My daughter is getting VERY excited about her upcoming week at science camp! In preparation for this amazing week-long summer camp, we are trying to get into the habit of “thinking like a scientist!”  

This week, we focused on solar science experiments and creative problem-solving.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Solar Science Experiments for Kids

A collection of solar science experiments to try with your child in the backyard to encourage them to “think like a scientist!”

Converting Sunlight into Heat.

We bought this great little kid pool for our backyard and filled it up with cold water right from the faucet. Our baby put his finger in and announced, “COLD pool” and refused to get in. Without filling the pool with water from our home heater, I posed the question:

How can we heat up water the fastest?

This is the solar experiment we decided would best help us answer this question.

Materials Needed:

• 3 identical cups,
• 2 sheets of white paper
• 1 sheet of black.
• 1 plastic lining or plastic bag to cover one cup
• thermometer

Directions.

1. Fill each cup with the same amount of liquid of the same cool temperature.
2. Measure the water temperature and set one cup on each paper. Cover one of the glasses on white paper with plastic.
3. Have a discussion and make predictions about what you think will happen to the water in each glass.
4. Measure
5. Let the water sit in a sunny place for one hour.
6. Remeasure and discuss the results.

What do you think my kids should do to heat up the water in their pool faster?

* Parent tips:

A black background absorbs more heat than a light background.

Covering the cup slows or stops evaporation. The plastic covering may also absorb some of the suns’ rays.

Absorbing and Reflecting Heat: Solar Oven

The kids were fascinated with warming the liquid with the sun and asked, “If the sun can heat up water, what else can it heat up?”  They got to work building their own SOLAR oven using recycled materials.

Materials Needed: (use recycled materials when possible!)

• cardboard box
• black paper
• tinfoil
• saran wrap
• tortilla chips
• shredded cheese

Directions

1. Let your child build their own oven.
   
   My second grader found some black paper (the back was colored on) and started gluing it inside the box.
   
   She then added in some tinfoil, predicting that the foil would reflect the suns rays and heat up her cheese better.
   
   She covered the top with saran wrap in hopes it would heat the nachos faster.
   
2. Set the solar oven in a sunny spot.
3. Add the chips and top with shredded cheese.
4. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Record your results.
5. Once the cheese has melted, eat!
6. Then, if you choose, try to build another model of a solar oven. Make some changes and compare your results.
   
   * THINK like a scientist!!!!*
   
   A scientist will perform experiments over and over again to collect data and to figure out better and more efficient ways of doing things.

* Parent tips:

Some people have tried cooking hot-dogs, nachos are WAY easier!

Keeping a science journal is a great way to connect literacy to science!

Solar Heater: Sun Tea

Now my kids were on a solar experiment role. “Hey, MOM, do you think we could make your tea with energy from the sun instead of wasting electricity to heat your water inside?” Sure kiddos, what will we need to do?

I love that they were thinking creatively, asking questions, and applying what they have learned.

Materials Needed:

• Large glass jar
• Water
• 2 Bags of Tea

Directions.

1. Fill the jar with water.
2. Add 2 tea bags
3. Place in a sunny place
4. Gently shake every once in a while (per the kids instructions)
5. Wait HOURS (they learned the sun is powerful, but does take time to harness the energy)
6. Serve warm OR pour over ice cubes for iced tea!

Solar Prints

You could talk to your kids about the sun and have them make sun-prints. We used the solar sun print kit, but should have just bought the re-fill package ($5.99 vs $10.49) as we just used the paper.

Here’s the directions for How to Make Solar Prints with Kids.

More Ideas for Solar FUN :

• Solar Power STEM Camp Activities
• Studying the effects of the sun and the importance of sun screen at the beach
• Solar Eclipse Videos and Activities for Kids
• Sunshine and Solar Energy Activities for Kids

Solar Energy Books for Kids

• Running on Sunshine: How Does Solar Energy Work? by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano
• Solar Power: Capturing the Sun’s Energy by Laurie Brearley
• Solar Story: How One Community Lives Alongside the World’s Biggest Solar Plant by Allan Drummond
• Time to Shine! by Catherine Daly

You can explore more sun and solar energy books here in our Summer Books for Kids Book List.

Solar Cars

Now we are going to work on keeping our “science caps” for the rest of the month (we are stopping at a thrift store tomorrow to pick up our take-apart to be used during the camp week.

We are going to be on the lookout for electronics powered by the sun – maybe a calculator with a solar panel?

Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be fun to disassemble and tinker with. I’m thinking we won’t be able to wait until camp and may have to find a couple of items for home too! I’m not sure who is more excited about a whole week of science and inventing – her or me!

Looking for more science activities for your child? Try these…

Why I Build an Inventors’ Box

Sanity. Yes, that is really the primary reason. Oh, and it does encourage my kids to think creatively to build new things.

My 4 year old son is a tinkerer. He likes to build things and take them apart. Thanks to a week long Science and Invention Summer Camp: Camp Invention, my 8 year old daughter has caught the tinkering and inventing bug too. Between the two of them, they spend many afternoons designing and creating their own inventions.

This means

1. I NEVER have any tape available for wrapping presents in the house. It seems like it is always being used for “inventions.”

2. There are little inventions EVERYWHERE in our house. In fact, my daughter just brought up the fact that there are so many that we should set out a shelf to showcase the inventions. (We’ll see about that idea).

3. I NEEDED to create an inventor’s box or I would lose my sanity with them “upcycling” anything and everything they could find into an invention. This inventor’s box has not only encouraged them to design and build, but it also stores items for building with AND solves the problem of mom’s missing tape.

The rule is, if it is in the box you can take it apart, put it together, and invent with it. If it is NOT in the box, you must get permission to disassemble it.

So What Do You Put in an Inventors’ Box?

1. First you throw in a bunch of recycled materials 

Nothing spectacular is needed, just a variety of different materials that can be used for a bunch of different things.  Some ideas:

• small boxes
• oatmeal containers
• plastic lids
• egg cartons
• toilet paper tubes
• paper towel tubes
• empty spools of thread

2. Next, add in Broken Toys or Toys with Parts 

Anytime a toy breaks, we try to fix it. If we can’t, but it still looks like we can use it in another way, it get thrown in the inventors box.

3. Last, your inventor’s box must contain things for Attaching parts

• rubber bands
• scotch tape
• masking tape
• painters tape
• tape (yes, my kids would go through a roll a day if I let them!)
• glue
• clips
• string
• rope

4. Paper and Pencil (for recording designs)

Best of all, this STEM activity is FREE! You just gather every day materials around the house to create this extremely powerful, open-ended learning tool.

My kids have had their inventor’s box for over a month. We had a place-mat break apart into a ton of tiny sticks. The kids took one look at it and said, let’s put it in the inventor’s box! I love that they are looking at materials and objects with a new set of eyes, “inventor’s eyes!”

Here are how other parents built their take-apart inventors box and open ended inventors’ box for kids.

Don’t miss my other articles in this INVENTORS series:

• Think like an Inventor
• What is Camp Invention
• First Day of Camp Invention
• Solar Science Projects for Kids

For even more #STEM enrichment, consider adding one of these books to your library:

STEM BOOKS FOR Parents

• Teaching STEM in the Early Years: Activities for Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors
• STEAM: Preschool Activities for STEM Enrichment
• STEAM Play & Learn: 20 fun step-by-step preschool projects about science, technology, engineering, art, and math!
• STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for Kids
• Awesome LEGO Creations with Bricks You Already Have: 50 New Robots, Dragons, Race Cars, Planes, Wild Animals and Other Exciting Projects to Build Imaginative Worlds

For more STEM ACTIVITIES for KIDS try these…

Save

My kids are constantly designing and building new creations. In fact, our house even has a shelf for “new inventions.” When possible, we use recycled materials. Having these materials accessible encourages children to think creatively and problem solve with open ended tasks.

Create an Inventor Supply Lab with Recycled Materials | STEM Activities for Kids

An Inventor Supply Lab is a place filled with materials that children can use to design and create their own projects and inventions. Children have the ability to “shop” from these supplies with the only limitation being showing curtsey to others when selecting materials.

Aka – if there are 8 really cool wheels, maybe ask around to see if anyone else was considering using them before using them all.

Most often, the supplies are gathered from everyday objects that one may re-cycle.

How to Start Your Inventor Supply Lab

1. Chose a Space

Select a space that is large enough for all of the materials.

At Camp Invention, an entire classroom is designated for supplies. I don’t have this option in my home or classroom, so we must make do with the space we have. Look around the space you have. Select an area that is accessible to children that can also store a bunch of materials.

An open shelved bookshelf with labeled baskets would work well. Amazon Affiliate links to demonstrate shelving choices below.; If you are not a fan of having the materials in full view, consider using a space with doors that can close. No matter what you choose, it will be difficult to keep organized, which brings me to the next step.

2. Label each and every compartment or area.

If there is not a label for it, it doesn’t belong.

At Camp Invention, signs are printed, placed in sheet protectors and taped to the designated areas.

You could hand write the signs on 3×5 note cards, purchase cute labels, use a label maker, or write on construction paper and tape. It is not important what the labels look like, it is important that the children can read them and know where to store the inventor lab supplies.

Supply lab space at a Camp Invention Classroom

3. Collect the Supplies.

If you are creating an inventor lab in your home, explain the idea to your children and encourage them to help collect and add recycled materials to your collection each week.

If you are a classroom teacher, you can explain the concept of a Inventor Supply Lab to your parents in a letter.

Sample Inventor Supply Lab Letter for Teacher Request

Here is a sample letter that you may consider sending. Please feel free to adjust it as needed to fit your classroom needs.

Dear Parents,

I am so very excited to learn and grow with your child this year. In addition to our traditional curriculum, we are going to be adding in some STEM challenges throughout the year. We could use your help in collecting and sending in clean materials for the children to use. These materials will be shared and will not be returned to you.

The students will be responsible for organizing and using our Inventor Supply Lab. If you are interested in volunteering to help with the Inventor Supply Lab or during our STEM explorations, please e-mail me at awesometeacher@email.com

We are currently accepting.

• empty and dry water bottles
• cardboard tubes
• wheels of any kind
• tape, tape, and more tape
• cereal boxes
• packing supplies such as foam and bubble wrap.
• rubber bands
• plastic cups
• craft supplies such as paper clips and ribbons

Thank you so much for your help!

Make sure to ask your child about their inventions throughout the year.

Awesome Teacher

4. Use the Inventor Supply Lab

That’s right. If you have collected the materials and have excited children, now is the time to USE it!

Make a point to schedule in some building and design challenges at least once a week.

Look for STEM challenge ideas on the internet.

Check out books from the library.

Notice a problem in the world around you and design a solution.

Camp Invention Resources

• Build an Inventor’s Box
• Tips for Preparing for Camp Invention
• How to Think Like an Inventor S.T.E.M.
• First Day of Summer Camp Jitters
• Choosing Camp Invention for Summer Camp

Join the fun on social media with Camp Invention by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and youtube!  

Use the hashtag #campinvention to follow along!

This post is sponsored by Camp Invention.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

One summer camp option we think that you should consider is Camp Invention.

Camp Invention captured our attention last summer when both of our children were invited to participate. Each of them had an amazing time learning to THINK and become INVENTORS. It was an environment filled with curiosity where campers were challenged and teachers encouraged them to explore their own ideas. This year’s theme is Illuminate.

Find a Camp Near You

Choosing Camp Invention for Summer Camp

The 2015 camp theme, Illuminate where STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) meets real-world inspiration and lots of fun!

Illuminate^TM will encourage your child to explore their inventiveness and problem solving skills with experiences that will harness their curiosity, inspire creativity and evoke a sense of accomplishment!

Your child will not want to miss out on the chance to imagine, tinker and invent prototypes that they can take home with them this summer! Illuminate^TM will generate excitement and encourage a passion for innovation that will open up a world of new possibilities!

The Illuminate^TM curriculum features five energetic and fun-filled modules that incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities, which will empower your creative thinker and further inspire them to innovate and solve problems!

Illuminate your child’s inventive spirit at Summer Camp!

We will be sharing about our experience at Camp Invention this summer with our girls and we’d love to invite you to join us at your local Camp Invention.

Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized, non-profit elementary enrichment program backed by the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Over the past 40 years, and in partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Camp Invention programs have encouraged nearly two million children, teachers, parents, college students and independent inventors to explore science, technology and their own innate creativity, inventiveness and entrepreneurial spirit.

Camp Invention Resources

• Build an Inventor’s Box
• Tips for Preparing for Camp Invention
• How to Think Like an Inventor S.T.E.M.
• First Day of Summer Camp Jitters
• Solar Science Experiments
• The Best STEM Toys for Kids

Join the fun on social media with Camp Invention by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and youtube!

Use the hashtag #campinvention to follow along!

Getting your kids to think like an inventor is easier than you think. After a week of attending Camp Invention, we as parents, are trying to be more aware of encouraging our daughter to build, invent, problem solve, engineer, and create.

What can you do to help your child think like an inventor?

Provide Opportunities to Experiment

Do lots of science projects at home like these ones on solar energy, ladybugs or plant propagation. Kids need to explore the world and find out why and how things work. They need a foundation of knowledge and vocabulary that allow them to take their thinking to the next level, which is solving a real world problem.

Make sure to ask lots of open ended questions and use topic rich vocabulary.

Teach Your Kids about Math and Science

Yes, these are topics in school, but often times engineering, hands-on math, and real life science are brushed over in favor of worksheets and videos.

Teach your children how to build and use simple machines; a lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw. These are the building blocks of most machines. Children with a basic understanding of how and why these machines work will be able to build extensions.

Let them measure boards before you build the backyard shed. Encourage them to weigh the packages of 5 pound clementines to see which one is the best deal (the 5 pound box that weight 5 1/4 pounds is a better deal than the one that weighs exactly 5 pounds)

Let them Build

Sure, following step-by-step building instructions help teach kids sequencing and following directions. But what about problem solving and creativity?Let your children build with building blocks, (tinker toys, Lincoln Logs, Legos…) without any instructions. Challenge them to create towers and bridges.

Allow them to work with non-block materials to create cities. Home recycle bins can be a great source for building materials that will encourage children to think like an inventor.

Be Aware of Problems and Highlight them for Children

Most importantly, as my daughter’s week long camp ended, I realized I wasn’t “seeing” the problems in our lives. That is truly what an inventor does. They become aware of a problem in their lives and work to create a solution to that problem in a unique way.

I’ve tried to make a point of stopping and pointing out the problem and allowing my daughter to help or even come up with the solution on her own.

Just the other day:

The rain water collected in our gutter on the roof, went nicely through the downspout and then got backed up in the drain tube. This meant that our deck was flooded during a hard rain. I invited my 7 year old to come with me to take a look and started to “dig” up the problem. We shoveled and dug around until we found the end of the drain tube, which was blocked with rocks and soil.

“Even if we clean out the rocks, they will still fall back inside.” she commented.

“You are right. This is definitely a problem. I wonder what we can invent to make sure that our drain doesn’t get clogged up again?” I replied

And with just a few words of prompting, she began to invent…

If you like this article you may also like our:

What is Camp Invention?

“About Camp Invention: Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized summer program focused on creativity, innovation, real-world problem solving and the spirit of invention. Through hands-on programming, Camp Invention encourages children in grades one through six to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum inspired by some the world’s great inventors.

Camp Invention, the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the Collegiate Inventors Competition serve as the authority on inspiring invention and compose Invent Now.

This nationwide nonprofit organization is committed to the curious minds and innovative spirits of the past, present and future. Through these three entities, over 250,000 children, teachers, parents, college students and independent inventors are encouraged to explore science and technology programs every year.”

• Will I know anybody?
• What if no one likes me?
• Where will the bathrooms be?
• Who do I ask if I need help?
• What kind of things will I be doing?
• and on, and on, and on.

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored campaign with Camp Invention, all opinions are 100% my own. 

Tips for First Day of Summer Camp with Kids

My daughter is a little bit like me in the fact that she likes to know what is going on.  She gets anxious and a little apprehensive about new surroundings and changes in routines. So in preparation for camp we talked about…

What to do if you need help.

Prior to camp: 

We talked about

• making sure your actions are in-line with the expectations.
• that the adults will show you where the bathrooms are, but it is o.k. to ask if they forget.
• how to tell someone to stop using your words if someone is bothering you.
• that it is O.K. to get an adult to help you no matter what.  Nothing is embarrassing or minor.  If you need help, ask for it.

At the morning check in:

I pointed out the educators in the room and reminded her that they were there not only to educate her mind but help make sure she was safe and having fun. What is really nice is that all the educators were wearing staff t-shirts that were highly visible to the children and parents.

Extra bonus is that they looked about as excited as the kids to be there learning and inventing this week.

How it “REALLY” went down…

My 7 year old said she almost peed her pants because she didn’t ask to go use the bathroom until lunchtime, which meant that she missed most of her lunch waiting in line for the bathroom.  

She didn’t eat ANYTHING and was ravenous when she got in the car.  That is sooo her; she gets so busy in what she is doing, she forgets about everything else, especially when the routine is new.

I will remind her to take a break before lunch happens and feed her a big breakfast before camp.  Sounds like everything else went smoothly!

How to make friends at camp.

Prior to camp:

We talked about

• using your best manors
• being kind in all that you do
• including others and being welcoming to new friends
• smiling at others

We practiced how to introduce yourself.

“Hi, my name is Sarah.  I’m going into 3rd grade.”
“Hi, my name is Jenna.  I’m going into 3rd grade too.  It’s nice to meet you!”

At the morning check in:

On the way in, I reminded her that if someone wasn’t being kind and wasn’t listening to her words, it was ok to ask a teacher for help. (This was a big worry for her.  She is a rule follower.)

When we arrived, I modeled an introduction with the girls sitting down in the “green” team square.

How it “REALLY” went down….

She was very mad that one of the girls put sand in her friends hair while they played on the playground and told me that she didn’t want to be friends with someone so mean. I asked her if she asked the teacher for help, but she said, “I didn’t need to because I just used my words and told her how mean she was being and she stopped.”  Sounds like the kids resolved their issue on their own.  

On a more positive note, it sounds like there was a “sweet girl” who wanted to work with her during the module time. I asked if she knew the girls name and she said, “nope, I’ll think about asking her tomorrow.”

What kind of things will I be doing at camp:

Prior to camp:

We

• watched videos
• read camp pamphlets
• did science experiments
• gathered supplies

At the morning check in:

We dropped off our recycled materials
We set our take-aparts in a pile
And I peeked into the rooms to see all the modules set up and ready for the kiddos…

How camp “REALLY” went down…

Me: How was camp?
Daughter: Phew… that camp was a LOT of work.  My brain had to think all day.
Me:  So what did you get to do?
Daughter: Well, I helped my friend take-apart her really cool take apart.
Me: Did you take yours apart?
Daughter: Nope, it wasn’t as cool.
Me: Did you do anything else?
Daughter: Yeah, we invented this boat with an extra thingy on it and got it to float.
Me: Neat, anything else?
Daughter: Sure, I’ll remember later.
Me:  Ok, What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
Daughter: Seeing my friend!

Ha!  Thank goodness for the very detailed activity notes or I would have NO idea what they worked on all day!

All in all, the first day was a success.  She was super tired and went to bed 30 minutes earlier than normal.  We are both looking forward to her learning and growing this week!

Summer Camp Resources for Parents

• 12 Questions Parents Need to Ask Their Summer Camp Program
• Choosing Camp Invention for Summer Camp
• Create and Inventor Supply Lab
• STEM Camp Ideas for Home
• Build an Inventor’s Box
• Think Like An Inventor: S.T.E.M.
• Preparing for Camp Invention
• Solar Science Experiments for Summer
• The Best Summer Science Experiments

What is Camp Invention?

About Camp Invention:

• Created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized summer program inspiring inventive young minds by fostering creativity, innovation, real-world problem solving and the spirit of invention.
• Partners with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Collegiate Inventors Competition to create curriculum inspired by the world’s most well-known innovators.
• Last year, Camp Invention helped to inspire the next generation of innovators by holding 1,200 camps serving nearly 80,000 children.
• Sponsors make Camp Invention possible in many communities. For a full list of sponsors, including government support, click here.

Join the fun on social media with Camp Invention by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and youtube!  Use the hashtag #campinvention to follow along!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored campaign with, all opinions are 100% my own

WE’RE GOING TO CAMP INVENTION

Starting on Monday my 7-year-old daughter and Amanda’s 7-year-old daughter are going to attend their first! Words cannot express how excited they are to participate!

A few weeks ago we got a special letter welcoming us to camp. The letter included directions about our “Take-Apart” Item. Plus tips for identifying and collecting Items to upcycle during Camp.

We’ve been searching around our house looking for the ideal items to bring camp. We have them all set and ready in a box to go to camp this week. I can’t wait to see what they are able to do with them through the week at camp. 

I love that they sent a follow-up email as a reminder to be collecting items as well so we feel prepared for camp.

Here’s a typical list of what to bring to Camp Invention.

Preparing for Camp Invention

We read their website and research what a typical day at Camp will be like. Click here

One thing that we’ve done to prepare her expectations is to view the videos that are available on youtube from Camp Invention!

Here are a few that I think you’ll love watching and perhaps convenience you to join us at your local camp Invention too! My hope is that throughout the summer we’ll be able to use the skills she learns at camp to invent things at home as well.  

Camp Invention Videos

Here are a few other ways we’ve been preparing at home

• Solar Science Experiments 
• Making Opportunities for S.T.E.M Everyday
• 10 Summer Science Activities 
• Inspiring the Next Generation of Inventors

I can’t wait to see what they feature at their Inventors Showcase

About Camp Invention 

• Created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized summer program inspiring inventive young minds by fostering creativity, innovation, real-world problem solving and the spirit of invention.
• Partners with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Collegiate Inventors Competition to create curriculum inspired by the world’s most well-known innovators.
• Last year, Camp Invention helped to inspire the next generation of innovators by holding 1,200 camps serving nearly 80,000 children.
• Sponsors make Camp Invention possible in many communities. For a full list of sponsors, including government support, click here.

Looking for more ideas for your inventor? Try these…

Join the fun on social media with Camp Invention by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and youtube!  Use the hashtag #campinvention to follow along!

Are you looking for a summer camp for your child? 

Do you find it a challenge to keep your child engaged over the summer?

We are so excited to share with you Camp Invention! PLUS a change to WIN one week at Camp!  

About Camp Invention

• Created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized summer program inspiring inventive young minds by fostering creativity, innovation, real-world problem solving and the spirit of invention.
• Partners with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Collegiate Inventors Competition to create curriculum inspired by the world’s most well-known innovators.
• Last year, Camp Invention helped to inspire the next generation of innovators by holding 1,200 camps serving nearly 80,000 children.
• Sponsors make Camp Invention possible in many communities. For a full list of sponsors, including government support, click here.

Camp Invention Participation

• Camp Inventionis designed for children entering grades 1-6.
• The staff-to-child ratio is 1:8.
• Early and alumni registration discounts are available.
• Register by May 16^th to save $15. Registration fees vary by location.
• Parents can find their nearest location on www.campinvention.org.

Camp Invention Ambassadors

Amanda and I are Camp Invention Ambassadors. Here’s what she had to say about Camp Invention. Click here All summer long you’ll be seeing way that you can be inspired to include BIG IDEA moments into your home too!

Here’s the BIG news!  Camp Imagination is GIVING AWAY One Week of Summer Camp to one LUCKY WINNER this summer at your local camp.  ENTER the Rafflecopter below for your change to WIN! {ENDS 5/17}

Don’t forget to follow Camp Invention on Facebook & Twitter! All entrees must leave a comment below.

US Residents Only

See our Disclosure Page for more details

This post is sponsored by Camp Invention.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Summer Science Camp

Camp Invention is Great for Gifted Students:

I am the parent of a gifted 2nd-grade girl with a strong desire for knowledge. She is the kind of kid who asks the WHYs and then heads to the library or researches online to figure out the answers. 

One day, she spent 2 hours making a list of scientific vocabulary words that she didn’t know and their definitions (for fun!) When I was offered the chance to become a camp invention summer 2014 ambassador, I happily accepted.  

Not only do I get to do science with my kids and share it with you here at The Educators’ Spin On It, but my daughter will also be able to attend the week-long summer camp!!! HAPPY DANCE!!!!

Better yet, with her best friend!!!! Double HAPPY DANCE!
Her reaction to being told she gets to go to Camp Invention this summer: “YES!!!!!!!”

What Camp Invention Is:

• investigations
• experiments
• engineering challenges

Camp Invention is a week long summer camp for students entering grades 1-6. It is a camp taught by certified teachers that focuses on S.T.E.M., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics.

Each week teachers will introduce 4 challenges or modules and students will work in groups, which are rotated throughout the day to work on these modules.

Click here to see more about what a typical day schedule would look like. It is the kind of hands-on, minds-on learning that I want my child to experience. 

A Team of the MINDS:

I have been a teacher in a school that hosts camp invention camp and observed camp in session.  Let me tell you, the kids are engaged. They are talking and building. You can look in the room and almost see the students brains in motion. They are a team, working together to solve real world problems.

As a teacher, I was always amazed at the camp participants’ projects.  

As a parent, I am so excited that my daughter will have the opportunity this summer to collaborate with her peers in team challenges, all while enriching her science, technology, engineering, and math skills.

Would you like to join me in sending your kid to camp invention this summer?

Links for More Information:

• Camp Invention
• Find a Camp near you
• National Inventor’s Hall of Fame
• United States Patent and Trademark Office

Follow along with the hashtag #CampInvention

Looking for more ideas for your Inventor? Try these…