What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
Join us for an exciting journey into the world of engineering! In this camp, students will delve into various engineering disciplines through hands-on activities and engaging projects. Each day will feature a new theme, allowing participants to explore structural engineering in different ways each class. Get ready to unleash your inner engineer and embark on an unforgettable learning adventure! 1. Interactive Lectures: Engage in dynamic virtual sessions where we delve into fundamental engineering concepts, emerging technologies, and real-world applications. 2. Hands-on Activities: Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into hands-on activities that bring engineering principles to life. From building prototypes to conducting experiments, you'll experience the thrill of engineering firsthand. 3. Daily Building Challenges: Fuel your creativity and problem-solving skills with daily building challenges that encourage you to think outside the box and apply engineering principles to design and construct innovative solutions. Throughout the camp, there will be opportunities for sharing, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Learning Goals
These challenges offer a mix of creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on experimentation, providing campers with opportunities to apply engineering principles in fun and engaging ways.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
DIY Marble Roller Coaster
Challenge kids to design and build a marble roller coaster using cardboard tubes, tape, and other household materials. They can experiment with different track designs and slopes to create exciting rides for marbles.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Wind-Powered Car Challenge
Build a car powered by wind energy using materials like cardboard, straws, and balloons, and test its speed and distance traveled. They can experiment with different designs to see which one travels the farthest.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Paddle Boat
Challenge kids to create a boat that moves using only the power of a paddle. They can experiment with different hull shapes and propulsion methods to make their boats faster and more stable.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Straw and Paper Airplane Launcher
Using straws, paper, and tape, challenge kids to create a launcher that can launch paper airplanes. They can experiment with different designs and angles to achieve the farthest distance or the highest altitude.
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Supporting students in their engineering challenges involves not only encouragement and providing resources but also ensuring their safety when using potentially dangerous materials. Here are some guidelines to help manage safety concerns:
Small Parts and Sharp Objects:
Choking Hazard: Keep small parts, such as pom poms and coins, away from young children to prevent choking.
Sharp Edges: Be cautious with materials that have sharp edges, like scissors. Make sure the pair provided for your student is in proper working order and they can handle them safely..
Rubber Bands and Elastic Materials:
Proper Handling: Explain that snapping rubber bands can cause eye injuries or welts on the skin. Demonstrate how to use them gently and securely.
Usage Limits: Discourage using rubber bands in a way that creates high tension, as this increases the risk of them snapping.
By prioritizing safety and educating your child on the proper use of tools and materials, we can help them enjoy their engineering challenges while minimizing the risk of injury.
Supply List
Here's a supply list for each of the engineering challenges: DIY Marble Run: 1. Cardboard tubes (from toilet paper or paper towels) 2. Cardboard boxes or foam boards 3. Tape (masking tape or duct tape) 4. Scissors 5. Marbles 6. Small balls (optional) 7. Decorative materials like markers, stickers, or paint (optional) Wind-Powered Car Challenge: 1. Small wheels or cardboard cut into circles (from old toys or purchased from a craft store) 2. Axles (wooden skewers or metal rods) 3. Lightweight materials for the car body (foam board, plastic bottle or recycled materials) 4. Balloons 5. Rubber bands (for attaching the balloon) 6. Tape (masking tape or duct tape) 7. Scissors 8. Decorative materials like markers, stickers, or paint (optional) Paddle Boat: 1. Recyclable materials for the boat hull (plastic bottles, foam boards, or styrofoam blocks) 2. Popsicle sticks or wooden skewers for paddles 3. Rubber bands 4. Tape (masking tape or duct tape) 5. Scissors 6. Plastic clamshell package (cut into paddle) 7. Markers or paint for decoration (optional) Straw and Paper Airplane Launcher: 1. Drinking straws 2. Paper (printer paper or construction paper) 3. Tape (masking tape or duct tape) 4. Rubber bands 5. Popsicle sticks or wooden skewers 6. Scissors 7. Markers or paint for decoration (optional) These supplies should provide everything students need to complete each engineering challenge successfully.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University
For more than 15 years, I've been deeply involved in education, spending the last 9 years as a homeschooling parent. My greatest joy lies in helping students delve into complex subjects by exploring various perspectives. In today's world, narratives hold significant weight, influencing our understanding immensely. I'm passionate about sharing diverse literature that captivates students and broadens their comprehension. In my classes, I bring history to life through a blend of novels and primary sources, delving into socioeconomic factors, religious influences, and the nuances of narration bias. Encouraging critical thinking, I prompt students to consider multiple viewpoints and the motivations behind historical events.
For over 7 years, I've taught at a local homeschool co-op, both in-person and online. One of my favorite roles has been leading middle and high school book clubs, where I not only introduce students to new books but also facilitate discussions on challenging topics. Having undergone diversity training and sensitivity workshops, I approach these discussions with care, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and respected. Attending numerous professional developments, I've honed strategies for fostering inclusivity and highlighting multiple points of view.
My educational journey began with a B.B.A. from Northwood University, followed by a transition to pursue a teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University. Unfortunately, family circumstances led me to prioritize homeschooling my children over completing the program.
Across various homeschool groups and co-ops, I've taught a range of subjects including English, History, Finance, and Engineering. My passion for literature shines through in running book clubs and teaching classes on essay writing, grammar, and novel analysis. I've curated diverse book selections, fostering rich discussions on themes, characters, and symbolism.
Responding to students' interests, I initiated the Literature through Film series, offering an alternative way to explore classic literature through movie adaptations. This approach accommodated different reading paces and preferences, maintaining our focus on thorough novel analysis.
In my History classes, I employ a multi-faceted approach, incorporating primary sources, articles, and films to examine diverse perspectives and marginalized narratives. Similarly, in Finance and Entrepreneurship classes, I prioritize hands-on learning, guiding students through real-world applications such as budgeting, mortgage calculations, and investment tracking.
Utilizing Lego Education Kits, I've led engineering classes, both in-person and through platforms like Outschool. These sessions encourage creativity and problem-solving, fostering an interest in STEM fields.
Continuing my professional development journey, I actively participate in events like EdCamp, NerdCamp, and NaNoWriMo, enhancing my teaching practices and staying abreast of educational innovations.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$70
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
50 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
3-9 learners per class