Fourth through sixth grade students in last year’s Guam GENE-ius science program pose for a class photo. The program is returning this September following the success of its launch last year.

 

The GENE-ius science program is back for its second year at the University of Guam College of Natural & Applied Sciences. The seven-week Guam GENE-ius day program for fourth to sixth graders will take place during two identical sessions — 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. — on Saturdays from Sept. 15 to Oct. 27. Classes will be held in and around the Agriculture & Life Sciences building on the UOG campus.

“This program was a huge success when we launched it in Guam last year,” said Kamille Wang, Program Manager for Guam GENE-ius. “The students got to learn above and beyond what they learn in the classroom by being able to have fun with science and being hands-on with the lab equipment. Now that the program has a strong reputation, we’re hoping for an even larger turnout this year.”

The curriculum allows children to explore the world of science through interactive and thought-provoking activities and experiments in a university setting. It aims to stimulate curiosity, encourage young students to explore and build a passion for the field of science, and foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Over the series of classes, the program will cover a range of science disciplines, including biology, space, and earth science. The lessons will be taught by trained instructors who are UOG alumni with degrees in biology.

Guam GENE-ius is an offshoot of the program that was started in 2008 at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and has since expanded there due to its success.

“The idea is in order for the U.S. and the world to be better prepared for what’s coming up on our planet, you need to have scientists,” said James Hollyer, former UOG Associate Director for Extension and Outreach. “We need to inspire younger children to be scientists when they become adults — or, at the very least, to learn how to think logically and critically.”

GHollyer originally brought the program to Guam with the help of Dr. Ania Wieczorek, Director of the Hawaii GENE-ius Day Program.

The cost for the seven-week program is $100. Registration forms with payment are due Tuesday, Sept. 11. To register, contact Kamille Wang, Program Manager, at (671) 787-8159 or guam-geneius@triton.uog.edu.