π Engineering Explorers: Summer Camp! π§
π 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! π§β¨
Courtney Runchey
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(56)
Rising Star
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursProjects
1 hour per week. 3-6 throughout the classCertificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass 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. π What to Expect Each Day: πΉ Day 1 β Structural Engineering: Build and test different types of bridges to discover how design impacts strength and stability. πΉ Day 2 β Mechanical Engineering: Create simple machines and explore how forces and motion work together. πΉ Day 3 β Aerospace Engineering: Design and launch paper rockets while learning the principles of aerodynamics. πΉ Day 4 β Electrical Engineering: Experiment with circuits and learn the basics of how electricity powers our world. πΉ Day 5 β Innovation Challenge! Apply what youβve learned in a final creative engineering project! π οΈ How Weβll Learn: β Interactive Mini-Lessons: Engaging discussions on engineering concepts and real-world applications. β Hands-On Building Challenges: Daily projects using household materials to reinforce engineering principles. β Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creativity, teamwork, and innovation. β Show & Share: Students can showcase their projects and reflect on their engineering journey. No prior experience is neededβjust bring curiosity, creativity, and a love for building!
Learning Goals
β
Apply engineering principles to design and test a structureβ
Build and test simple machines
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Structural Engineering: Bridges & Towers
Activities:
1οΈβ£ Mini-Lesson: Learn about forces and how engineers design stable structures.
2οΈβ£ Hands-On Project: Build a bridge using household materials (straws, popsicle sticks, etc.) and test its strength.
3οΈβ£ 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:
1οΈβ£ Mini-Lesson: Explore the six types of simple machines.
2οΈβ£ Hands-On Project: Build a lever-powered catapult using household items.
3οΈβ£ Challenge: Create a pulley system to lift a small object. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Aerospace Engineering: Rocket Science
Activities:
1οΈβ£ Mini-Lesson: How do rockets fly? Introduction to aerodynamics and propulsion.
2οΈβ£ Hands-On Project: Build a straw rocket and test different fin shapes.
3οΈβ£ Challenge: Create a balloon-powered rocket and measure its travel distance. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Electrical Engineering: Circuit Basics
Activities:
1οΈβ£ Mini-Lesson: Learn about open/closed circuits, batteries, and conductors.
2οΈβ£ Hands-On Project: Build a simple circuit using household materials.
3οΈβ£ 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
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ 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 πΉ Straws, popsicle sticks, toothpicks πΉ Tape, glue, rubber bands πΉ Coins or small weights for testing Day 2 πΉ Plastic spoons, rubber bands, craft sticks πΉ String, empty thread spools, paper towel tubes πΉ Small objects (e.g., marbles, toy figurines) Day 3 πΉ Drinking straws, paper, tape, scissors πΉ Balloons, string, drinking straws (for balloon rocket) πΉ Measuring tape for launch distance Day 4 πΉ AA battery and battery holder πΉ LED light or small bulb πΉ Aluminum foil, paperclips (as conductors) πΉ Tape, playdough (as insulators) Day 5 πΉ Any materials from previous days πΉ Recyclables (paper towel tubes, cardboard, straws, etc.) πΉ Tape, glue, rubber bands, paper clips
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
π 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 β Understanding forces in structures
Try Engineering: Circuit Activities β Interactive circuit-building experiments
NASAβs Beginner Guide to Rockets β Space and rocket design principles
TeachEngineering β K-12 engineering curriculum and challenges
Real-World Engineering in Action:
How Engineers Save Lives β National Geographic
STEM Challenges for Kids β 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
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
$75
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
50 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
3-9 learners per class
