The nature of science, the process of science and the practice of science are taught in our camps. The nature of science deals with issues in the philosophy, sociology, and history of science. It includes concerns, such as the nature or attributes of scientific knowledge itself — e.g., that scientific knowledge is durable, but is always inherently subject to change. The process of science addresses what scientists do in order to develop that knowledge. When students utilize observation, modeling or controlled testing of a hypothesis in our workshops, our instructors are highlighting and naming the process so that in addition to the specific concept they are learning, they also discover how to apply scientific thinking. The practice of science explores how science and engineering concepts can be applied to the real world. Our students experience that as they look through microscopes at pond water or initiate erosion in trays of sand.
We train young scientists to be careful and thoughtful observers. We work hard to strengthen our students’ communities, adding support, encouragement, and a new perspective on science that can propel them to explore the world around them and grow.
Our camps are designed to provide students with an opportunity to build on an interest in science and engineering to develop knowledge and analytics critical to success.
The sample summer camps below are built around themes that span a full day for one week. A range of 15 - 20 workshop topics will be covered during that time. We also offer the workshops as individual 1 hour experiences, as well as half day or full day options. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about the extensive list of workshops that we offer.
What do humans, penguins, whales, fruits and seeds have in common? They all contain and use the four molecules of life! Students will experience the physical properties of these molecules - further details please see camp descriptions below
Sunlight is the bright, warming glow that heats and powers the Earth. Its energy moves the air (wind), fuels our weather (water cycle) and moves landscapes (erosion). Unique rainbows serve as signatures and can reveal the elements in the sun from which the sunlight - for further details please see camp descriptions below
As you already know, good things come in small packages and the size of a person or animal does not determine their importance. Using a microscope, students will explore the contents of pond water and the cells of plants. They will learn about the activities of insects, snails, - for further details please see camp descriptions below
The desire to observe and understand the natural world is strong in elementary school age children. So it is important to show them how not only science but the process of science can impact their lives every day. Forensics is the use of scientific knowledge - for further details please see camp descriptions below
Our young scientists will begin the week investigating the curvy, mushy, and aromatic digestive system. Understanding how the human body obtains the nutrients required for survival will provide the students with a foundation to explore the skeletal, muscular - for further details please see camp descriptions below
From building skyscrapers to launching rockets into space, we are constantly seeking to reach new heights and push technology to do more. Students will be introduced to the process of engineering design while building rollercoasters, gear trains, skyscraper structures, - further details please see camp descriptions below
Motion is one of the key topics in physics. Everything in the universe moves. It might only be a small amount of movement and very slow, but movement does happen. Even if you appear to be standing still, the Earth is moving around the Sun, and the Sun is moving - for further details please see camp descriptions below
All life on Earth is built from four different types of molecules. These four types of molecules are often referred to as the molecules of life. The four molecules of life are proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. Each of the four groups is vital for every organism on Earth - further details please see camp descriptions below
Everything around us vibrates, from the smallest atoms to the tallest buildings. Students will discover what vibration is by exploring mechanical systems that vibrate. Learn how to measure the natural frequency of vibration of a pendulum, a car, a guitar string, and - for further details please see camp descriptions below
Finding healing powers in plants is an ancient idea. People on all continents have long applied poultices and imbibed infusions of hundreds, if not thousands, of indigenous plants, dating back to prehistory. There is evidence that Neanderthals living 60,000 years ago used - for further details please see camp descriptions below
The desire to observe and understand the natural world is strong in elementary school age children. So it is important to show them how not only science but the process of science can impact their lives every day. Forensics is the use of scientific knowledge/methods - for further details please see camp descriptions below
All living things are the result of successful adaptation. Some of these adaptations are physical and some are behavioral. Together, these adaptations make each living thing unique. Students will look into the past to study the Earth’s first creatures to learn about - for further details please see camp descriptions below
Camp Descriptions - 2020 (pdf)
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Where Children Invent What They Imagine