Junior ILP
(Ages 7-13)Program overview
It is our belief that the earlier students begin to adopt a proactive, self-driven approach to learning, the better. The Junior ILP program is structured around predefined topics to provide students with a specific scope for independent study and research. The approach combines in-class discussions / activities and exercises / tasks that students must work on outside of scheduled class times. We also believe that one of the best ways to learn is to teach. Therefore, as part of the program all participants will research and instruct their peers on a selected sub-topic.
Critical Thinking
Exposure to in-depth topics and exploration through Socratic discussions
Creativity
Exposure to problem solving and experimental design
Communication
All participants present their work to an audience of peers and parents
Collaboration
In-class group exercises and peer feedback during individual project execution
Eligibility and Guidelines
Location - World
The Junior ILP program is held through video conferences, so any student that can attend the designated meeting times is eligible to participate.
Ages 7-13
Applicants must be at least 7 years old to be considered for the program.
Computer and Internet
Students will require access to a computer with a video camera and Internet connectivity to attend virtual sessions.
Fall 2020: Evolution and Genetics
Description
We are offering an exciting Junior ILP series for students this fall. Over the course of eight sessions, participants will learn about evolutionary history and how genetics has played a role in our current understanding of life’s origins. Specific avenues of exploration and activities include:
- Discuss Darwinian evolution, adaptation and natural selection
- Understand genotype versus phenotype; create phylogenetic trees
- Understand genetic drift and gene flow
- Students will create a presentation on a subtopic to be shared with peers
Schedule
The series will be held virtually via Zoom from 10:30 am to noon on Thursdays. Classes will begin on October 1 and run through November 19.
Costs and Application Dates
- Program Cost: $80 / student
- Applications open: August 27
- Application deadline: September 20
- Notification deadline: September 27
- Classes begin: October 1
Join the cohort
Space is limited, so we encourage interested students to signup as soon as possible!
Previous Junior ILP topics
Meteorology
Spring 2020
Microbiology
Summer 2019
Physics – Astrophysics
Fall 2018
Materials Science – Polymers
Spring 2018
Electricity and Magnetism
Fall 2019
Biology – Conservation Biology
Spring 2019
Anatomy – The Brain
Summer 2018
Meteorology
Spring 2020
Electricity and Magnetism
Fall 2019
Microbiology
Summer 2019
Biology – Conservation Biology
Spring 2019
Physics – Astrophysics
Fall 2018
Anatomy – The Brain
Summer 2018
Materials Science – Polymers
Spring 2018
Testimonials
Katherine and Amanda are the instructors, and I must say they are phenomenal. Katherine presents the material, which could be considered quite complex, and breaks it down in a way in which the children understand and are able to grasp the concepts. They collaborate to come up with interesting and fun hands on experiments, which further reinforce the material covered. To see the joy and excitement on the students faces is truly priceless. Ryan has participated in other STEMed Labs programs, such as an Architecture and a Polymer course. Because it is such an exceptional science program, we will continue to take any STEMed Labs course offered and I would recommend to anyone who has a child interested in science.
This STEMed Labs camp really dove deeper into concepts that I had never learned before on a learning level high above mine, but going to the lab and participating in hands-on activities really helped me to understand them. What surprised me most was that our group (of kids) was able to observe, grow, and learn in an adult environment. I think there needs to be more camps like these where adults can trust children to grow and be independent while also learn fun concepts, too.
