Creative STEM Challenges: Physics and Engineering Summer Camp
In this 2 week summer camp, students will explore key scientific concepts like motion, energy, forces, and machines while using their creativity to engineer real-world solutions from household materials.
Thrive Virtual Academy by Patch Kulp
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(657)
Popular
What's included
8 live meetings
6 in-class hoursProjects
1-2 hours per week. includedCertificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Students will meet live four times each week for 45-minute sessions filled with interactive instruction, guided experiments, and collaborative sharing. Each session includes a warm-up question, a mini-lesson on the physics concept of the day, and a hands-on lab or building task using common household materials. Students will be encouraged to document their designs and observations using the daily attached lab document, which can be used digitally or printed. The camp is focused on active participation, imagination, and applying the scientific method. Students will be asked to make predictions, test designs, troubleshoot challenges, and present their results. Their experienced physics and engineering teacher will support students through clear demonstrations, guided questions, and personalized feedback during the showcase.
Learning Goals
Understand key physics concepts such as motion, force, energy, and simple machines.Use engineering design principles to solve challenges creatively.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)8 Lessons
over 2 WeeksLesson 1:
Balloon Rockets — Action & Reaction in Motion
Students will build balloon-powered rockets and explore Newton’s Third Law of Motion. They’ll experiment with how air thrust creates motion in the opposite direction. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Marble Roller Coaster — Energy on the Track
Using household ramps and marbles, students will investigate how potential energy becomes kinetic energy. They’ll learn how the height of a hill affects speed and motion. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Paper Helicopter Drop — Gravity Meets Air Resistance
Students will create and modify paper helicopters to explore how gravity and air resistance affect falling objects. They'll test how size and weight impact descent speed and spinning. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Lever Challenge — Lift More with Less
Students will build simple lever systems to learn how machines make work easier. By moving the fulcrum, they’ll discover how force and distance are related. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This course involves hands-on experiments that may require parental supervision depending on your child’s experience with basic tools like scissors, tape, or small objects. No dangerous equipment is used, but students will be expected to follow safety instructions. It is recommended that a clear workspace be available during class sessions.
Supply List
Daily Handouts will provided one day prior to the session, so that parents and students can prepare the materials for class. A variety of options will always be provided.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.9
657reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 teachers have teaching certificates
Utah Teaching Certificate in Science
Washington Teaching Certificate in Science
2 teachers have a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Science from University of Utah
Master's Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University
1 teacher has a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Brigham Young University
Hi learners and parents!
The Thrive Virtual Academy Teaching Team consists of experienced science educators with a blend of education and real life science experience:
Patch Kulp: A credentialed teacher in Washington State and holdsendorsements in biology (5-12), health (K-12) and fitness (K-12). He currently teach AP Biology, honors biology, anatomy and physiology and health science. He holds his Masters Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in life sciences and health. He received his Bachelors Degree in the field of Sports Medicine from Whitworth University. He completed 1,250 clinical hours working with medical doctors, physicians assistants and physical therapists in physical therapy clinics, collegiate, semi-professional and high school athletic training rooms, emergency rooms and urgent cares.
Victoria Laird: Physical and Life Science Teacher holds her Masters of Earth Science for Secondary Science Teachers and a Bachelors in Biological Science Education. She has nearly a decade of experience working in middle and high school classrooms, delivering engaging science content, lessons, and experiences. Additionally, she has served as a Field Research Assistant, dissecting and analyzing fish populations in Utah. She brings a diverse background in education and scientific field work, which enhance her classroom to create an enriching, real life learning experience for her students. Reviews
Live Group Course
$50
weekly4x per week, 2 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
4-10 learners per class
