Belin-Blank Center

About the Program

If you are tired of being told you are too young to learn serious coding, then our Advanced Computer Science Program is just for you! You will connect live with a fantastic instructor and other inspired young coders. Explore the program below and get ready to code your dreams into reality.

Application Timeline:

September 12, 2022 (5:00 pm Central): Registration opens
October 12, 2022 (11:59 pm Central): Registration closes

Program Events:

October 17, 2022: Class begins
- Mondays & Wednesdays; 5:00-6:30 pm Central
No class on November 21, 23 and December 26, 28 and Jan 2
Class ends February 8, 2023

Advanced Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence is an introductory course developed in partnership with MITAI for K-12 designed to help students explore AI and its far-reaching societal impacts in our world.

The course is designed around engaging activities and learning units that integrate foundational AI concepts and real-world applications with ethical design and responsible use, as students explore how these technologies can help solve problems and improve life for themselves and their communities.

Students can investigate the broad implications of AI technology such as:

targeted advertising,
facial and voice recognition,
self-driving cars, and
neural networks.

Through a combination of group activities, individual explorations, and end-of-module deep dive projects, students will build familiarity with AI technology and the current state of machine learning.

Donna Bohlmann is a recently retired teacher, having spent 31 years teaching multiple grade levels in Ohio and Iowa. She spent more than 16 years as the Talented and Gifted Coordinator for the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont School District in Eddyville, Iowa. In 2017 she received the Belin-Blank Center's Educator Award for Outstanding Achievement. Donna has a B.S. in Education from The University of Akron and has completed graduate work at The Ohio State University and The University of Iowa. She currently lives in Ottumwa, Iowa, with her husband, John, and dog, Ivy. She is the mother of Marshall, Jared, and Olivia, and grandma to Luna. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, theatre, scrapbooking, and reading.

Classes

Advanced Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence

Grades 4-6

October 17 - February 08, 2023

This is an online, teacher-led, introductory course based on MIT AI curricular resources for K-12 designed to help students explore AI and its far-reaching societal impacts in our world. The course is offered in collaboration with Project STEM and designed around engaging activities and learning units that integrate computer science and computational thinking concepts with ethical design and responsible use, as students explore how these technologies can help solve problems and improve life for themselves and their communities.

Classes will meet online Mondays & Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30 pm.

Applications are closed.

Already started an application? Log in

How to Register

Eligibility

To determine if this opportunity is a good fit for you, take a moment to consider these questions.

Are you interested in logic and putting things in order?

Are you interested in learning how to code AND about how computers and technology affect our everyday lives?
Are you interested in thinking about how computer science can help us improve the world?
Are you motivated to work through lessons on your own and reach out to ask questions if you need help?
Are you looking forward to working with other young coders during scheduled class time?
If you answered yes to these questions, register now!

Age ranges vary by class. Any student who is currently in the appropriate grade is eligible to register for this program. You do not need to be in a talented and gifted program to register.

Registration Process

Here's how to register:

Identify if a class is a good fit for your academic strengths and interests.
Complete a registration form.
If there are more eligible students than seats in a class, students will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis, and a waitlist will be generated for the class.
Submit payment.

Photos

After You've Registered

Cost & Financial Aid

The cost of our coding experiences varies, and the price is listed by each opportunity. We know that times are hard for many students and their families right now. Fortunately, we are committed to supporting one another, so financial aid and payment plans are available to families who qualify.

You may receive financial aid for up to half the cost of the program. Awards are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, while funds are available. Qualification for free or reduced-price lunch typically determines eligibility. After reviewing your information, we will send you an email regarding any award you may receive. If you are granted financial aid, it will be applied directly to your program fees.

Payment Options

There are three options for payment of program fees:

Pay the entire amount on a credit card.
Pay in monthly installments using a credit card.

Technology

Students will be using Project STEM’s digital learning platform to manage course discussions, materials, and assignments. They will also use Zoom for in-person discussions. Please make sure the device you plan to use during Explorations in Coding is capable and that you are comfortable with these platforms.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel, please email students@belinblank.org as soon as possible so that a student on the waiting list may attend.
We will not provide a refund for cancellations made within 10 days of the class start date.
If we must cancel a class in advance, you will receive a full refund.
If we must reschedule the start time or date of a class and your student does not attend, you will receive a full refund upon request.
If a student misses a class, you are not entitled to a refund.