Camp Invention

I mentioned that Tessa has been to Camp Invention all week.  Camp Invention "presents the wonder and excitement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming disguised as hands-on FUN!" (from their website http://www.campinvention.org/)  It is a week-long program offered nationwide. 


She went from 8:00-2:30 everyday.  It was a great experience for her and she had a lot of fun and learned a lot.  Today, the parents were invited to the "Inventor's Showcase" for the kids to show-off what they had been working on all week.  It was fun to see their creations.  They had five main stations that they went to each day.  I will describe the station shown in the picture, and then try to explain the picture.

Station 1: Problem-solving on Planet Zak--After crash-landing on a strange planet, they first use teamwork to “reassemble” their crashed spacecraft from a variety of common objects. Then children must cope with the wild weather on Planet ZAK by using important data that will help them design shelters and spacesuits able to withstand the planet’s harsh conditions and acid rain! Children also use a dynamic problem-solving process to reach a hard-to-find food source and launch their reconstructed spacecraft in time for the blastoff countdown!

This is Tessa and Connor (Connor has been in Tessa's class for the past 2 years, and I know his mom from the PTO board).  Behind them is their spacecraft.  They used (4) 2-liter bottles, duct tape to hold the bottles down and put (2) rubber bands around the necks of the bottles (one each direction).  They put their spacecraft on top of the rubber bands, pushed it down and launched it.  It worked very well.

Station 2: Imagination Point: Ride Physics: Children work as interns for the world’s newest and largest amusement park, Imagination Point. They are introduced to the basic principles of motion through hands-on activities related to amusement park rides. Children use their imaginations to create prototypes of roller coasters and other rides. Before construction begins, they investigate the science behind these thrill rides by exploring Sir Isaac Newton’s Three Laws of Motion.


In the picture next to Tessa (on the right) is part of her rollercoaster (it was very long).  They worked in groups of about 3-4 kids.  Each group was different at each station, but within their grade level.  They tested their rollercoaster with marbles.  It worked beautifully.

Also part of station 2:  she created a carnival ride using centripital force.  Tessa created this spin ride called the spin.  It reminds me of a ride that I have been on before.  You can also see her rollercoaster loop on the right side too.

 Station 3: Saving Sludge City-- the adults and businesses in Sludge City have polluted their town to the point of ruin, and it’s up to the Camp Invention Team to rebuild a cleaner, more eco-friendly city for its residents! Children are introduced to ecology and the concept of conservation as they investigate, experiment, and demonstrate the actions that caused the city to become so terribly polluted and determine effective methods to clean it up. Children explore green city design, make water filtration systems to clean up mock toxic water pollution, build landfills that protect the Earth from contamination, ensure safe waste disposal, and invent new methods of transportation that operate solely on renewable, pollution-free power sources.

In the picture, Tessa is next to a her part of the eco-friendly city.



 This is Tessa with her group counselor, Bob.  He stayed with their group all week.
There were also 2 more stations which I did not get pictures of:

Station 4: I Can Invent: Edison’s Workshop-- children walk in the footsteps of Thomas Edison as they create and market a multi-step machine. Creative problem solving is fostered as children imagine and assemble the unthinkable! Younger children work in teams to create multi-step inventions using pieces and parts of broken appliances and other upcycled materials. Older children work in teams to build complicated, multi-step machines that solve a challenge. All children further explore the process of invention as they market their inventions. A participant favorite, children of all ages find this module incredibly challenging and exciting!


Station 5: Game On: Power Play--children are challenged to use nontraditional equipment (such as water balloons) to play classic games. Each day features fresh ideas that will have children mentally and physically engaged and completely entertained. The laughter is contagious as children use fun ways to enhance their level of cooperation and coordination in these innovative, team-building exercises. Children's minds and bodies are put to the test as they combine physical activity, creativity and fun!


I look forward to her doing it again next year!