Camp: Space, Robots, and Disco Donuts (Steam)

Class Experience
This class begins with a flight of imagination and explores elements of art, science, and math. The idea began with a song I wrote by the same name, and was later expanded into after school enrichment curriculum in Cambridge, MA public schools,  and featured in a musical produced by a professional theater company.  

Session 1: Art & Literacy
We begin with a leap of imagination, as students are first introduced to the (funny) idea of a robot who makes donuts in outer space. We will listen to the song, and draw pictures of what we imagine the robot and the donut shop look like. 
As a literacy and team building exercise, I will guide students to create a group poem or story from the robot's perspective. 

Session 2: Science/STEAM
We will learn some facts about outer space to compare and contrast with ideas of our imagination. 
We will look at the timeline of space exploration, the anatomy of a spaceship, and visit the International Space Station. 
We will touch on weather balloons and SpaceX.
We will make a rocket craft.

Session 3: Science/STEAM
We will learn about various types of real and fictional robots. 
We will address the following questions: 
Why are robots useful? 
How have they been imagined over the years, and what kinds of robots are used in day to day life? 
How are robots used in space exploration? 
We will play a robot movement game and build a robot tool using recycle art. 

Session 4: Science/STEAM
We will look at the habitability of various planets, and learn about the solar system. 
We will make a planet craft, and constellations. 
We will begin to set up our Donut Shop. 

Session 5: Math/STEAM
We will pretend to help run the donut shop in space. Using basic math, we will create a store- pricing and selling stock, and making craft donuts and signs. We will end class with a dance party at the virtual "Robot Disco".