Romeoville Parks And Rec Offers Youth Science Classes

ROMEOVILLE, IL — The Village of Romeoville's Parks and Recreation Department is offering Science, Technology, Engineering and Math classes for kids from 4 to 14 years old, starting later this month. Experts say STEM education teaches complex thinking and problem-solving skills. STEM jobs make up almost 20 percent of the U.S. economy and people with STEM degrees earn higher incomes, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

"In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy," according to the National Science Foundation's National Action Plan published in 2007. "To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past."

Officials say the registration deadline is seven days before classes are scheduled to begin. Here's a list of upcoming classes:

S.T.E.M. HOW TO CODE
Children learn programming essentials with software developed by MIT and program their own interactive stories, games, and animations using systematic reasoning, creativity and collaboration. This class is a multi-level program where children are placed based on skills and experience. Age: 8 to 14 Fee: $70/R - $105/NR For Details, Click Here

LEGO ENGINEERING ACADEMY
Learn about machines and how they move by building race cars, cranes, a dog, solar windmills, and a pneumatic lift. Learn Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math while gaining skills and confidence through exploring and problem-solving. Age: 7 to 14 Fee: $70/R - $105/NR For Details, Click Here

LEGO ROBOTICS ACADEMY
This a comprehensive, repeatable after school program where children learn to design, build and program robots. Instructors use a creative educational approach with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Age: 6 to 14 Fee: $70/R - $105/NR For Details, Click Here

THE SCIENCE LAB
Discover Science! Learn to make a stress ball, the biology of blood clots and guts, and the formation of the growth of crystals focusing on fun experimentations. Age: 8 to 12 Fee: $60/R - $90/NR For Details, Click Here

JUNIOR SCIENTIST
Discover and learn new thrilling and hands on activities in this class. Learn about chemical reactions, concoct their own fake snot, and discover quick sand. Age: 4 to 7 Fee: $60/R - $90/NR For Details, Click Here

JUNIOR ENGINEERS
We focus on exploration with free play, guided projects and understandable lessons. Each class is designed to offer an exciting, hands-on experience encouraging collaboration and teamwork. Age: 4 to 6 Fee: $211/R - $316/NR For Details, Click Here

APPRENTICE ENGINEERS
This program is designed for students to be exposed to the Engineering Design Process. Activities are hands-on with goals in mind to help improve critical thinking and problem solving skills, inspire “out of the box” thinking. Age: 7 to 11 Fee: $211/R - $316/NR For Details, Click Here

For more information, visit romeoville.org/1015/Science-Classes.

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