By Erin Granger
Great Falls College MSU News Service
GREAT FALLS – Sarah Zook enjoys teaching technology classes in the summer because it keeps kids’ brains active and stimulated in ways they otherwise may not be during the long break.
“It keeps their brains thinking logically all summer,” Zook said. “I think it helps with their math skills. They keep using their logical processing.”
This summer, Zook is teaching a number of technology-related classes for Great Falls College MSU’s Center for Lifelong Learning. Her courses include robotics, LEGO video games, and App Attack!, a course that will teach students to code and program apps.
Those are just a few of the technology classes being offered for kids through Lifelong Learning. Youngsters can also learn about Minecraft, coding and the game LittleBigPlanet.
Lifelong Learning is expanding its offering of kids’ technology classes this summer.
“STEM is such a big deal in education, and this is a way to extend that over the summer and expose kids to various STEM fields,” said Heather Palermo, director of Lifelong Learning at Great Falls College MSU.
Lifelong Learning offers a variety of classes year-round geared toward adults and kids. However, in the summer Lifelong Learning expands its kids’ class offerings to help kids stay engaged during the summer months.
“As a college, we want to offer educational kids classes in the summer that are also fun,” Palermo said.
Zook tries to make her classes exciting, while also keeping students’ brains active. In the past, she’s included field trips, such as seeing the surgery robot at Benefis Health System.
While coding and robotics teach math, they also encourage creativity.
“It’s really good for both sides of their brain,” Zook said. “They always come up with ideas that are so creative.”
Tech classes aren’t the only ones being offered this summer. There are classes on sewing, baking, art, fishing and more. Babysitting 101 is one of the most popular summer classes and will be offered twice this summer, once in June and once in July.
Kids’ classes range from a full week to a full day to just a few hours. And there’s something for everyone, and for every age. Classes are offered for kids as young as 7 up to 14.
Summer classes, however, aren’t just for kids. Lifelong Learning has a wide variety of courses for adults too.
“In the summer we try to offer classes that get people outside,” Palermo said. “Adults don’t want to be stuck in a classroom during the summer.”
For adults, Lifelong Learning has beginning and intermediate fly fishing, prospecting, photography, and wood carving. There is also a class that teaches students to cook over a campfire. Yoga is offered several times a week.
Registration for summer classes opens April 7. Visit gfcmsu.edu/lifelonglearning for a full list of classes or call 406.268.3734 for more information.
For more information, contact:
Heather Palermo
Director of Lifelong Learning
Phone: 406-771-2290
[email protected]
Erin Granger
Marketing Specialist
Phone: 406-771-4314
[email protected]
