KGAN comes to College For Kids

Last Thursday, KGAN anchor Kelly D’Ambrosio visited Grant Wood AEA’s College For Kids to see how students are gaining valuable academic and fine experiences from the program. Check out her look into the world of College For Kids at http://cbs2iowa.com/community/beyond-the-books/grant-wood-aeas-college-for-kids.

Thanks to the instructors, students, and staff at College For Kids for making this summer a success. Stay tuned for updates and information about next year’s College For Kids sessions, and have a great summer!

College For Kids July Showcase of Learning

Parents and family members came out to celebrate the Showcase of Learning for the end of the July session of Grant Wood AEA’s College For Kids! Students shared what they had learned over the last two weeks, presented projects and performances, and did interactive activities with their families before having lunch in the cafeteria at Coe College. It was great to see so many families and students enjoying this day of learning and fun! 

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College For Kids July Session: Forensic Science Crime Scene

In this episode of Grant Wood AEA’s College For Kids: Crime Scene Investigation, the Forensic Science classes collected clues and examined physical evidence for three practice crime scenes. The students used their phones to take pictures of evidence and took detailed notes on their observations. When they returned to the classroom, the students analyzed their data in hopes of solving the crime. The students will reveal their findings and the instructors will confirm if they’ve solved the mystery on Friday at the Showcase of Learning!

College For Kids July Session Language Classes

Travel around the world in a minute with the language classes at Grant Wood AEA’s College For Kids! With classes in Japanese, Arabic, Spanish, and French, students learn basics in the language in addition to cultural traditions and history. The students in the Spanish and French classes presented projects on various Spanish and French-speaking countries and cultures, while the Japanese students practiced their speaking skills and the Arabic students learned about the history of Arabic-speaking cultures. The language courses provide a strong foundation that these students can build upon in more advanced courses offered in their schools and in the future.

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KCRG visits College For Kids

Cedar Rapids news station KCRG stopped by last week to take a look into the world of art at Grant Wood AEA’s College For Kids. Reporter Brea Love spoke with Cedar Rapids student Laura Hubbs and instructor Jim Jacobmeyer about the altered book class, who will have their projects on display at the Cedar Rapids Public Library in August. Check it out!

http://www.kcrg.com/content/news/387416772.html

College For Kids July 18 Highlights

The Coe College campus was buzzing with activity this Monday at Grant Wood AEA’s College For Kids! The Smash! Creative Journal class left the classroom in favor of being one with nature today, and found a peaceful spot in front of the library to write their observations in prose and through sketches and pictures. The Tai Chi class practiced a routine of graceful and fluid movements on the stage, and struck a pose for a group picture at the end of class. Later, the Decorative Papers class made a unique reversible booklet with decorations of their choice using marbling, glue, painting, and other creative methods to make the booklet their own. Check it out!

College For Kids July Session: Photography Class Downtown Photo Walk

The Photography class at Grant Wood AEA’s College For Kids took to the streets of downtown Cedar Rapids today to practice their photography skills. The students photographed local businesses, historic buildings, and general downtown scenery before ending their walk at the Cedar Rapids Fire Department’s Central Fire Station. The firefighters gave them a quick tour and then let the students take pictures of firetrucks and equipment.

 

College For Kids July 14 Highlights

The science classes at Grant Wood AEA’s College For Kids are working hard to learn as much as they can and apply their knowledge through hands-on learning. The Genetics class explored the world of DNA by examining a strand of their own DNA, acquired by swishing Gatorade around in their mouths and putting it in a test tube with cell lysis solution to expose the DNA strand. Later, the Field Biology class ventured off-campus to conduct water tests at the nearby creek. The students waded in the water to use a variety of tests that examined the levels of oxygen, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, and other elements present in the water. The students also used nets to catch small species native to the creek, such as crayfish and a soft shell turtle that was named Josh before being returned to the water.

 

College For Kids July Session: Altered Books and Remotely Piloted Aircraft

It was a hot day at Grant Wood AEA’s College For Kids, but spending the morning with the Altered Books class was a cool and creative experience! In this class, taught by Jim Jacobmeyer, students created their own six-sided accordion book, compiled of recycled items from the local library and old magazines, using paper mache as an adhesive to put it all together. These books will be showcased at the Cedar Rapids Public Library after the conclusion of program. 

In the afternoon, the Remotely Piloted Aircraft class braved the heat to practice their drone piloting skills in the middle of campus. The students practiced flying the drones in patterns, using their backpacks as checkpoints. Later, some of the students and their instructor, Richard Scearce, piloted drones with cameras to get aerial shots of the group picture!

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College For Kids: First Day of July Session!

We’re back! The first session of Grant Wood AEA’s College For Kids ended on July 1st with a great Showcase of Learning day for students, parents, and instructors. Today marks the first day of our second session, and we’re excited to spend the next two weeks learning and making memories with new and returning students and instructors!