Kids College Week   

InventWorks: Design, Build, Invent!

with instructor Daniel Schindler and Whitman College's Sociology of Education students

What if you could invent something that solves a real-world problem? In this day-long InventWorks session, creativity meets STEM in a hands-on experience packed with imagination, teamwork, and invention. 

Working in small teams, students tackle an exciting design challenge using the same Human-Centered Design strategies employed by real engineers and inventors. Throughout the day, participants brainstorm ideas, sketch designs, build prototypes, test their creations, and refine their solutions through iterative problem-solving. 

Students explore creativity, collaboration, and engineering thinking while turning big ideas into tangible inventions. The day concludes with a Student Showcase, where teams share their creations with families and peers. InventWorks is perfect for curious minds who love building, tinkering, and thinking creatively. 

Class will be held Thursday, April 9, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in rooms 618 & 620 at Pioneer Middle School, 450 Bridge St., Walla Walla, WA. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

All students must fill out and sign an Emergency Information Form and a Liability & Photo Information Form before the start of class in order to attend. Upon enrollment, a link to each form will be included in the order confirmation email. Printed forms are also available at the Continuing & Community Education office upon request.

Classes will be held Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Lunch and snacks will be provided.)

Before Monday, June 1, use discount discount code VERSO during checkout for $30.00 off!

BioWorks: Microbiology and Human Health

Explore the invisible world of microbes and discover how they shape human health in this hands-on science experience. Students investigate bacteria, viruses, and fungi that influence digestion, immunity, and disease, learning how these tiny organisms impact everyday life. Through interactive lab experiments and simple clinical techniques, participants examine microbial growth, study antibiotic effects, and explore how scientists monitor and manage infections. 

Young scientists also investigate the roles microbes play in health and disease, exploring cutting-edge concepts like the human microbiome and antibiotic resistance. Along the way, students practice safe laboratory techniques, observation, and data collection, developing critical thinking skills. By the end of the program, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the microscopic forces that affect the human body and health. 

Instructors: Sabrina Mostoufi, Gricelda Justice, & Hailee Rogers

Location: Health Science and Performing Arts Bldg. E Rm. 1722

Classes will be held Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Lunch and snacks will be provided.)

Before Monday, June 1, use discount discount code VERSO during checkout for $30.00 off!

ChefLab: The Science of Cooking!

Ever wonder what makes food rise, change color, or taste just right? In this hands-on STEM adventure, students will explore the science behind everyday foods—how plants, ingredients, and chemical reactions work together to create what we eat. Through fun experiments and tasty discoveries, kids will learn how science is behind every bite! 

Young bakers will also prepare a variety of cookie styles—including drop, bar, rolled, molded, and piped cookies—while learning professional kitchen techniques such as recipe scaling, accurate measuring, mixing methods, baking control, and ingredient quality. Along the way, students practice safe kitchen habits and efficient workflow used in bakeries. By the end of the program, participants will understand the science behind baking while creating delicious treats. 

Instructors: Hannah McCarthy, Michele Pompei

Location: Main Bldg. D Rm. 140 - Kitchen

Classes will be held Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Lunch and snacks will be provided.)

Before Monday, June 1, use discount discount code VERSO during checkout for $30.00 off!

GeoExplorers: Use the Scientific Method in the Great Outdoors! 

Do you like to spend time outside? Do you want to improve your sense of direction? Are you curious about how scientists study the outdoors? This immersive STEM program invites students to explore nature using real tools and scientific methods. Alongside local experts, campers will investigate microhabitats, learn how scientists collect and analyze environmental data, and learn how to read maps and create their own using beginner-friendly mapping tools. After learning so of these processes, campers will then work collaboratively on a mapping project around Bennington Lake that they will be able to share with friends and family who visit the park. No map reading or outdoor experience is necessary. Campers should expect to be exploring outside most days in search of data and fun!

Instructors: Andrew Trogstad-Isaacson & Stuart Chapin

Location: Water & Environmental Center Bldg. R Lobby

Classes will be held Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Lunch and snacks will be provided.)

Before Monday, June 15, use discount discount code OMNIBUS during checkout for $30.00 off!

InventWorks: Design, Build, Invent!

What if you could invent something that solves a real-world problem? In this hands-on STEM program, students work in small teams to tackle exciting design challenges using Human-Centered Design strategies used by real engineers and inventors. 

Participants brainstorm ideas, sketch designs, build prototypes, test their creations, and refine their solutions through iterative problem-solving. Along the way, students explore creativity, collaboration, and engineering thinking while learning how to turn ideas into tangible inventions. 

By the end of the week, teams integrate their findings into interactive presentations and showcase their inventions to families. This immersive program encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and teamwork, giving young inventors the confidence and skills to take imaginative ideas from concept to reality. 

Instructors: Daniel Schindler & Whitman College’s Human Centered Design students

Location: Water & Environmental Center Bldg. R Lobby

Classes will be held Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Lunch and snacks will be provided.)

Before Monday, June 1, use discount discount code VERSO during checkout for $30.00 off!

SparkWorks: Welding, Manufacturing, & Engineering 

Step into the world of metalworking and discover the science behind welding in this hands-on STEM experience. Students explore essential welding processes—including Shielded Metal Arc, Gas Metal Arc, and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding—while learning how heat, electricity, and shielding gases work together to join metals safely and effectively. 

Participants gain practical skills in tool use, personal protective equipment, and shop safety, while applying engineering thinking to design and build a small metal project. Along the way, students explore core STEM concepts such as metallurgy, heat transfer, and basic engineering design. By the end of the program, young makers will have created their own metal build, applying creativity, technical skills, and scientific principles in a professional-style workshop environment. 

Instructors: Ricardo Escareno & Jesse Noble

Location: Professional Technical Bldg. J Rm. 343 - Welding Lab