Building to Learn: Steam CAMP for Kids 8-12

In these STEAM classes students will learn some basic geometry skills, engage in creative construction, develop their own and teacher led projects, learn some engineering principles and use architectural ideas to build structures using their 3 Dux kits of materials.
Topics will include 1) Shapes  2) Angles and their Uses, 3) Balance and Stress in Structures 4) Thinking Creatively 5) Measurement  6) Planning and Design 
How is your class structured? The first 10 minutes of class will be project presentations and warm -up. The next 10 minutes will be introduction of the topic and skill concepts. The next 15 minutes will be practicing skills. The last 5 minutes will be explanation of the new project challenge and questions and answers. 
Here is a general outline of classes the classes in each section may vary slightly depending on the students interest and abilities. 
Week 1- Inventory Kits, outline expectations, delve into geometry skills and vocabulary: angles, curves, shapes, 2-D, 3-D. Begin a project.
Week 2- Review geometry words, present project 1, learn about balance and symmetry, begin project 2. 
Week 3- Review, Present project 2, symmetry experiment, learn about types of bridges, begin project 3. 
Week 4- Continue working on Project 3, discuss materials strength, balance, and present plans. 
Week 5- Present Bridge projects, learn about some energy sources,  Begin final project. 
Week 6- present the final project, participate in a game to review all the students have learned. 
Classes are very interactive, with student presentations and ample time for questions and answers. Students are expected to contribute to class discussions. The teacher will present new skills and information through oral instruction, and hands-on activities. 
In my class students are expected and encouraged to ask questions and add to discussions in an informal give and take. Games are sometimes employed to add more excitement to the class.  This is a beginner class so students are not expected to come with prior knowledge of the subject. Students should be able to read at the third grade level and know how to add, subtract and do simple multiplication and division.