidelines, which may be found here: https://mpls.k12.mn.us/mps_lifts_mask_mandate_updates_covid-19_protocols
How do I make a later request, or changed request, for transportation? You may email SummerScholars@mpls.k12.mn.us . Please be sure to include your child’s name along with their pickup and drop off address. Please know that the deadline for transportation for Day 1 is TBD. The transportation deadline for Day 3 of programming (which means you’ll need to drive the first couple of days) is TBD.
Will I be able to use Here Comes the Bus this summer? Yes, you will. It will require a bit of set up on your part however. You will need to delete your child's information and then re-add placing an S in front of their student ID (to indicate summer). Be sure at the conclusion of summer scholars to remove that account and then re-add your child without the S to see school year 2024-2025 info.
Will a nurse be available at the summer academy sites? Yes, we will have a nurse on site during our summer academies.
My child has an IEP. What does that mean for the Summer Scholars Academy? We employ social workers for our summer academies. Our social workers will review your child’s IEP and work with the summer academy location to determine implementation of those needs. In some cases, it may be determined that your child is best suited in one of our ESY summer locations. In the event of this, our team will reach out to you. If your child attends a charter school or non-MPS public district (and you live in Mpls), please email your child’s IEP to:
Do students in the middle school program get to select their classes? Students in our GEMS-GISE-STEM Academy or GEMS-GISE-STEM Blast Academy for incoming grades 6-8 will rate courses in order of preference during the application process.
Are meals provided? Yes, both breakfast and lunch are provided to summer scholars at no cost.
Is there a cost to participate? No, there is no cost to participate in our Summer Scholars Academy.
Who do I contact if student is going to be out? Please contact your summer location’s office to report absences.
Public Charter and other District's Students
Additional OUT OF DISTRICT Applicant Forms
MPS Registration Form
* Required
Continuous Learning Plan
Please print this PDF and give to your student's teacher.
The teacher will complete the section above "activities/frequency" and sign. If you feel like your student does not have any academic needs such as math or reading, the areas of social/emotional development are ones that we can all benefit from learning.
The parent and student will then sign as well and return the completed form (scan or screen shot) to chrisie.jennings@mpls.k12.mn.us
Private School Students
We sometimes receive Summer Scholars applications from students attending private schools. These students are not eligible for Summer Scholars participation.
They may, however, be eligible to attend our Community Education summer programs. Be sure to check out their options!
Contact Info
Contact
Melinda Stapley
Project Manager, GEMS/GISE/STEM
612-668-1207
Melinda.Stapley@mpls.k12.mn.us
Chrisie Jennings
Project Coordinator, Extended Learning
612-668-1242
Chrisie.Jennings@mpls.k12.mn.us
1250 W. Broadway Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Fax: 612-668-5305
Aftercare Options
https://ce.mpschools.org/youth/mpls-kidsFee-for-service aftercare options for students entering Gr K-7. Click on image below for more information.
Community Education and the YMCA Beacons programs also offer an aftercare option at certain Summer Scholars locations. Visit their website for more information.
LOCATION: TO BE DETERMINED, stay tuned for Summer 2025!
For website issues or errors, please contact chrisie.jennings@mpls.k12.mn.us