Summer Tech Program builds on lessons learned at school

More than 140 students entering grades four through nine participated in the annual Lincoln Public Schools Summer Technology Program, which was held over two, one-week sessions June 21-July 2.

Courses were held at the Bryan Community Focus Program building near 48th and O streets. Students could sign up for a variety of courses, which met for three hours a day. Courses included WeDo Lego Robotics, Digital Art and Design, and Creating Animations and Games with Bloxels. 

The program has evolved and grown during its more than 20 years - enrollment was 60 students when it began - but one thing hasn’t changed: It offers students the opportunity to hone the creative and critical thinking skills they developed from August through May.

Irving Middle School business teacher Patrick Fielder taught the WeDo Lego Robotics course this summer.

“It's really collaborative. In the summer I’m more of a facilitator than a teacher,” he said. “It's really easy for the kids to pick this stuff up. Kids are a lot more resilient and resourceful in this stuff than a lot of adults give them credit for. They are a lot more willing to try things out - and that's really what this is about.”

Eloise, who’s going to be a fifth-grader at Elliott Elementary School, participated in Fielder’s class.

“I think it's pretty cool that you can still do coding in the summer,” she said. “I think it's really fun.”

---