Science Summer Camp

This course is designed to increase science engagement with young children. It was developed with STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—in mind. 
 The lessons are designed to increase curiosity, exploration and hands-on experiment. Students will be able to link key science concepts with at-home safe experiments and learn to make good scientific observations and ask scientific questions. It suits students who love science and those who want to know more about science. 

The course will last for three weeks, and below is a breakdown of what to expect for each week, along with the two lessons weekly. Included are the title for each lesson, topics to cover in each lesson, what will be taught, interaction opportunities, how the class is structured, and teaching style.

At the end of this course, students will begin to love /appreciate science more, see themselves as young scientists and make links between everyday life and science concepts. There will be opportunities to develop communication, team building and problem-solving skills.

Content does not build, and no pre-requisite knowledge is needed

Week 1: Exploring Nature  Week of  May 19, 2024 

Class 1: Introduction to the Natural World

What will be taught?
Introduction to basic concepts of nature and the environment.
Introduction to various elements of nature (plants, animals, weather).
Understanding the importance of nature and our role in preserving it.

Topics Covered:
Introduction to Nature
Plants and Trees
Animals and Habitats
Weather and Seasons

How is your class structured?

Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)
Mini-Lecture and Discussion (10 minutes)
Interactive Activity: Planting Seeds (10 minutes)
Observation and Discussion on Plants (5 minutes)
Closing Thoughts and Q&A (5 minutes)

How will you teach?

Through storytelling, engaging visuals, and hands-on activities.
Utilizing age-appropriate language and concepts.
Encouraging curiosity and exploration.

Teaching Style:

Playful and interactive.
Encouraging discovery through exploration.
Nurturing a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature.

Interaction:
Lecture: Mini-lectures to introduce key concepts.
Games: Interactive activities like a scavenger hunt to explore nature.
Slides: Visual aids to support learning.
Discussion: Open-ended discussions to encourage participation.

Class 2: Hands-on Science: Exploring the Senses

What will be taught?

Understanding the five senses and how they help us explore the world.
Simple experiments related to each sense.
Topics Covered:

Introduction to Senses
Sight: Optical Illusions
Sound: Making Musical Instruments
Taste: Sensory Taste Test
Touch: Texture Exploration
Smell: Aromatic Adventure

How is your class structured?
Welcome and Recap (5 minutes)
Mini-Lecture on the Sense of the Day- video (5 minutes)
Interactive Experiment ( see above experiment from optical illustration to aromatic adventure ) (15 minutes)
Discussion and Reflection (5 minutes)
Closing Activity (5 minutes)

How will you teach?

Through hands-on experiments and exploration.
Encouraging active participation and observation.
Relating scientific concepts to everyday experiences.

Teaching Style:
Inquiry-based learning.
Facilitating exploration and discovery.
Providing guidance and support as needed.

Interaction:
Games: Interactive experiments.
Slides: Visual aids to support learning.
Discussion: Reflection on the experiment and its outcomes.
Hands-on Activities: Direct engagement with the senses through experiments.

Week 2 : The Wonders of Space   week of May 26

Class 3: Journey to the Stars: Introduction to Astronomy

What will be taught?

Introduction to basic concepts of astronomy and space exploration.
Understanding the solar system and its planets.
Topics Covered:

Introduction to Astronomy
The Sun and the Moon
The Planets
Stars and Constellations

How is your class structured?
Welcome and Recap (5 minutes)
Mini-Lecture and Discussion (10 minutes)
Interactive Activity: DIY Solar System Model (15 minutes)
Stargazing Session (5 minutes)
Closing Thoughts and Q&A (5 minutes)

How will you teach?
Through storytelling and visual aid-a journey through space.
Hands-on activities like crafting and stargazing.
Encouraging questions and curiosity about space.

Teaching Style:
Inspirational and awe-inspiring.
Fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Relating scientific concepts to the grandeur of the universe.

Interaction:
Lecture: Introduction to key astronomical concepts.
Slides: Visual aids to support learning.
Discussion: Open-ended discussions about space and the universe.
Hands-on Activities: Building a solar system model.

Class 4: Exploring the Planets

What will be taught?

Introduction to different planets in our solar system.
Fun facts about each planet.
Simple experiments related to space.
Topics Covered:

Earth: Our Home Planet
Mars: The Red Planet
Jupiter: Giant of the Solar System
Saturn: The Ringed Wonder
How is your class structured?

Welcome and Recap (5 minutes)
Mini-Lecture and Planet Spotlight (10 minutes)
Interactive Experiment (15 minutes)
Discussion and Reflection (5 minutes)
Closing Activity (5 minutes)
How will you teach?

Through storytelling and visual aids.
Hands-on experiments related to each planet.
Encouraging questions and discussion about space exploration.
Teaching Style:

Engaging and informative.
Encouraging curiosity and exploration.
Relating scientific concepts to real-world phenomena.
Interaction:

Games: Interactive experiments.
Slides: Visual aids to support learning.
Discussion: Reflection on the experiment and its outcomes.
Hands-on Activities: Direct engagement with scientific concepts through experiments.

Week 3: The World of Chemistry   Week of Jnne 2 

Class 5: Magical Mixtures: Introduction to Chemistry

What will be taught?

Introduction to basic concepts of chemistry.
Understanding simple chemical reactions.
Safe experiments demonstrating chemical reactions.
Topics Covered:

Introduction to Chemistry
Solids, Liquids, and Gases
Acids and Bases
Colors and Pigments

How is your class structured?
Welcome and Recap (5 minutes)
Mini-Lecture and Discussion (10 minutes)
Interactive Experiment: Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano (15 minutes)
Observation and Discussion (5 minutes)
Closing Thoughts and Q&A (5 minutes)

How will you teach?

Through hands-on experiments and demonstrations.
Using age-appropriate language and concepts.
Encouraging observation and critical thinking.

Teaching Style:
Experiential and hands-on.
Making chemistry fun and accessible.
Emphasizing safety and responsible experimentation.

Interaction:

Games: Interactive experiments.
Slides: Visual aids to support learning.
Discussion: Reflection on the experiment and its outcomes.
Hands-on Activities: Direct engagement with chemical reactions through experiments.

Class 6: Kitchen Chemistry: Fun with Food/kitchen items

What will be taught?

Exploring chemistry concepts using ingredients found in the kitchen.
Safe experiments demonstrating chemical reactions in food.

Topics Covered:
Mixing and Dissolving
Making Slime
Food Coloring and Chromatography
Baking Chemistry: Cake-in-a-Mug

How is your class structured?
Welcome and Recap (5 minutes)
Mini-Lecture and Kitchen Experiment (10 minutes)
Interactive Experiment: Making Slime (15 minutes)
Discussion and Reflection (5 minutes)
Closing Activity (5 minutes)

How will you teach?
Through hands-on experiments and demonstrations.
Using food-related examples to explain chemistry concepts.
Encouraging creativity and experimentation.

Teaching Style:
Playful and interactive.
Fostering a love for science through fun activities.
Emphasising safety and responsibility in the kitchen.

Interaction:

Games: Interactive experiments.
Slides: Visual aids to support learning.
Discussion: Reflection on the experiment and its outcomes.
Hands-on Activities: Direct engagement with chemical