GEMS & GISE

Waite Park has Girls in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (GEMS) and Guys in Science and Engineering (GISE) year-long after-school programs available for 1st -5th grade students. The programs focus on explorations of science and mathematics through project-based and problem-based learning experiences promoting the integration of engineering and technology concepts, content , and process. 

In the Fall, the focus is on robotics. Students will explore mechanical design, construction, programming, and teamwork skills. Working in groups with LEGO building elements, motors, and sensors, they will build various robot prototypes. Students will program these robots to move, react, and make sounds, applying their skills to solve design challenges using LEGO SPIKE Prime robotic systems. The class will culminate in participation in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge.

In the Spring semester, the class will focus on another STEM concept. Spring 2025's focus is Force & Motion: STEM of Speed. Students will learn critical science principles of force and motion, such as Newton's laws, friction, gravity, and aerodynamics, which are essential for designing a variety of efficient prototype vehicles. Through the engineering design process, students will brainstorm, sketch, build, test, and refine their prototypes, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Students will engage in creativity, problem-solving skills, and the identify the impact of iterative improvement on the performance of their prototypes. Our students will have the opportunity to test the limits of all their vehicle designs in various races for speed and challenges designed for distance. Students in the older grades will also have the option to design and build CO2 dragsters, providing a thrilling culmination to their learning journey. This class not only teaches students about force and motion, but also prepares them with skills to innovate and prototype.