Pathfinders 4-12th Grade
DAPCEP Pathfinders
DAPCEP Saturday courses are foundational STEM courses that prepare pre-K to 12th grade students to pursue advanced STEM educational pathways. Taking place in both the Fall and Spring, terms range from 6 to 8 weeks (our youngest learners in the Explorers program participate for 8 weeks). Courses take place both virtually, and in-person. Topics include: articificial intelligence, robotics, aerodynamics, computer programming, coding, chemical and engineering, artificial intelligence, and many more.
Recognized as a national model for out-of-school time educational enrichment, the Pathfinders program achieves results by offering intensive, technologically advanced, and highly motivational academic programming. Courses are facilitated on partner university and corporate campuses, and provide youth with hands-on opportunities in technical environments. In addition to teaching high quality academic topics, students are also educated in soft-skills that include communication, networking, teamwork, professional etiquette, and time and resource management.
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Spring 2023 Enrollment is Now Open!
Use the filter below to identify classes for your student by grade and location. Please email us at info@dapcep.org for any questions.
3D Printing Makers
Grades 4-6
Students learn the fundamentals of 3-dimensional designs for making 3D prints using TinkerCAD to introduce 3D modeling and 3D printing technology.
Algebra
Grade 8
Students will develop the mathematical knowledge and skills, as well as the critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills fundamental to the study of mathematics in general and algebra in particular.
All-Star Film Makers
Grades 6-12
Students will learn the basics of film making using technology, software and equipment to produce a short film/movie trailer about select DAPCEP STEM classes.
Auto-Nomous Robotics
Grades 6-12
Explore the world of everyday autonomous wheeled mobile robots. In-person class at Bradley Univ. in Peoria, IL.
Basic Music Production
Grades 7-12
Students will be able to match their passion for music with the basic elements of music production.
Building Blocks of Math
Grades 4-5
Building Blocks of Math is a virtual course designed to give young students a strong math foundation that is vital to future math.
Building Blocks to Programming – Cracking the Code
Grades 4-8
Intermediate skilled coders will investigate how the programming language Blockly incorporates Python. In-person class at Bradley Univ. in Peoria, IL.
Coding & Game Design
Grades 4-5
Learn to code in an interactive learning environment! Students build upon the fundamentals of coding and strengthen computer science skills using miniature-applications in coding.
Critical Thinkers
Grades 6-8
Throughout this course students will use critical thinking skills to solve and build board games; these games will be based on themes chosen by the students.
E-Sports
Grades 9-12
ATTENTION ALL GAMERS: Do you like to play competitive video games against other talented players in a competition-driven, team environment? Sign up for this interactive video-game oriented experience now!
Engineering Exploration
Grades 5-8
Different types of engineering are introduced each week in a hands-on, student-centered manner. For example, students will make slime to learn about physical and chemical reactions.
Engineering in Medicine
Grades 5-8
Students will interact with simulation manikins and equipment while learning how materials used in engineering impact and improve medical treatment. In-person class at Bradley Univ. in Peoria, IL.
Engineering in Medicine (WSU)
Grades 9-12
Students will be introduced to the field of biomedical engineering, innovative engineering solutions, solve problems in biology, physiology, and medicine.
Everyday Chemistry Program
Grade 10
This chemistry program will be a three year (six semester) program for 10th grade students that can result in a scholarship to attend Lawrence Technological University. Students will gain exposure to chemical principles through hands-on activities, and research methods.
Exam Experts SAT Level 1
Grades 7-9
Peoria, IL students only. Level 1 is an informative course for students in grades 7th – 9th that will provide systemic, comprehensive training for the SAT exam, utilizing ExamExperts’ highly motivational Accelerated Retention Learning (ARL) training method.
Exam Experts SAT Level 2
Grades 10-12
Peoria, IL students only. Level 2 is an informative course for students in grades 10th-12th grade that will provide systemic, comprehensive training for the SAT exam.
Explore 3D Design
Grades 9-12
Learn the components of how to operate a 3D printer and create various designs on Tinkercad, then print creations on a 3D printer.
Future Engineers
Grades 4-5
This class provides students with the opportunity for engineering exploration through teamwork and weekly challenges.
Growing Great at the Detroit Zoo
Grades 4-6
Students will explore what it means to eat healthy, where our food comes from, and how nutritious diets are selected for the animals living at the Detroit Zoo.
Intermediate Math
Grade 7
This course will deal with concepts in linear equations, graphing techniques. The material covered in this five week plan will be: Basic Math review, Sets and real Numbers, Variables,and more.
Inventing History
Grade 6
This course requires both students and their parent(s) to participate in the invention process. It is offered in partnership with the Henry Ford Museum and the University of Michigan - Dearborn.
JavaScript Coding
Grades 7-8
Students will learn about computer science and JavaScript (or JS) programming using the Bitsbox application.
Life of π(thon) – Cracking the Code
Grades 4-8
Python is the ideal language to teach beginner programmers due to clear, readable syntax, quick progression, versatility, widely available resources, and the supportive community.
Making Meaning: Teaching Engineering Through the Lens of Blackness
Grades 9-12
Students will be exposed to the racialized history of engineering in Detroit and encouraged to establish guiding principles for pre-college engineering education.
Math Masters – Bradley University
Grades 7-12
Students will learn techniques and strategies to increase their proficiency in the subject, as well as learn mathematics strategies to solve complex problems quickly and more efficiently on tests and standardized exams.
Math Masters – Elementary
Grades 4-5
This valuable class is for 4th to 6th graders and will take a deep dive into problem-solving methods for Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
Math Masters – Middle
Grades 6-8
This valuable class is for 6th to 8th graders and will take a deep dive into problem-solving methods for Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
Pre-Engineering Math
Grade 6
An interactive course for 6th grade students where students will learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide integers; locate coordinates on a grid; read a number line; and more.
Roblox e-Sports Game Design
Grades 7-8
Students will learn about the eSport industry and how to design a gaming platform using the Roblox Studio application.
Robotics: Robo Warriors
Grades 7-8
Build a robot in this exciting engineering challenge! Students will work to complete an electronic machine that will be put through various challenges during the term.
SAT Level 1
Grades 7-9
This course will provide systemic, comprehensive training for the SAT exam, utilizing ExamExperts’ highly motivational Accelerated Retention Learning (ARL) training method.
SAT Level 2
Grades 10-12
SAT Level 2 is for students in grades 10th - 12th. This informative course will provide systemic, comprehensive training for the SAT exam, utilizing ExamExperts’ highly motivational Accelerated Retention Learning (ARL) training method.
SAT Math Test Prep
Grades 9-12
SAT Math Prep course by Math 4 Success is designed to prepare current high school students (9th-12th graders) for the PSAT and SAT tests.
Scratch Game Design
Grade 4-6
Students will further develop an understanding of coding and Scratch including variables, sprites, loops, conditional statements and other programming basics.
Scratching the Surface – Cracking the Code
Grades 4-8
An introduction into Computer Science through Scratch. Students will learn coding fundamentals such as loops, variables, and data types.
Senior Seminar
Grade 12
Students will learn about college culture and gain the skills needed to be successful with a focus on the college application process, financial aid, admissions and essays, ACT/SAT prep and other college readiness opportunities.
Social Media Money Makers II & Smart Bowl Game Show
Grades 5-8
Students will learn about careers, big technology, pioneers, popular social sites, etiquette and terminology.
STEM Builders of the Future
Grades 6-9
This course is a hands-on interactive experience with early exposure various STEM fields. Students will learn how STEM is applied in the real-world by doing project-based experiments covering multiple topics.
The Science of Risky Business
Grades 8-12
Students will learn how to build a stock portfolio through simulation and evaluate their profit and loss margin every week.
Up, Up, and Away
Grades 4-6
Up, Up and Away is a course about airplanes and why they fly. Each student will explore forces of flight called thrust, momentum and lift. In-person class at Bradley Univ. in Peoria, IL.
Urban Design Architecture Workshop
Grades 7-12
Students are asked to develop a site located within one of Detroit’s most historic neighborhoods. Sample topics include map reading, outdoor spaces, floor plan and scale, and building forms.
Water You Thinking? The Chemistry and Biology of Life’s Medicine
Grades 5-8
Students will explore general physical and chemical characteristics of water hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules and their importance in biological systems. In-person class at Bradley Univ. in Peoria, IL.
Wildlife Neighbors
Grades 6-8
At the Detroit Zoo, students will learn about the wildlife who share their neighborhoods while also developing skills in scientific research.