Looking ahead: Everything you need to know about ORISE summer programs

April 22, 2024

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) offers exciting events, activities and programs for K-12 students to engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education opportunities that inspire them and help build a solid foundation for future STEM careers. Through our summer STEM academies, students are exposed to a variety of engaging activities that supplement classroom learning and encourage an interest in STEM-related subjects. Space is limited for these free academies in Oak Ridge, and the application deadline for each is one month prior to the start date.  The time is now to start making summer plans, so here are some of the ORISE student academies you need to know about:

ORISE Robotics Academy

When: June 3 – 7
Who: Rising 10th – 12th graders

Details: The ORISE Robotics Academy is a week-long day camp for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. Working in small teams, students will learn the basics of designing, building, and programming a robot. The week will be filled with exciting and challenging activities! Students will develop skills and mindsets to help them to grow into engineers, computer programmers, and technology leaders of the future.

Artificial Intelligence Mini-Academy

When: June 12 – 13
Who: Rising 7th – 9th graders

Details: The ORISE Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mini-Academy is a two-day program to introduce middle school students to AI and its uses and applications. Students will engage in exciting and challenging activities over the two-day period to develop skills and knowledge that will help them grow into the technology leaders of the future.

Boe-Bots Academy

When: June 17 – 21
Who: Rising 7th – 9th graders

Details: The ORISE Boe-Bots Academy is a week-long day camp for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students filled with exciting and challenging activities. Working in small teams, students will design, build and program a Boe-Bot robot. This is an introductory program, and no prior experience or knowledge is needed.

Forensic Chemistry Mini-Academy

When: June 24 – 25
Who: Rising 7th – 9th graders

Details: The ORISE Forensic Chemistry Mini-Academy is a two-day program that introduces middle school students to Forensic Chemistry. Students will solve a mystery by collecting and analyzing evidence using techniques such as chromatography, fingerprinting, shoe imprinting, blood typing, and fiber analysis.

KinderCoding Mini-Academy

When: June 26
Who: Rising 1st – 3rd graders

Details: KinderCoding is a day-long introduction to the basics of coding for younger elementary students, designed to let them see that coding can be easy while they learn and practice new skills with their peers.

Coder’s Quest Mini-Academy

When: June 27
Who: Rising 4th – 6th graders

Details: The ORISE Coder’s Quest Mini-Academy is a day-long class that introduces upper elementary students to coding. Students will learn and practice new skills related to coding! With their newly developed skills, students will be able create a fun and interactive experience to share with the rest of their peers.

ORISE K-12 summer academies offer students a way to participate in authentic, hands-on experiences designed to engage young minds in STEM subjects and challenge them beyond the classroom environment. Students interested in learning more about STEM careers can participate in several programs that will give one-of-a-kind experiences and access to professional researchers. We can’t wait to see you and your kids this summer!