Registration is open for the college's KidsTech programs, run by the technology education department. The free spring sessions of both programs, STEM 4 Kids and Young Inventors, will run for three consecutive Wednesday in April.
SUNY Oswego technology education majors will carry on the tradition of these award-winning, hands-on STEM programs in spite of COVID-19 restrictions. Organizers appreciated the enthusiastic and dedicated parents and children who joined them last semester for their first online programs after nine years of campus-based programs.
Program format and dates
Children will join in small video conferences each week for a fun and engaging new project facilitated by senior-level SUNY Oswego students enrolled in Teaching Methods for Technology Education.
Around 8 children will be in each video conference with two to four Technology Education students to help ensure a high level of interaction and engagement.
Children will be learning 21st-century communication and problem-solving skills through the hands-on sessions.
Grade levels, dates and times:
Both programs will meet for three Wednesdays: April 4, 14 and 21
STEM 4 Kids (grades K-3) meeting times are 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Young Inventors (grades 4-6) meeting times are 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Each program will be further divided by grade level into smaller video conference classrooms (e.g., K-1).
Through a highly collaborative effort between parents, children, program facilitators and SUNY Oswego students, the first online versions of these programs were very successful in the fall.
To learn about the program activities visit the fall 2020 classroom materials website.
Read an interesting article on the fall 2020 programs
Needed materials and equipment
A browser-based laptop or desktop with reliable Internet connection and webcam
Access to a printer for learning prints each week; the prints are for children to record their responses and ideas and may also contain templates
Free web accounts (e.g., Google) will be announced in advance of the start of the programs
Organizers will be unable to mail material kits like last semester; however, to ensure the hands-on STEM Activities are engaging, they will provide complete material lists one week in advance of the start of the program
The reasonably priced equipment and materials will be common household items and/or easily obtainable via Walmart or Amazon.com.
Registration and costs
Organizers are happy to announce there are no registration costs this semester.
Online registration is now open.
Preview of participation agreement
For safety, direct parent or guardian supervision of children during each session is required.
Parents will assist children with activities (e.g., construction, testing, etc.) based on the learning needs and developmental level of each child (e.g., younger children usually need more help with project assembly).
By signing up for a program, participants are agreeing to gathering and/or purchasing materials needed for activities as described above.
Organizers understand activity schedules may pick up in the spring, but ask that parents ensure children enrolled in KidsTech programs will attend all three sessions this semester.
More detailed participation policies required of Oswego KidsTech programs, and Youth Programs provided by SUNY Oswego, will be provided during registration.
Updates will be posted to http://www.oswegokidstech.org as the program develops. Visit the online registration form to sign up your children for this free program.