Frequently Asked Questions


What is STEM?
 STEM is an acronym for the fields of study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
The term is typically used in addressing issues surrounding federal sciences, education, workforce, national security, and immigration fields.
Students who graduate in STEM fields have a much easier time finding jobs and earn a significantly higher salary.
For more, see our STEM page.

Who are the teachers?
 Our STEM teachers all have experience teaching children, and have a science background or training.
Our teachers also have training on each of the subjects prior to teaching a class.
Our teachers for the on-base STEM classes speak fluent English.
More info on our teacher(s) can be found near the bottom of the “STEM Science Teachers page.”

What is the cost?
 The STEM Science course normally costs ¥4200 (about $42) for each “theme.” Each “theme” consists of two classes.
Each class is about 1 hour, though classes have been tailored to be from less than 1 hour to 90 minutes.
The current on-base special price is $36 per “theme” (2 classes + science kit).

Where are classes held?
 The STEM science classes are held at the (Kadena) Schilling Community Center or at the Kadena Arts & Craft center.

How long are the classes?
 The classes are 60 minutes long.

What is the schedule of classes per week/month?
 We have a schedule of 1 class every other week, so 2 classes (= 1 themes) per month.
1st/3rd Thursday of each month. 4pm-5pm. 6-8 year olds.
2nd/4th Thursday of each month. 4pm-5pm. 9-12 year olds.
Other classes may be opened based on need. If you are interested but have a time conflict with the current
schedule, please let us know. We may open classes on other bases if there is demand.

How is the class structured?
 Typically, the first class will be some introductory material on the month’s theme (E.g., Magnets, Light, Air pressure, etc).
There will also be experiment demonstration(s) by the instructor, as well as hands-on group or pair experiments. Sometimes
games demonstrating the concepts will be played. At the end of class, a summary of what they learned is discussed,
and students write a short science report.

For the second class of the month, a review of the concepts learned will start the class, followed by more demonstrations/experiments.
A STEM Science kit is passed out to each student, and the instructor will lead in assembling/using the science kit, and showing how
to use the kit do do their own experimenting. At the end of class a short summary is done, and students write a science report.
Students keep and take home their science kit.

Is this just a summer program or year round?
 We plan to teach the STEM Science course year round, with a different science them each month.
However, if you want to enroll just for the summer, that is fine, too, (if the class is not full).

How long is the STEM Science course?
 The STEM Science course consists of dozens of experiment “themes,” requiring 72 classes to fully complete.
However, most of the experiment themes are independent and don’t have a prerequisite “theme” to participate in.

What is the schedule of science themes?
 While subject to change, the course schedule of themes can be found near the bottom of our “Science Course page.”

Do I have to sign up for some long-term contract?
 No, you may sign up monthly. Currently, there is no registration nor cancellation fee.
However, if there is a wait list and you drop out, your seat in class will be replaced by the next person
on the wait list. We will make accommodations for vacations, etc, if you tell us in advance.

Is there a free trial to see if my child enjoys the class?
 We will treat the first class as a free trial. If you decide to quit after the first class (and let us know by the next day), you may withdraw with no fee
and no penalty, or be entitled to a full refund if you have already paid.

What age groups is STEM Science for?
 The STEM Science course has been optimized for ages 6-12 years old.
However we have taught STEM Science to age groups as young as 4, and all ages can learn from the course.

How do I enroll/register for the STEM Science course?
 For new registrations, please contact us by email (okistem@gmail.com) as the classes may be full and we need some information from you.
For continuing registrations, please register and pay at the Schilling Community Center desk.
More info is on our “STEM Science - Enroll page.”
If the class is full, we’ll keep a wait list. Contact us to get on the waitlist.

Where can I get more information?
 Please contact us. Or explore the rest of this website OkiSTEM.com