STEM At Camp
What is STEM?
Traditionally, STEM incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Throughout camp programs at Howard County Conservancy, we also integrate Arts into so many of our activities, turning traditional STEM planning into STEAM!
STEM Missions of the Week 2023WEEK 1: GREEN STEM CAMP
NATURAL BRIDGE BUILDERS –
Bridges are key for getting around and over water in nature, but which designs are strongest? Campers will work to brainstorm, design, test, and build bridges that can withstand the most weight possible.
WEEK 2: BACKYARD BIRDS
PAPER AIRPLANE COMPETITION –
There are many ways to build a paper airplane, but which one works best? Brainstorm new methods by changing the size, shape, or weight of the plane. Compete to see which model flies highest, farthest, and longest!
WEEK 3: PLANT POWER
BIOSPHERE BUILDERS –
Plants and animals have grown together to balance nutrients and resources in nature. Campers will learn how plants and animals support each other in an ecosystem by building biospheres out of things found out in nature.
WEEK 4: WONDERS OF WATER
RECYCLED RAFTS –
Set out to sea by creating a boat out of recycled materials! Campers will learn about how buoyancy and weight affect the way their boats float, and then test which designs are more successful as they travel down the stream.
WEEK 5: RAD REPTILES
EGG DROP CHALLENGE –
Many animals have unique methods of protecting themselves, like a turtle’s hard shell. Campers will invent their own protective vessel for an egg and put it to the test in an Egg Drop Challenge! See which strategies and designs can keep the egg from cracking under the pressure.
How does STEM/STEAM fit into Camp?
We have always focused on science and nature at Camp, and we love to investigate over the course of our sessions and summer! This year’s STEM Mission of the Week (MotW) will highlight the ways in which Campers use technology to solve problems, work together to design and test engineered structures and devices, and leverage mathematical reasoning to conduct science experiments.
We find many imaginative ways to incorporate STEM into our daily planning; i.e. instead of a chemistry demonstration, Campers may participate in a Potion Class! We encourage hands-on investigative learning.
WEEK 6: ADVENTURE SKILLS
SHELTERING AGAINST THE ELEMENTS –
Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? Learn new survival skills as you try to outlast the elements. Campers will use natural materials to construct shelters in the wilderness, seeing how many people they can fit within, and how well they can withstand the elements.
WEEK 7: TALONS AND TEETH
HIGHEST KITE CHALLENGE –
How well can you adapt to life in the air? Campers will learn about adaptations and design as they build kites designed to soar in the air and stay afloat even when winds get tough! Taking inspiration from flying animals, students will compete to see whose kite can fly the highest and the longest.
WEEK 8: INCREDIBLE INSECTS
CRITTER CAMOUFLAGE CHALLENGE –
How do insects blend in with their surroundings? Campers will make larger than life insect models designed to disappear into their habitats using the power of camouflage. Taking inspiration from nature, students will see who can hide the best of their massive insects!
WEEK 9: BACKWOODS TREKKERS
ECOSYSTEM EXPLORERS –
Explore the Conservancy and pick an ecosystem to recreate! Campers will combine science and art in this fun craft as they create a model of their chosen ecosystem which will include plants, animals, and more.
WEEK 10: HABITAT HIKERS
SCAVENGER HUNTERS –
Explore the hidden paths and secret spots on the Conservancy’s trails. Campers will search for hidden clues and items all over the Conservancy to deduce the final surprise for the end of our summer sessions.
How does STEM/STEAM fit into Camp?
We have always focused on science and nature at Camp, and we love to investigate over the course of our sessions and summer! This year’s STEM Mission of the Week (MotW) will highlight the ways in which Campers use technology to solve problems, work together to design and test engineered structures and devices, and leverage mathematical reasoning to conduct science experiments.
We find many imaginative ways to incorporate STEM into our daily planning; i.e. instead of a chemistry demonstration, Campers may participate in a Potion Class! We encourage hands-on investigative learning.
WEEK 1: GREEN STEM CAMP
RECYCLED RAFTS –
Take on the role of an engineer and create a barge out of recycled materials. Campers will conduct tests to determine if their design can withstand the elements. Discover how buoyancy and weight affect the way your boat floats- will your creation make it down the stream?
WEEK 2: MARVELOUS MAMMALS
ECOSYSTEM SUPERHEROS –
What do you know about the superheroes of your ecosystem? Learn about animal engineers as you create web maps showing how superhero mammals help other species. Can you invent a device to help these mammals along their journey to improve their homes?
WEEK 3: BRANCHING OUT
ARBORISTS IN TRAINING –
Become an arborist in training as you learn about the unsung heroes of our natural world- trees! Sketch out protective designs that can shield young saplings against natural and predatory elements. Create a 3-D tree life cycle to test the success of your device.
WEEK 4: COME FLY WITH ME
EGG DROP CHALLENGE –
What gives an animal the ability to fly? Test out this theory as you create a protective vessel for your egg in the Egg Drop Challenge! See what designs protect the egg from cracking under the pressure.
WEEK 5: STREAM SLEUTHS
STREAM SCIENTISTS –
Take on the role of an engineer and create a barge out of recycled materials. Campers will conduct tests to determine if their design can withstand the elements. Discover how buoyancy and weight affect the way your boat floats- will your creation make it down the stream?
WEEK 6: SURVIVE IT!
SHELTERING AGAINST THE ELEMENTS –
Test out your survival skills as you simulate “roughing” the elements. Create miniature shelters out of natural materials and test the effectiveness against various weather conditions the natural world can produce.
WEEK 7: ROCKIN’ REPTILES
LETTERBOXING CHALLENGE –
Navigate through camp as you carve, stamp, and map out the hiding spots of our reptile friends through the Letterboxing Challenge. See who can find the most boxes and sign in with your signature stamp.
WEEK 8: DIRT DETECTIVES
DIGGING UP DISCOVERIES –
Become an arborist in training as you learn about the unsung heroes of our natural world- trees! Sketch out protective designs that can shield young saplings against natural and predatory elements. Create a 3-D tree life cycle to test the success of your device.
WEEK 9: BACKWOODS EXPLORERS
RIVER RAPID RACERS –
Head into the great outdoors and discover what building supplies the forest has to offer! Use natural materials to design and build a stick boat to race down the stream in an aquatic challenge. Learn about the interdependence of the Conservancy’s forest ecosystem as you construct your river racer.
WEEK 10: FOREST FORENSICS
ECOSYSTEM EXPLORERS –
What mystery can you uncover when investigating the Conservancy’s forest. Observe what animals live among the trees and build a dynamic energy pyramid including all the organisms you identify. Zoom in on the smallest of habitats and see how many creatures can live off a single leaf.