Does your child need additional challenges beyond the traditional school curriculum? Are they passionately interested in a particular topic? Would they like a chance to meet other like-minded kids? Our Weekend Enrichment program is designed to supplement what elementary and junior high students learn in school and give them a chance to explore their interests — or discover new ones!

About the Program

Weekend Enrichment consists of half-day enrichment opportunities for elementary and junior high students (grades 3 — 8) that take place at the Belin-Blank Center on the University of Iowa campus. Classes in STEM, arts, and the humanities will cultivate students’ interest and spark their curiosity! Students do not have to be in a gifted and talented program to participate in Weekend Enrichment.

Fall 2025

Spring 2026

  • Coming soon!

The Weekend Enrichment program is designed to challenge students in their areas of interest and strength. Students are introduced to advanced level topics and other interested kids their age. Class sizes are small, and they take place on the University of Iowa campus, giving your child access to valuable university resources and experts. Our instructors are vetted professionals, including classroom teachers, local artists, graduate students, and professors who have the expertise to delve into a subject at an advanced level, while keeping it accessible for the age group.

Classes

Saturday, October 11, 2025

Coding with Sphero Robots!

Grades 3-4

October 11:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

Want to discover a fun new way to learn programming? Try out this Sphero Mini course! A Sphero Mini is a small, durable, interactive sphere (think the size of a golf ball), which responds to coding commands issued via Bluetooth from an iPad. This is a beginners’ guide to block coding, and the sequence of commands that make a robot go!

$85.00

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Science Explorations: Mosquito Movers & Microscopic Marvels

Grades 3-4

October 11:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

In this engaging, hands-on science session, students will explore the fascinating world of insects—from fruit flies to mosquitoes to live crickets and hissing cockroaches. Through four interactive lab stations, participants will build insect models, use microscopes to observe glowing neurons, and safely handle live insects. They'll learn how scientists study insect development and how tiny creatures play big roles in ecosystems and human health. The session wraps up with a lively insect bingo game and a Junior Entomologist certificate to celebrate their discoveries!

$85.00

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Creative Writing: Building Fantastical Worlds from D&D to Warrior Cats and Beyond

Grades 5-6

October 11:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

Students will let their imaginations run wild as they explore the many worlds of fantasy and science fiction stories! Students will generate 6-7 (or more!) ideas and craft their own work with the help of an expert instructor. This is a perfect opportunity for every curious and creative student whether they dream of becoming an author or just bringing imaginary worlds to life.

$85.00

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Science Explorations: Daphnia Under the Microscope

Grades 5-6

October 11:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

Dive into the miniature universe of Daphnia! They might be small, but these tiny, water-dwelling creatures have big personalities that will take center stage. In this lab, we'll be putting on our detective hats and observing Daphnia's antics under the microscope. It's like reality TV, but in a water droplet. From dramatic twirls to daring escape attempts, these little creatures know how to keep us entertained. We'll be exploring questions like: How do Daphnia react to stimulants and depressants? How do they react when things get a little "heated" in their watery world? Join us for a few laughs, some serious science, and a front-row seat to the aquatic adventures of Daphnia! Remember, even though Daphnia may not have their own theme song (yet), they're still the stars of our lab show. Can't wait to see you there!

$85.00

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Art Explorations

Grades 7-8

October 11:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

Students will get to explore their creativity and dive into the wide world of art using a few different mediums during this fun course. Students are sure to walk away with some artistic creations they are excited about.

$85.00

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Minecraft: Building a Mars Rover

Grades 7-8

October 11:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

Have you ever wanted to explore another planet? Do you like Minecraft? In this class, you will get to know the rovers who have brought back data from Mars before experimenting with your own rover design using Minecraft. Students will also get hands-on by putting together their own minature solar-powered rover to take home.

$85.00

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Saturday, November 15, 2025

Creative Writing

Grades 3-4

November 15:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

Explore your own unique experiences to tell your best story! In this course, students will explore the richness of imagery and how to use it in their own unique way. They will generate numerous seeds for stories and get started on how to best water those seeds to fruition. There will be opportunities to share if students feel comfortable doing so. Whether they’ve taken a creative writing class before or not, they’ll have a blast and leave feeling excited about continuing their writing journey.

$85.00

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Science Explorations: Density

Grades 3-4

November 15:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

Get ready to solve the ultimate conundrum that's stacked from top to bottom—the Density Column Puzzle! Imagine a skyscraper made of liquids, where even the smallest drop has a personality clash with its neighbors. This is the kind of skyscraper drama you don't want to miss! In this class, we'll be mixing, pouring, and stacking liquids of all sorts—from the heavyweights that refuse to budge, to the lightweights that think they're the kings of the castle. Your mission? Arrange these liquid troublemakers in perfect order based on their density. Think you've got what it takes to outsmart gravity and engineer the wackiest tower ever? This is your chance to prove that you're not just a student; you're a density sorcerer! So, grab your goggles and get ready to mix, measure, and master the art of density. We promise, it's a puzzle that will keep you on the edge of your seat—or in this case, at the top of your beaker!

$85.00

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Art: Sculpture Creations with 3D Pens

Grades 5-6

November 15:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

In this class, student will build 3-dimensional art from their own imaginations. To bring the scupltures to life, students will have lots of materials to work with including 3d printing pens, wood, metal, cardboard, fabric, plaster, paint and more.

$85.00

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Math of Games

Grades 5-6

November 15:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

Get ready for fun and friendly competition as we learn the mathematical strategy behind playing games! Many mathematical topics will be explored such as probability, statistics, number theory, pattern analysis, geometry, and algebra. We will tackle the math behind games such as tic-tac-toe, Mastermind, Pachici (known in modern times as Parcheesi), Hearts, Risk, Settlers of Catan, Bridge and many, more. Playing games will take on new meaning when fun and mathematical thought come together. Please join us for this active, thought-provoking class!

$85.00

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Math Paradoxes

Grades 7-8

November 15:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

Did you know that there exists a shape that can be filled with paint but not painted? Did you know that an argument can be made that 1=0? Would you like to explore a 4-dimensional shape? In this course, students will explore more than a dozen wild and sometimes wacky mathematical paradoxes.

$85.00

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Science Explorations: Neurons in Action

Grades 7-8

November 15:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

In this fun, hands-on class, you’ll explore how brain cells (neurons) send messages using tiny charged particles called ions. Using an interactive simulation, you’ll learn how signals move across cell membranes—just like students do in medical school, but adapted for middle school! You’ll discover how ions like sodium and potassium flow across neuron membranes to create electrical signals that control movement, sensation, and thought. Come ready to experiment, think like a scientist, and learn how neurons and ions work together to power everything you do.

$85.00

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How to Register

Want to join us? We're here to help with all the information you will need in order to register.

Eligibility

Any student who is currently in 3rd–8th grade is eligible to apply for Weekend Enrichment. They do not need to be in a talented and gifted program to apply. Qualified students will show a high level of interest in the topic, motivation to learn, and ability to positively contribute to a classroom environment.

Registration Process

Here's how to apply:

  1. Identify one or more classes that are a good fit for your student’s academic strengths and interests. Classes should be selected based on the student's grade during the current academic year.
  2. Complete a registration form for each selected class.
  3. If there are more eligible students than seats in a class, then students will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis and a waitlist will be generated for the class.
  4. Submit payment.

After You've Registered

Get ready for lots of learning and tons of fun! Here you can find answers to all the questions you may have while making your plans to join us.

Cost & Financial Aid

Cost

Each student will pay a program fee of $85 per class. If your student registers for both a morning and an afternoon class, the total cost is $170. Please note the fee for Weekend Enrichment is not eligible for tax credits or other pretax reimbursements because it is an educational rather than a child care program.

Payment Deadlines

You must pay in full by the day of your student's class in order to participate in Weekend Enrichment. All fees are payable to the Belin-Blank Center.

Financial Aid

You may apply for financial aid when you register your student for the program. Information including parent/guardian salary, enrollment in free/reduced lunch, or other federal or state assistance programs will be collected at that time. Those that apply for financial aid will initially only be charged half the cost of the program. However, after your information has been reviewed, a decision will be made, and you will receive an email regarding the amount of your award. Financial aid is awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, while funds are available.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel, email students@belinblank.org as soon as possible to decline your acceptance so a student on the waitlist may attend. 

  • 4+ Weeks: If a cancellation occurs at least four weeks before the class begins, we will refund the entire program fee, less a $20 cancellation fee per class. 

  • 2-4 Weeks: If a cancellation occurs less than four weeks before the class starts, we will refund half the cost of program fees. 

  • 1 Week: If a cancellation occurs within a week of the start date of the class, no refund is given to any cancellations, regardless of circumstance. 

  • If a student misses class, regardless of reason, program fees will not be prorated and refunds will not be issued. 

    Schedule

    Morning classes will meet from 9 a.m.12 p.m. and afternoon classes will meet from 1 p.m.–4 p.m. While students may register for both a morning class and an afternoon class, please note that lunch supervision will not be provided between the morning and afternoon sessions.

    Location

    Weekend Enrichment takes place at the Blank Honors Center on the University of Iowa campus.

    Contact Us

    Questions? For the fastest response, please email students@belinblank.org.