Topics

Campers explore the form and function of the organs and systems inside our bodies. Microbes (germs) and nutrition are also covered as campers learn about what a human body needs to thrive.

Topics covered include: form and function of organs and systems, microbes, and nutrition.

Campers examine plants on a macro and micro level, and learn how plants adapt to different habitats. They study the pollination process and the possibilities of hydroponics and vertical farming in urban environments.

Topics covered include:  plant adaptation, pollination, hydroponics and vertical farming.

Campers observe the habitats, adaptations, and life cycles of diverse organisms. Through the study of food chains and ecosystems, they develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of the natural world.

Topics covered include:  habitats, adaptations, life cycles, food chains and ecosystems.

Campers study electric, wind, magnetic, solar, and hydropower as they explore the importance of power in our lives. From engineering solar ovens to designing water wheels, this group maintains a special focus on sustainable and renewable energy.

Topics covered include:  electric, wind, magnetic, solar and hydro power, with a focus on sustainability.

Exploring the principles behind gears, levers, pulleys, inclined planes, and wheels and axles, campers discover the concept of work. Campers engineer and design marble runs, catapults, and Rube Goldberg machines as they discover how machines are an integral part of their lives.

Topics covered include:  gears, levers, pulleys, inclined planes, and wheels and axles. through marble runs and catapults.

Campers explore the properties of rocks and minerals, and examine natural phenomena such as plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, geysers, erosion and weathering. Through the study of geologically unique National Parks, they gain an understanding of how these elements shape our Earth.

Topics covered include: rocks, minerals, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, and erosion.

Through the construction of gliders, parachutes, propeller and jet-powered crafts, rockets, and helicopters, campers explore the basic principles of flight. They then engineer their own flying machines, incorporating their understanding of resistance, lift, and thrust.

Topics covered include: gliders, parachutes, helicopters, jets, and the basic principles of flight.

Our graduating campers explore the complex world of structures, bridges, and skyscrapers. They consider the principles of form, function, stability, and strength. They also gain a working knowledge of TinkerCad and 3D printing to design and create building prototypes.

Topics covered include: bridges, skyscrapers, and the basic principles of architecture including form, function, stability, and strength.

In 2017 we explored the vastness of space through the lens of maker education. Maker education embraces the engineering process as well as the agency and creativity of DIY culture. Signature components of this approach include hands-on exploration, questioning and “what ifs,” discoveries, not to mention many “oopses” and “try agains!”. Applied to the context of space, this approach guides campers to see how making and engineering are a part of the everyday work of NASA. Through the intersection of space and the Maker movement, campers develop confidence, creativity, an engineering mindset, resourcefulness, imagination, and grit.

Throughout the month, the camp-wide theme was incorporated through theme lessons, special events, and field trips led by our two Maker teachers, Alaina Rausa and Julie Wrobel. Campers learned about many of the current NASA projects not only in space but here on Earth, as well.

We were inspired to focus on the ocean after learning that we know more about the terrain on Mars than we do about our own ocean floor. Imagine that! Thankfully, many scientists, engineers, and activists are working to change this. As we speak, groundbreaking work is being done to map the ocean floor, conserve our oceans, and discover new life in the depths. What’s more, much of this innovative research has promising real-world applications. It is a particularly exciting time to delve into the ocean, as advances in technology have allowed us to explore more of the ocean than ever before!

Campers learned about a myriad of ocean-related jobs, from a soft robotics engineer to a marine biologist. They saw connections between all science disciplines and oceanography, and assumed the role of oceanographer in an interactive “underwater” expedition to map the ocean floor. Throughout the month, the camp-wide theme was incorporated through Oceanography lessons, special events, and field trips led by our three theme teachers, Alaina Rausa, Julie Wrobel, and Alexandra Luciani.

For the summer of 2019, instead of exploring vast environments like space or the ocean, we turned our attention to the little things. With this in mind, we introduced our 2019 theme: Tiny Science! We were inspired to focus on the world of Tiny Science after learning about how much there is to explore in this new frontier. For centuries, scientists have been investigating the world of microbiology. From food and medicine to technology, the discoveries we’v emade in the microworld have improved our lives in countless ways. To delve even deeper, to see an even smaller world, scientists and engineers invented microscopes that allow us to see into the nanoworld for the first time. Now, scientists are using new tools and new understandings to manipulate materials at the nanoscale. The discoveries they’ve made have opened up a new world of possibilities. Thanks to nano, our wildest dreams for the future just may be within reach!

Our study of Tiny Science focused on nanoscience, and also included elements of microbiology, nanotechnology, and biomimicry. This summer, the campers will come to understand just how small nano is, and be surprised by the places you can find nanoscience in their everyday life. Throughout the month, the camp-wide theme was be enacted throughTiny Science lessons, special events, and field trips.