Kidsteam
FREE After-school Activity
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:15-5:45 pm
Generally September – April (do not meet when school is out)
May have a couple sessions early December, or start the end of January
Boise State University (Downtown Boise) – 777 Main Street
Easy Drop-off and Pick-up
At Boise State University, we have a group that is designing technology for kids with kids. We need your help. We can’t design new computers without kids being a part of our team. If your child likes to dream up new ideas, draw, program, or work with people to make cool things – then they would be perfect for the group we are starting! Don’t worry if they can’t do all of that, if they can do just one of them that’s fine too.
We meet twice a week during the school year Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15pm-5:45pm in our lab in downtown Boise. The lab has multimedia computers and lots of other things to design and make new computer software and hardware. If your child participates on the team for the year, they will receive a technology gift (valued at up to $120) for their hard work.
Limited Availability
Contact Jerry Fails, to participate: jerryfails@boisestate.edu, (208) 426-5783, or click on the “Participate” button.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is Kidsteam affiliated with Boise State?
Yes, Jerry (Dr. Fails) directs Kidsteam and is a professor in the Computer Science Department at Boise State University. The research is approved by the Institutional Review Board.
- Are there background checks on the adults working with the kids?
Yes, all adults that work with our program are required to have a background check.
- Does it cost money to participate?
Nope, it is entirely free to participate.
- Do parents stay with the kids during the program?
Generally parents do not stay with the kids during the program.Â
- Is it mandatory that children go twice a week?
Yes, children are required to attend twice a week. Sometimes sessions will be online (a tablet will be provided for use during online sessions). We understand that things come up sometimes. Life happens, just let us know.
- What do the kids spend time doing?
Kids spend time helping us to develop new technology aimed at other kids. A typical session includes 15 minutes of snack/transition time, 10 minutes of circle time to discuss work, 45 minutes of group work time, and then about 20 minutes of sharing ideas, documenting, journaling etc.
- Are snacks/food provided?
Yes, snacks are provided. Please inform us of any allergies.
- What is the technology gift and how does it work?
Kids who participate for the full year can choose a technology gift (single item) from amazon that costs up to 120 dollars. It must be approved by both the parents and Dr. Fails.
- Why is Kidsteam located downtown and not on the Boise State campus?
The Boise State University Computer Science department is located downtown rather than on campus. Since Jerry is a faculty member in the CS Department, it is also held downtown.