Topeka Public Schools middle school students (current 6th, 7th, and 8th graders), can attend Career Pathway Exploration sessions at TCALC (Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers) this summer.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Middle school students have free access to the Topeka Metro routes though the Kids Ride Free program. Drop off and pick up will be in front of Capital City High School, 2731 SW East Circle Drive South.
Weeks for summer enrichment camp are:
Week 1 - June 3 to June 7
Week 2 - June 10 to June 14
Week 3 - June 17 to June 21 (no school June 19)
Week 4 - June 24 to June 28
All classes are two-week sessions. Some classes have two sessions.
Times are:
Breakfast - 7:30am - 8:00am
Class sessions - 8:00am - 11:30am
Lunch - 11:30am - noon
Pickup - noon
Exploration Camps are:
ANIMAL SCIENCE EXPLORATION
Grade Level: 6, 7, 8
Date: Week 1 & 2 (a single two-week session)
Location: TCALC
Description: Explore the amazing world of Animal Science. During this 2 weeks session students will have the opportunity to learn about the care and management of animals both big and small. Topics will include Horses, Cattle, Dogs, Cats, and Chickens! Field trip to a local farm and hands-on lessons with live animals will be a highlight of the session
CULINARY & Hospitality EXPLORATION
Grade Level: 6, 7, 8
Date: Week 1 & 2 (a single two-week session)
Location: TCALC
Description: Students will explore the wonderful world of baking! This course is designed for students of any skill or experience level. We will be covering the basics of measurement, the purposes of five fundamental ingredients through exploring baking science, common mixing and baking techniques. We are a scratch bakery, so everything the students will be using will be items we make from raw ingredients right here in our own kitchen.
We will start off with simple mixes like drop cookies, and gradually work our way to creating nicely decorated 3 layer cakes. There is a bit of everything in this class for someone looking to learn about kitchen basics and techniques. Comment end.
ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS EXPLORATION
Grade Level: 6, 7, 8
Date: June 3 to 14 or 17 to 28 (repeated two-week sessions)
Week 1 & 2 - Session 1
Week 3 & 4 - Session 2
Location: TCALC
Description: Students will explore simple machines and gear ratios while learning to calculate how much mechanical advantage a machine provides. Students will take a trip to an Ag dealership to look at hydraulic systems and visit Gage Park to find out the mechanical advantage of some playground equipment. Students will also build a VexV5 clawbot and learn to program and drive it. We will have several head-to-head challenges to bring out your competitive spirit. Students will also do some 3D printing. Finally, we will take a look at the Vex Robotics Competition for next year. Comment end
FUNDAMENTAL WOODWORKING
Grade Level: 6, 7, 8
Date: Week 1 & 2 (a single two-week session)
Location: TCALC
Description: The students will be involved in the design and building of different pieces of useful and interactive lawn furniture for the grounds of TCALC. These could include benches and tables, planter boxes and artistic pieces. The students will also learn to safely work with a variety of common hand and power tools.
WEB & DIGITAL EXPLORATION
Grade Level: 6, 7, 8
Date: June 3 to 14 or 17 to 28 (repeated two-week sessions)
Week 1 & 2 - Session 1
Week 3 & 4 - Session 2
Location: TCALC
Description: Students attending the Summer Web and Digital Pathway will earn a Google Certificate in which they explore digital literacy, healthy digital habits, their digital footprint, and cyber security for their age group. Students will build their own webpage that will show off hands-on infographics, posters, and simple animations. They will experiment with digital photography, and green screen videography shooting and editing. Required: Students will need to be able to sign into their active TPS 501 school email address.