INSPIRING FUTURE INNOVATORS THROUGH KIDS COLLEGE MICRO-SESSIONS

Local students recently explored hands-on learning and creativity through Kids College micro-sessions hosted at Pioneer Middle School.

Led by Walla Walla Community College in partnership with Whitman College and Walla Walla Public Schools, these sessions provided students ages 9–13 with an early introduction to the popular Kids College summer program.

Designed to spark curiosity and build foundational STEM skills, the micro-sessions engaged students in a variety of interactive activities. Participants explored concepts in physics, engineering, and aerodynamics while working collaboratively to solve challenges.

One featured activity invited students to design and build Rube Goldberg-style machines—creative systems that use a chain reaction to complete a simple task. Through projects like these, students practiced teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving in a fun, supportive environment.

The sessions were facilitated in part by students from Whitman College’s Human-Centered Design program. Drawing from their coursework, these student leaders developed and delivered curriculum focused on creativity, collaboration, and real-world application.

Additional activities included building bridges from pasta, designing balloon-powered cars, and experimenting with paper airplanes. Each project encouraged students to test ideas, learn from trial and error, and think creatively.

Programs like Kids College play an important role in helping young learners explore potential career pathways in fields such as engineering, architecture, and science—while building confidence and curiosity along the way.

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Source: Adapted from reporting by Loryn Kykendall, originally published by the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.

Read the original article: https://www.union-bulletin.com/news/local/education/sparking-creative-minds-local-students-learn-stem-skills-at-kids-college-sessions/article_66ed281c-9631-460e-8462-9bcaed8820cf.htmlf.html