STEM Saturday Academy for Middle School Students

UNC Charlotte STEM Pre-College Students win 2nd Place Overall at the STEM Day competition at NC State University on April 13, 2024.

Registration

Registration will close temporarily from December 17 through January 2 due to the holiday break.

Embark on an exciting journey into the realms of mathematics, science, and scientific competition with our engaging program tailored for middle school students. Over the course of five Saturdays and two Virtual Thursdays, participants will dive into a dynamic blend of direct instruction, problem-based learning, and cooperative learning techniques to explore the wonders of STEM and prepare for science Olympiad competitions.

Fall 2024:

  • September 7
  • September 21
  • October 12
  • November 2
  • December 7,
  • November 14 (Virtual Thursday)
  • December 12 (Virtual Thursday)

Spring 2025:

  • January 18
  • February 1
  • February 15
  • March 15
  • March 29
  • April 5
  • May 3,
  • April 10 (Virtual Thursday)
  • May 15 (Virtual Thursday)

Time:

  • 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays
  • 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Virtual Thursdays

Location: UNC Charlotte Woodward Building

Audience: Middle school students interested in STEM

Capacity: 100 students, grades 6 to 8

Program Highlights:

1. Direct Instruction: Expert educators will deliver interactive lessons and demonstrations to introduce students to key concepts in mathematics and science. From algebraic equations to scientific principles, participants will receive comprehensive instruction tailored to middle grades curriculum standards.

2. Problem-Based Learning: Through hands-on activities and problem-solving exercises, students will tackle challenging math and science problems designed to develop critical thinking skills. From conducting experiments to solving mathematical puzzles, participants will engage in inquiry-based learning to deepen their understanding of STEM concepts.

3. Cooperative Learning: Collaborative learning activities will foster teamwork and peer collaboration among students. Through group projects and team-based challenges, participants will work together to solve problems, share ideas, and support each other’s learning, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

4. Science Olympiad Preparation: Dedicated sessions will focus on preparing students for science Olympiad competitions, covering topics such as anatomy, ecology, physics, and engineering. Participants will practice sample questions, participate in mock competitions, and receive guidance from experienced coaches to excel in scientific events.

5. Virtual Thursdays: Two virtual sessions on Thursdays will complement the Saturday sessions, offering opportunities for interactive discussions, virtual lab experiments, and guest speaker presentations. These sessions provide flexibility and additional engagement, allowing students to deepen their understanding of STEM concepts and connect with peers and mentors.

Benefits for Participants:

  • Strengthen math and science skills aligned with middle grades curriculum standards
  • Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities
  • Prepare for Science Olympiad competitions and enhance competitive skills
  • Interact with educators, scientists, and STEM professionals
  • Build confidence and enthusiasm for mathematics and science
  • Earn a certificate of participation in the STEM Pre-College program for 23 hours contact 

Registration:

  • Fall 2024 Saturday Academy registration is closed.
  • Spring 2025 registration will open Monday, October 28, 2024.
  • Spring 2025 registration will close Friday, January 10, 2025.

Cost: $125.00 per participant

Full Participation Required

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore the fascinating worlds of mathematics, science, and scientific competition. Join us for five Saturdays and two virtual Thursdays filled with discovery, learning, and STEM adventures!

Application Fee: $125.00 (Refund Policy: All refund requests must be submitted via email to stem-precollege@uncc.edu and received 30 days prior to the start date of the program. No refunds will be granted within 30 days of the event. Refund request will take 2-3 weeks to process. There are no refunds for no-shows. A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $50.00 will be retained for each enrollment payment. (No exceptions.)

Policies and Procedures: Please click here to view. You will be asked during your registration to confirm agreement with these policies.

Registration