Camp Updates:MondayFirst day of camp! Today campers learned the meaning of STEM as well as how scientists find answers in science, by asking questions! Our discussion of science began today with plants, the basis of the Earth's ecosystems. Campers identified what plants need in order to survive, and then designed an experiment to test how different factors can influence the growth of fast growing plants. Campers also began germinating radish seeds to observe the process first hand. The afternoon was spent in a variety of different fun interactive learning centers and concluded with the design of an air powered rocket. Launch count down beings tomorrow!
Disney's Roller Coaster GameTuesdayOur morning warm-up focused on what we learned about plants on Monday and included Day 2 of our "Build-It" challenge in which one group member is the communicator and must explain to the rest of the group (the builders) how to construct an object using provided materials.
Air powered rockets can fly far! After designing rockets yesterday afternoon, today was launch day. Each group had three trials with opportunities to improve their design after each test. Two rockets blasted off over 100 feet (one would have gone further if not for the wall) and all of the groups had lots of improvement to improve their trajectory. The afternoon was spent discussing and designing zip lines to carry a Lego min-fig the fastest with testing and redesign tomorrow. Camp has been awesome so far with great campers! Tomorrow, mention the secret word "potato" to Mr. King or Mr. Rott for a prize. WednesdayDay three of the "Build" challenge was just that, challenging. But, the last two day's practice helped teams to succeed (the structure is in the pictures gallery bellow). After a quick recap of zip lines, groups tested their design in transporting the Lego Min-fig with the fastest group reaching the finish in just 1.36 seconds. Our concluding discussion focused on the influence of friction, both in the activity and in other real world occurrences, and the use of different materials to decrease friction.
The day's main topic focused on bridges. We started by building background knowledge through research of different types of bridges and their advantages and disadvantages and examples, and examples of world known bridges. Students collaborated to design a popsicle bridge that spans 12 inches and supports as much hanging weight as possible; tests will be conducted tomorrow after drying. Tomorrow, mention the secret word "fishing line" to Mr. King or Mr. Rott for a prize. NOVA Build a Bridge Website Bridge Building Game Rocket Gravity Game |
ThursdayToday we had some extremely impressive bridges! Our winning bridge ended up holding over 40lbs, we filled up the bucket and ran out of items to hang from the bridge. The competition was very exciting to say the least. Thursday's main topic focused on engineering and Rube Golberg machines, challenging campers to think creatively about cause and effect in building a machine that would eventually knock over a beaker. Designs and ideas were wide ranging with a lot of creativity in developing the machines. We will leave machines up until Friday morning if parents would like to see the final products. Tomorrow, mention the secret word "Ok, Go" to Mr. King or Mr. Rott for a prize.
Friday |