March Break Science Camp draws in 80 students

science camp student 2016This year’s March Break Science Camp at Science Explorations, hosted by the Faculty of Science, was a great success, drawing in 80 eager kids from across the GTA.

Participation in the camp that provides an enriched program focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) increased by 8 per cent over last year’s enrolment.

The camp, designed for kids in grades 3 to 8, supports the Ontario science curriculum where kids enjoy a break from regular school while enhancing their understanding of STEM through fun and engaging activities.

science camp 2016This year’s highlights included:

  • Grades 3 and 4 – Junior campers investigated properties of light and colour, aspects of biodomes, states of matter and more. They engineered their own biodomes, created rainbow paper and made rocket cars.
  • Grades 5 and 6 – Campers learned about and created their own sustainable houses. They explored solar energy, green living and wind power, among other topics. They were also immersed in learning about crystallization, electricity and flight.
  • Grades 7 and 8 – Campers discussed and engaged in activities connected to light, photovoltaic solar cells, water filtration and more. They also learned about hydraulic systems and worked in groups to create a hydraulic robot arm.

Both campers and parents had positive reflections on the experience, with one camper noting that during the one-week program they learned more than during six months of school this year.

science camp group 2016One of the parents commented that the camp provided an “interesting view into new topics” and enhanced their child’s knowledge with a “balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on activities”.

They also said the camp was “a parent’s wish delivered” and said their child couldn’t wait to get to camp in the morning and didn’t stop talking about the day’s activities on the way home.