Scholars Academy at Central

Are you ready to dive into a world of adventure and imagination? Look no further than this exciting course! By participating in the popular tabletop role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons, scholars will unlock a world of creativity and learning opportunities. Throughout the course, students will develop valuable skills in creative writing, story structure, graphic design, and text analysis.

This varied learning experience ensures that your scholar will be engaged and challenged throughout the course. From crafting compelling characters to designing visually stunning posters, students will have the opportunity to explore their interests and passions in a fun and supportive environment.

Instructors:

Patrick White, MAT, Communications Director, ACX Cinema 12+ and Movie Reviewer, Hastings Tribune. Patrick has been a part of Scholars Academy for 8 years serving in various capacities including Resident Assistant, instructor, and assistant director.

Jeffery Sokol, General Manager of the Grand Island 7 AMC Classic Theater. Jeffery has been a Resident Assistant for Scholars Academy for 4 years and has been providing quality enrichment activities for our Scholars during his time at SAC.

Through advanced hands-on work, scholars will design, build, and code Lego NXT robots. This hands-on work will give students the chance to learn and utilize skills and strategies related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math while incorporating the Engineering Design Process. This course will challenge scholars to innovate various robot designs to guide their robot over and through various terrains.

The basics of coding will be taught in a block-style format utilizing the Lego NXT software, which will prepare the students for future coding courses taught in high school and college. We will end the week with a robot competition to utilize what the scholars have learned and challenge their fellow classmates!

Instructors:

Rennick Turner, Hastings College Chemistry Major, has 5 years of robotic building experience including being the State runner-up at the VEX Robotics Competition 2017 and 2018 and a National qualifier in 2017. Rennick currently works as a Laboratory Technician at Hastings College and is well known for his ability to run sound and lighting equipment for the College at various events.

Rebecca Horton, ophthalmic technician in Colorado, has 8 years of robotics building experience and was the State runner-up at the VEX Robotics Competition in 2017 and 2018 and a national qualifier in 2017. Rebecca holds a record at the VEX World Competition from both 2015 and 2016. Additionally, her skills and abilities have allowed her to machine pieces that are currently in use on the Mars rover.

Sometimes it is easy to forget about your own backyard when you start to look for amazing adventures! This year, find more about what’s waiting outside your door! You will identify diverse plants and animals in a BioBlitz - a race to identify as many organisms as possible in a short period of time. How about making a tie-dye shirt with natural dyes! Have you ever wondered why dyes make color? Together we will look at the molecular structures that color our world.

Have you always wondered what it would be like to be an engineer? Let’s build a hut and see what challenges it can endure! What about trying to design a boat? You will have the opportunity to do both while as SAC! Try out design ideas for the Kardboard boat race by making a mini boat out of graph paper, cardboard, duct tape, and Elmer’s glue. Then you can calculate the load your boat should be able to carry and put it to the test after building is complete!

Whether you are interested in biology, chemistry, engineering, or art - there is something here for you! Each day we’ll have a snack or drink highlighting Nebraska.

Instructors:

Amanda Solem, PhD, Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Biology, Hastings College

Avery McKennan, BA, Biology & Secondary Education, Hastings College