Simran Sahni, left, and Saya Green learn about the effects of a concussion on the brain through a handmade model activity.

The day program teaches children about the world of science through fun, interactive, and thought-provoking hands-on activities and experiments in a university setting. The science curriculum — which includes biology, space, and earth science — is provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa, which started the GENE-ius Program in 2008, and is taught by trained instructors with degrees in biology.

“We are so excited to see our youth involved in science. These are our future UOG students, and they are the researchers of tomorrow,” said Sereana H. Dresbach, associate dean/director of Cooperative Extension & Outreach. “Hopefully, these young people will see our University in their future as a fun place to learn and grow.”

This semester’s program had 56 students enrolled in the seven-week fourth through sixth grade program as well as 28 first through third grade and 14 seventh through ninth grade students enrolled in shorter pilot programs.

“This spring was a huge term for us,” said Kamille Wang, Guam GENE-ius program manager. “We had excellent response to the addition of the two additional grade groups, and we're excited to announce that we will be offering the complete seven-week program to grades one through nine this coming fall.”

The next GENE-ius Program will be offered from Sept. 14 to Oct. 26. Registration will be announced in August.

“This is just one of the ways that University of Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach engages with the citizens of Guam — we make science fun!” Dresbach said. 

Those interested in registration can email cnascommunications@triton.uog.edu. 

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About UOG Cooperative Extension & Outreach

University of Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach works to increase collaborations between the public and government agencies, private entities, and non-governmental organizations. Its partnerships foster its mission of extending research-based knowledge through outreach education programs for positive engagement of individuals and communities. It specializes in agriculture and natural resources, consumer and family sciences, 4-H youth development, and community development.