Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

πŸš€ Engineering Explorers: Summer Camp! πŸ”§

πŸš€ Calling all young builders and innovators! In this hands-on summer camp, students will explore real-world engineering through fun, interactive projects. Perfect for curious minds who love to create, experiment, and problem-solve! πŸ”§βœ¨
Courtney Runchey
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(56)
Rising Star
Class

What's included

5 live meetings
4 hrs 10 mins in-class hours
Projects
1 hour per week. 3-6 throughout the class
Certificate of Completion
1 after class completion

Class Experience

US Grade 2 - 5
Get ready to build, design, and innovate in this fun-filled, hands-on engineering summer camp! Each day, young engineers will explore a different engineering discipline through interactive lessons, exciting projects, and creative challenges.

Through engaging discussions, hands-on experiments, and daily building challenges, students will unleash their creativity, strengthen problem-solving skills, and gain a deeper understanding of how engineering shapes the world around us.

🌟 What to Expect Each Day:
πŸ”Ή Day 1 – Structural Engineering: Build and test different types of bridges to discover how design impacts strength and stability.
πŸ”Ή Day 2 – Mechanical Engineering: Create simple machines and explore how forces and motion work together.
πŸ”Ή Day 3 – Aerospace Engineering: Design and launch paper rockets while learning the principles of aerodynamics.
πŸ”Ή Day 4 – Electrical Engineering: Experiment with circuits and learn the basics of how electricity powers our world.
πŸ”Ή Day 5 – Innovation Challenge! Apply what you’ve learned in a final creative engineering project!

πŸ› οΈ How We’ll Learn:
βœ… Interactive Mini-Lessons: Engaging discussions on engineering concepts and real-world applications.
βœ… Hands-On Building Challenges: Daily projects using household materials to reinforce engineering principles.
βœ… Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creativity, teamwork, and innovation.
βœ… Show & Share: Students can showcase their projects and reflect on their engineering journey.

No prior experience is neededβ€”just bring curiosity, creativity, and a love for building!

Learning Goals

βœ… Apply engineering principles to design and test a structure
βœ… Build and test simple machines
learning goal

Syllabus

5 Lessons
over 1 Week
Lesson 1:
Structural Engineering: Bridges & Towers
 Activities:
1️⃣ Mini-Lesson: Learn about forces and how engineers design stable structures.
2️⃣ Hands-On Project: Build a bridge using household materials (straws, popsicle sticks, etc.) and test its strength.
3️⃣ Challenge: Design the tallest tower that can support a small object (e.g., a toy car). 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Mechanical Engineering: Simple Machines
 Activities:
1️⃣ Mini-Lesson: Explore the six types of simple machines.
2️⃣ Hands-On Project: Build a lever-powered catapult using household items.
3️⃣ Challenge: Create a pulley system to lift a small object. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Aerospace Engineering: Rocket Science
 Activities:
1️⃣ Mini-Lesson: How do rockets fly? Introduction to aerodynamics and propulsion.
2️⃣ Hands-On Project: Build a straw rocket and test different fin shapes.
3️⃣ Challenge: Create a balloon-powered rocket and measure its travel distance. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Electrical Engineering: Circuit Basics
 Activities:
1️⃣ Mini-Lesson: Learn about open/closed circuits, batteries, and conductors.
2️⃣ Hands-On Project: Build a simple circuit using household materials.
3️⃣ Challenge: Design a homemade flashlight or test materials for conductivity. 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs
This class is designed to be engaging, accessible, and supportive for all learners, including neurodivergent students.
Parental Guidance
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Parental Guidance Statement This camp is designed for independent learners, but some activities may require light parental supervision, depending on age and experience. Parents are encouraged to: Assist with material preparation before class to help students stay engaged. Supervise hands-on activities involving cutting, gluing, tying knots, or handling batteries. Encourage discussion and reflection by asking students about their design choices and problem-solving strategies. While Outschool classes take place in a safe, moderated environment, students should have a quiet workspace for hands-on building and testing. If learners choose to share their projects on camera, parents should ensure no personally identifiable information is visible in the background.
Supply List
Materials Needed:

Day 1
πŸ”Ή Straws, popsicle sticks, toothpicks
πŸ”Ή Tape, glue, rubber bands
πŸ”Ή Coins or small weights for testing
Day 2
πŸ”Ή Plastic spoons, rubber bands, craft sticks
πŸ”Ή String, empty thread spools, paper towel tubes
πŸ”Ή Small objects (e.g., marbles, toy figurines)
Day 3
πŸ”Ή Drinking straws, paper, tape, scissors
πŸ”Ή Balloons, string, drinking straws (for balloon rocket)
πŸ”Ή Measuring tape for launch distance
Day 4
πŸ”Ή AA battery and battery holder
πŸ”Ή LED light or small bulb
πŸ”Ή Aluminum foil, paperclips (as conductors)
πŸ”Ή Tape, playdough (as insulators)
Day 5
πŸ”Ή Any materials from previous days
πŸ”Ή Recyclables (paper towel tubes, cardboard, straws, etc.)
πŸ”Ή Tape, glue, rubber bands, paper clips
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
πŸ“š Sources & External Resources Throughout the camp, we will reference real-world engineering applications, STEM principles, and educational resources, including: Engineering Concepts & Hands-On Learning: PBS Building Big: Bridges – Understanding forces in structures Try Engineering: Circuit Activities – Interactive circuit-building experiments NASA’s Beginner Guide to Rockets – Space and rocket design principles TeachEngineering – K-12 engineering curriculum and challenges Real-World Engineering in Action: How Engineers Save Lives – National Geographic STEM Challenges for Kids – Hands-on engineering projects These sources provide valuable STEM insights, hands-on experiments, and real-world engineering case studies that will support the learning experience.
Joined August, 2020
4.9
56reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University
This camp is taught by an experienced educator passionate about STEM education and hands-on learning.

Mrs. Runchey has a background in engineering and has been teaching hands-on engineering classes for 10+ years.

Specializes in making complex engineering concepts accessible to young learners through engaging, interactive lessons.

Has experience in project-based learning, curriculum development, and guiding students through STEM challenges.

This course is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving while making engineering fun and approachable for all learners.

Reviews

Live Group Course
Share

$75

for 5 classes

5x per week, 1 week
50 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
3-9 learners per class

About 
Support 
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyYour Privacy ChoicesTerms
Financial Assistance 
Get The App 
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
Β© 2025 Outschool