Summer STEM program lets USD 383 students explore outside the classroom

More than 300 Manhattan students are learning about the planet, game design, and crime scene investigations.

The Manhattan-Ogden School District collaborated with Kansas State University to give middle school students a hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and math -- or STEM.

Students chose four courses to take during the month long camp.

The middle schoolers are on campus half-a-day and are taught by K-State's Pre-Service teachers and Master Teachers from the local district.

Debbie Mercer, Dean of College of Education at Kansas State University, said the summer program has evolved over the years and is a win-win for all involved.

“We’re planting those seeds through opportunities to be here, to be comfortable on our campus, and to see themselves as scientists, as engineers, as teachers,” said Mercer.

USD 383 teacher Courtney Smith said it’s all inquiry based learning.

“I think this is great because it gives them the opportunity to learn about something they want to learn about they have a choice to select some classes that interest them and its stuff they aren’t learning in a classroom and its very relaxed,” explained Smith.

The program goes through the end of June. For more information go to: