CT STEM Academy Winter 2021 Virtual Programs
Programs taking place simultaneously through the following organizations in the CT STEM Academy Virtual STEM Consortium. Register through your preferred organization by clicking on the name below:
One Day Virtual STEM Programs
Participants will engage in a wide range of STEM topics that vary per day. This is a perfect program for any school age child including homeschool and distance learning students!
December 10 Hour of Code!
Celebrate Computer Science Week with an Hour of Coding presented by CT STEM Academy. Participants will engage in coding related activities. Participants will walk away with knowledge of two to three websites that they can continue to explore after our session. No additional materials are required.
December 17 Explore STEM Careers
Participants will explore all types of STEM Careers through CT STEM Academy’s engaging Careers In STEM website. Participants will walk away with an understanding of skills needed in various STEM Careers. No additional materials are required.
January 14 Paper Straw Rockets
Participants will create a paper straw rocket out of household materials such as paper, straws, and tape. Materials will need to be provided by families. Each child should have two regular size straws, clear tape, scissors and three index cards.
January 21 Hoop Gliders
Participants will create a glider out of household materials such as paper, straws, and tape. Materials will need to be provided by families. Each child should have two regular size straws, clear tape, scissors and three index cards.
January 28 VEX Code VR
VEXcode VR lets you code a virtual robot using a block based coding environment powered by Scratch Blocks. VEXcode VR is based on VEXcode, the same programming environment used for VEX 123, GO, IQ and V5 robots. We all know that robots make Computer Science (CS) come to life with real world applications. Now STEM learning can continue while at home for students (excerpt from VEX VR website). No additional materials required.
February 4 Straw Egg Drop Challenge
Participants will create a protective covering/device to prevent an egg from breaking during an egg drop test. Families will need to provide up to 50 plastic non-flexible straws, one meter of masking tape, scissors, ziplock bag, plate or tin for workspace and one raw egg.
February 25 Celebrate Engineering Week
Join CT STEM Academy in celebrating Engineers Week in Wallingford! We will celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world and bring engineering to life for kids, educators, and parents! We will be offering a hands-on “make and take” engineering activity. Prior to the program, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants. Materials will need to be provided by families. Each child should have an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper, 5 paper clips, and scissors. Various types of paper such as regular copy paper, 5 x 8 index card and construction paper and clear tape are recommended, but not required.
- Time: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Cost: $15 per participant
- Ages 8 - 14
- Prior to the program, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants.
December 10 Hour of Code!
Celebrate Computer Science Week with an Hour of Coding presented by CT STEM Academy. Participants will engage in coding related activities. Participants will walk away with knowledge of two to three websites that they can continue to explore after our session. No additional materials are required.
December 17 Explore STEM Careers
Participants will explore all types of STEM Careers through CT STEM Academy’s engaging Careers In STEM website. Participants will walk away with an understanding of skills needed in various STEM Careers. No additional materials are required.
January 14 Paper Straw Rockets
Participants will create a paper straw rocket out of household materials such as paper, straws, and tape. Materials will need to be provided by families. Each child should have two regular size straws, clear tape, scissors and three index cards.
January 21 Hoop Gliders
Participants will create a glider out of household materials such as paper, straws, and tape. Materials will need to be provided by families. Each child should have two regular size straws, clear tape, scissors and three index cards.
January 28 VEX Code VR
VEXcode VR lets you code a virtual robot using a block based coding environment powered by Scratch Blocks. VEXcode VR is based on VEXcode, the same programming environment used for VEX 123, GO, IQ and V5 robots. We all know that robots make Computer Science (CS) come to life with real world applications. Now STEM learning can continue while at home for students (excerpt from VEX VR website). No additional materials required.
February 4 Straw Egg Drop Challenge
Participants will create a protective covering/device to prevent an egg from breaking during an egg drop test. Families will need to provide up to 50 plastic non-flexible straws, one meter of masking tape, scissors, ziplock bag, plate or tin for workspace and one raw egg.
February 25 Celebrate Engineering Week
Join CT STEM Academy in celebrating Engineers Week in Wallingford! We will celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world and bring engineering to life for kids, educators, and parents! We will be offering a hands-on “make and take” engineering activity. Prior to the program, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants. Materials will need to be provided by families. Each child should have an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper, 5 paper clips, and scissors. Various types of paper such as regular copy paper, 5 x 8 index card and construction paper and clear tape are recommended, but not required.
Multi-Day Programs
Ozobots - Go For The Gold Virtual
Ages 8 - 14
Wednesdays - 1/13, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10
6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $150 (includes robot)
Ozobot is a robotic platform that empowers coding & STEAM education for participants. Participants will learn two ways to code with
and without screens. This program will be led by an experienced STEM educator and participants keep their robot! Please note that this program will require participants to pick up their ozobot the week of January 4, 2021. Prior to the program, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants. Participants may pick up their materials between January 11 - 13. Registration will close on December 31, 2020 for this program.
Ages 8 - 14
Wednesdays - 1/13, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10
6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $150 (includes robot)
Ozobot is a robotic platform that empowers coding & STEAM education for participants. Participants will learn two ways to code with
and without screens. This program will be led by an experienced STEM educator and participants keep their robot! Please note that this program will require participants to pick up their ozobot the week of January 4, 2021. Prior to the program, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants. Participants may pick up their materials between January 11 - 13. Registration will close on December 31, 2020 for this program.
VEX Code VR Python
Ages 10-15
Thursdays - 1/14, 1/21, 1/28
6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $35
VEXcode with Python participants will create a project, test the project, make revisions and retest the project. Come join us for this engaging form of coding. Prior to the program, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants. There is no additional materials kit required for this program.
The program instructor will be Hassan Bourhrous. Hassan is a STEM educator who specializes in technology education and an internationally experienced educator.
Chemistry Creations
Ages 9 - 14
Tuesdays: 2/16 and 2/23
Time: 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $30
Explore a different side of STEM with this new program. As junior chemists, students will study the substances that make up matter—everything that takes up space in the universe. They also study the changes that take place when substances are combined. These changes are called chemical reactions. Participants who join will have the chance to see how the properties of substances can make for exciting projects that might include chemical testing and allergy free food chemistry. We have also included new topics to explore. A kit of supplies will be provided to each participant. Please note that this program will require participants to pick up their kit prior to the program. Participants may pick up their materials on February 10, 11 or 16. Additionally, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants prior to the program.
The program instructor will be Ruby Hsu. Ruby is a STEM educator, past Wallingford Teacher of the Year, and internationally experienced educator.
Ages 9 - 14
Tuesdays: 2/16 and 2/23
Time: 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $30
Explore a different side of STEM with this new program. As junior chemists, students will study the substances that make up matter—everything that takes up space in the universe. They also study the changes that take place when substances are combined. These changes are called chemical reactions. Participants who join will have the chance to see how the properties of substances can make for exciting projects that might include chemical testing and allergy free food chemistry. We have also included new topics to explore. A kit of supplies will be provided to each participant. Please note that this program will require participants to pick up their kit prior to the program. Participants may pick up their materials on February 10, 11 or 16. Additionally, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants prior to the program.
The program instructor will be Ruby Hsu. Ruby is a STEM educator, past Wallingford Teacher of the Year, and internationally experienced educator.
Coding and Online Robotics Club I
Ages 8 – 14
Tuesdays: 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2
Time: 6:00 to 7:00
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $40
This program is designed for participants who would like a rich introduction to coding. This program encourages critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. Participants will be using a variety of block coding websites to learn the basics of coding and related STEM applications. Instructors will adjust program instruction to meet the needs of all participants. with registered participants. No additional materials are required for this program.
Explore STEM Careers - One Night Program
Tuesday, 2/9
Time 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $15
Participants will explore all types of STEM Careers through CT STEM Academy’s engaging Careers In STEM website. Participants will walk away with an understanding of skills needed for various STEM Careers. No additional materials will be required for this class.
Ages 8 – 14
Tuesdays: 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2
Time: 6:00 to 7:00
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $40
This program is designed for participants who would like a rich introduction to coding. This program encourages critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. Participants will be using a variety of block coding websites to learn the basics of coding and related STEM applications. Instructors will adjust program instruction to meet the needs of all participants. with registered participants. No additional materials are required for this program.
Explore STEM Careers - One Night Program
Tuesday, 2/9
Time 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $15
Participants will explore all types of STEM Careers through CT STEM Academy’s engaging Careers In STEM website. Participants will walk away with an understanding of skills needed for various STEM Careers. No additional materials will be required for this class.
Makey Makey Club
Ages 9 - 14
Thursdays: 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $100 (includes Makey Makey kit)
The Makey Makey is an electronic invention kit for all ages! The Makey Makey allows you to take everyday objects and combine them with the internet. Using the alligator clips attached to any conductive material you can control the keyboard of your computer, such as the space bar, arrow keys and left click of the mouse. In this program, you will create fun inventions using Makey Makey and household materials provided in our kit!* A Makey Makey Kit, and supplies, will be provided to each participant. Families will be required to pick up their makey makey kit prior to the program. Participants may pick up their materials between 2/26 - 3/3. Additionally, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants prior to the program. *Course Description in part from http://www.makerspaceforeducation.com/makey-makey.html
Ages 9 - 14
Thursdays: 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $100 (includes Makey Makey kit)
The Makey Makey is an electronic invention kit for all ages! The Makey Makey allows you to take everyday objects and combine them with the internet. Using the alligator clips attached to any conductive material you can control the keyboard of your computer, such as the space bar, arrow keys and left click of the mouse. In this program, you will create fun inventions using Makey Makey and household materials provided in our kit!* A Makey Makey Kit, and supplies, will be provided to each participant. Families will be required to pick up their makey makey kit prior to the program. Participants may pick up their materials between 2/26 - 3/3. Additionally, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants prior to the program. *Course Description in part from http://www.makerspaceforeducation.com/makey-makey.html
STEM Club
Ages 8 - 12
Thursdays: 2/4, 2/11, 2/18
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $35
Participants will be introduced to the engineering design process as they explore fun hands-on science and engineering challenges. A kit of supplies will be provided to each participant. Please note that this program will require participants to pick up their kit prior to the program. Additionally, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants prior to the program. Participants may pick up their materials on January 29 through February 3.
Ages 8 - 12
Thursdays: 2/4, 2/11, 2/18
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $35
Participants will be introduced to the engineering design process as they explore fun hands-on science and engineering challenges. A kit of supplies will be provided to each participant. Please note that this program will require participants to pick up their kit prior to the program. Additionally, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants prior to the program. Participants may pick up their materials on January 29 through February 3.
Introduce A Girl to Engineering Day
Ages 8 - 15
Thursday, 2/25
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $15
Please join CT STEM Academy in celebrating Girls in Engineering! We will watch a portion of the movie Dream Big: Engineering Our World Narrated by Jeff Bridges, create a “make and take” engineering activity and introduce you to our VEX IQ Robotics Program. Prior to the program, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants. Materials will need to be provided by families. Each child should have an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper, 5 paper clips, and scissors. Various types of paper such as regular copy paper, 5 x 8 index card and construction paper and clear tape are recommended, but not required.
Ages 8 - 15
Thursday, 2/25
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $15
Please join CT STEM Academy in celebrating Girls in Engineering! We will watch a portion of the movie Dream Big: Engineering Our World Narrated by Jeff Bridges, create a “make and take” engineering activity and introduce you to our VEX IQ Robotics Program. Prior to the program, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants. Materials will need to be provided by families. Each child should have an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper, 5 paper clips, and scissors. Various types of paper such as regular copy paper, 5 x 8 index card and construction paper and clear tape are recommended, but not required.
3D Printing with Blocks CAD
Ages 9 - 14
Saturdays: 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30
Time 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $40
Interested in 3D Printing? Blocks CAD is a cloud based 3D modeling tool that encourages users to learn math, computational thinking and coding concepts through visualization and designing models to be 3D printed. Each participant will receive one 3D printed model at the end of this program. Please make sure that your registration includes a current email address and contact phone number. Maximum of 10 participants. Program will be shared prior to the start date.
Instructor for this program: Dan Gaewski. Dan has led the Cheshire Robotics and Fall 2020 One Day Programs.
Ages 9 - 14
Saturdays: 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30
Time 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $40
Interested in 3D Printing? Blocks CAD is a cloud based 3D modeling tool that encourages users to learn math, computational thinking and coding concepts through visualization and designing models to be 3D printed. Each participant will receive one 3D printed model at the end of this program. Please make sure that your registration includes a current email address and contact phone number. Maximum of 10 participants. Program will be shared prior to the start date.
Instructor for this program: Dan Gaewski. Dan has led the Cheshire Robotics and Fall 2020 One Day Programs.
Electric Circuits
Ages 8 - 14
Saturdays: 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $60
Are you interested in electricity, circuit boards and basic robotics? If so, then you’ll want to be a part of designing and testing inventions with your very own Snap Circuits Kit. Each participant will receive a Snap Circuits Kit to keep and continue the learning fun even after our program.
Participants may pick up their materials on January 27, 28, or 29. Prior to the program, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants.
Ages 8 - 14
Saturdays: 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $60
Are you interested in electricity, circuit boards and basic robotics? If so, then you’ll want to be a part of designing and testing inventions with your very own Snap Circuits Kit. Each participant will receive a Snap Circuits Kit to keep and continue the learning fun even after our program.
Participants may pick up their materials on January 27, 28, or 29. Prior to the program, a Google Meet Code will be shared with registered participants.
Reading Extra Help Club
Ages 8 and 9
Session A - Saturdays: 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30
Session B - Saturdays: 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $40 for all four sessions
Reading is a fundamental skill and building block for all learning. Help your child improve their reading skills with tutoring provided by an aspiring educator who is experienced teaching students. Instruction will be based on student needs focusing on improving fluency/reading rate, accuracy, comprehension, fiction and nonfiction connections. Prior to the program, a survey will be shared with families to provide instruction focus.
Instructor for this program: Bridgette Murphy. Bridgette has led the Cheshire Fall 2020 One Day Programs. Additional staff will be added based upon enrollment.
Math Extra Help Club
Ages 8 and 9
Session A - Saturdays: 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30
Session B - Saturdays: 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
Time: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 a.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $40 for all four sessions
Help your child improve their math skills with tutoring provided by an aspiring educator who is experienced teaching students. Instruction will be based on student needs focusing on fact fluency, computation strategies and problem solving. Prior to the program, a survey will be shared with families to provide instruction focus.
Instructor for this program: Bridgette Murphy. Bridgette has led the Cheshire Fall 2020 One Day Programs. Additional staff will be added based upon enrollment.
Coding and Online Robotics Club II
Ages 8 – 14
Saturdays: 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27
Time: 11:00 to 12:00
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $40
This program is designed for participants who would like a rich introduction to coding. This program encourages critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. Participants will be using a variety of block coding websites to learn the basics of coding and related STEM applications. Instructors will adjust program instruction to meet the needs of all participants. with registered participants. No additional materials are required for this program. Topics will not be the same Coding and Online Robotics Club I. Participants are not required to complete Coding and Online Robotics Club I to participate. First session participants are invited to join this session as well.
Instructor for this program: Bridgette Murphy. Bridgette has led the Cheshire Fall 2020 One Day Programs. Additional staff will be added based upon enrollment.
Ages 8 and 9
Session A - Saturdays: 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30
Session B - Saturdays: 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $40 for all four sessions
Reading is a fundamental skill and building block for all learning. Help your child improve their reading skills with tutoring provided by an aspiring educator who is experienced teaching students. Instruction will be based on student needs focusing on improving fluency/reading rate, accuracy, comprehension, fiction and nonfiction connections. Prior to the program, a survey will be shared with families to provide instruction focus.
Instructor for this program: Bridgette Murphy. Bridgette has led the Cheshire Fall 2020 One Day Programs. Additional staff will be added based upon enrollment.
Math Extra Help Club
Ages 8 and 9
Session A - Saturdays: 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30
Session B - Saturdays: 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
Time: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 a.m.
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $40 for all four sessions
Help your child improve their math skills with tutoring provided by an aspiring educator who is experienced teaching students. Instruction will be based on student needs focusing on fact fluency, computation strategies and problem solving. Prior to the program, a survey will be shared with families to provide instruction focus.
Instructor for this program: Bridgette Murphy. Bridgette has led the Cheshire Fall 2020 One Day Programs. Additional staff will be added based upon enrollment.
Coding and Online Robotics Club II
Ages 8 – 14
Saturdays: 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27
Time: 11:00 to 12:00
Location: Online via Google Meet
Cost: $40
This program is designed for participants who would like a rich introduction to coding. This program encourages critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. Participants will be using a variety of block coding websites to learn the basics of coding and related STEM applications. Instructors will adjust program instruction to meet the needs of all participants. with registered participants. No additional materials are required for this program. Topics will not be the same Coding and Online Robotics Club I. Participants are not required to complete Coding and Online Robotics Club I to participate. First session participants are invited to join this session as well.
Instructor for this program: Bridgette Murphy. Bridgette has led the Cheshire Fall 2020 One Day Programs. Additional staff will be added based upon enrollment.