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Kids Earn Science “Degree” Online through Purdue’s College of Science

03-06-2023

Cole Hustedt holds up his certificate from Purdue College of Science

Ever notice that incoming freshmen look younger and younger every year? Well now, kids as young as kindergarten can get a “degree” from Purdue.

In 2022, Purdue’s College of Science began the Kids STEM Degree, a series of videos and assessments that children from kindergarten to middle school can access to earn a “degree” from Purdue Science.

The College of Science K-12 Outreach at Purdue University offers a wide range of programs, including the popular Purdue University Kids STEM Degree. This degree program is specifically designed to introduce children to the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a fun and engaging way. The aim is inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators. The videos are part of the Superheroes of Science YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@purduesos 

Faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students have been involved in the production of the videos with subject matter ranging from the water cycle to why we have seasons, from making a tornado in a bottle to introducing algorithms. Each video is 3-5 minutes long and is followed by a quiz. The student receives a code after successfully completing the quiz and after earning 10 codes they’re eligible for their “degree”.

Asia Watts discovered the program through her daughter’s elementary school and decided to try it. “Avery completed the Kids STEM degree offered by Purdue University”, said Watts. “This was a great, fun way to learn all about STEM! She explored topics like The Water Cycle, Mixing Colors, Air Pressure and more. And how cute is it that the kids got a certificate after completing all learning videos and assessments? We both really enjoyed this!”

Since March of 2022, more than 2,200 students have completed the program. Tricia Hustedt, an elementary school Special Education teacher has used the videos in her classrooms and had this to say about her students experience: 

“Having access to a program such as the Purdue Kids STEM degree gives kids of all ages, abilities, and interests something to work towards and be so proud of when they met their goal. The smiles and pride they have when we hand them their ‘Purdue Certificates’ make all the hard work worthwhile. What a great program to encourage College and Career Readiness!”

The Kids STEM Degree materials can be accessed on their website https://www.purdue.edu/science/K12/STEM.html

To learn more about the work of Purdue Science's K-12 Outreach Team visit https://www.purdue.edu/science/K12/

 

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