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.

  • Session 1: October 14, 2023
  • Session 2: November 4, 2023

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: October 14, 2023

Creative Writing

Grades 3-6

October 14:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

Come along for a journey into a fictional universe, developed by…..YOU! In this course, we will explore perspective writing in order to bring the reader inside the thoughts swimming in our minds! We will focus on description, perspective, and other writing crafts to develop several short pieces of writing. If you enjoy thinking creatively and using your imagination, then this class is for you!

Join the waitlist.

Already started an application? Log in

Expressing Ourselves Through Hip-Hop

Grades 3-5

October 14:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

It's the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop and what better way to celebrate than to learn about and partake in some of the core elements of this creative movement? We'll try out some foundational Breaking moves, explore how the DJ's beat is the backbone for the scene, and what it means to tell your personal story through the medium of your choice (whether that's through graff lines, rap lyrics or all of the above) This will be a guided workshop introducing and exploring these various elements as a group. Much like the original Hip Hop pioneers, we'll find our expression through collaboration with one another. No prior experience needed but an open mind and willingness to keep it fresh is a must!

Applications are closed.

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Sculpture Creations

Grades 3-4

October 14:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

We'll be building 3-dimensional art from our own imaginations. We'll have lots of materials to work with: wood, metal, cardboard, fabric, plaster, paint and more.

Applications are closed.

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Coding with Sphero Robots!

Grades 4-6

October 14:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

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!

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Under the Microscope: Daphnia Lab

Grades 4-6

October 14:   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!

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Sculpture Creations

Grades 5-7

October 14:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

We'll be building 3-dimensional art from our own imaginations. We'll have lots of materials to work with: wood, metal, cardboard, fabric, plaster, paint and more.

Register Now!

Already started an application? Log in

Expressing Ourselves Through Hip-Hop

Grades 6-8

October 14:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

It's the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop and what better way to celebrate than to learn about and partake in some of the core elements of this creative movement? We'll try out some foundational Breaking moves, explore how the DJ's beat is the backbone for the scene, and what it means to tell your personal story through the medium of your choice (whether that's through graff lines, rap lyrics or all of the above) This will be a guided workshop introducing and exploring these various elements as a group. Much like the original Hip Hop pioneers, we'll find our expression through collaboration with one another. No prior experience needed but an open mind and willingness to keep it fresh is a must!

Applications are closed.

Already started an application? Log in

Under the Microscope: Daphnia Lab

Grades 6-8

October 14:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

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!

Applications are closed.

Already started an application? Log in

Classes: November 4, 2023

Art 2 Wear

Grades 3-4

November 04:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

Why wear a plain T-shirt when you can wear your own art? You'll be transforming a plain shirt into whatever you can imagine. We'll use paint, dyes, markers, beads and more.

Register Now!

Already started an application? Log in

Creative Writing

Grades 3-6

November 04:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

Come along for a journey into a fictional universe, developed by…..YOU! In this course, we will explore perspective writing in order to bring the reader inside the thoughts swimming in our minds! We will focus on description, perspective, and other writing crafts to develop several short pieces of writing. If you enjoy thinking creatively and using your imagination, then this class is for you!

Register Now!

Already started an application? Log in

Expressing Ourselves Through Hip-Hop

Grades 3-8

November 04:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

It's the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop and what better way to celebrate than to learn about and partake in some of the core elements of this creative movement? We'll try out some foundational Breaking moves, explore how the DJ's beat is the backbone for the scene, and what it means to tell your personal story through the medium of your choice (whether that's through graff lines, rap lyrics or all of the above) This will be a guided workshop introducing and exploring these various elements as a group. Much like the original Hip-Hop pioneers, we'll find our expression through collaboration with one another. No prior experience needed but an open mind and willingness to keep it fresh is a must!

Register Now!

Already started an application? Log in

Mathematical Paradoxes

Grades 4-6

November 04:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

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.

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Science Explorations: Density

Grades 4-6

November 04:   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!

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Video Game Coding with Bloxels

Grades 4-6

November 04:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

Have you ever wanted to create your own video game? Try out Bloxels! In this course you’ll be the designer and developer of your own video game where you craft the animations, backgrounds, and characters in a world of your design. You can even add superpowers to your characters! At the end of this course, you’ll publish your game for others in the Bloxel community to play.

Join the waitlist.

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Art 2 Wear

Grades 5-7

November 04:   01:00PM - 04:00PM

Why wear a plain T-shirt when you can wear your own art? You'll be transforming a plain shirt into whatever you can imagine. We'll use paint, dyes, markers, beads and more.

Register Now!

Already started an application? Log in

Mathematical Paradoxes

Grades 6-8

November 04:   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.

Register Now!

Already started an application? Log in

The World of Anatomy

Grades 6-8

November 04:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

Get ready to take a scalpel and cut into the world of anatomy! We're about to commence on a journey that's part science, part mystery, and a whole lot of "I can't believe we're doing this" excitement. In this class, we'll be exploring the ins and outs of living organisms. You'll be holding a scalpel like a surgeon and discovering things you never knew could be so fascinating. From unveiling the hidden secrets of frogs to investigating the mysteries of organs that make us tick, we're diving deep. So, join us in this journey of discovery, where your cutting-edge skills will lead you to a whole new level of "wow, I just did that!" moments.

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What a Character!

Grades 6-8

November 04:   09:00AM - 12:00PM

In books, plays, and film, it’s characters that draw us into the story. Creating complex, three-dimensional characters is an essential skill for any writer. In this course, students will explore the notion of what makes a particular character memorable and, through a series of writing exercises, create some fascinating characters of their own.

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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.

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