Camps for Students Entering Grades 2 & 3

Super Scientists!

June 29 – July 3

STEM

What is science? What do scientists do? Students become “super scientists” as they learn about the habits of a scientist and the different fields of science!  Each day is a different science day. Budding physicists will explore the properties of matter and explore the chemistry of bubbles and slime. Engineers of tomorrow will learn about light energy and get a close up look at Kopernik’s telescopes to safely observe the sun. Young engineers will get moving and create their own Rube Goldberg machines. Youthful astronomers will learn about the night sky and step into the Kopernik Planetarium to journey in the Solar System. They will build, create, and imagine their way through science this week.

Wonderful World of Animals

July 6 – 10

Life Science

Did you know that animals and plants live in communities like us? Communities of animals and plants that share the same place and climate are called biomes. Students will learn about the diversity of animals in the world by learning about a different biome each day – rainforests, deserts, grasslands, forests. Students will study animals unique to each biome that excite their imagination – jaguars, camels, zebras, bears. Utilizing recycled household items alongside natural materials, students will construct representations of animals and the structures of their habitats with each biome. Students will learn how each animal’s habitat is adapted to the biome it exists in.

Young Naturalists

July 27 – 31

Life Science

Students follow their curiosity and senses to explore the wonders of the natural world around them through hands-on science and outdoor discovery. Campers will investigate plants, animals, ecosystems, and earth science while observing and experimenting in nature.  Kopernik’s pond will be a source of excitement as students see how it is an ecosystem teeming with life from frogs and dragon flies to tiny larvae and microscopic protozoa. Kopernik’s rock collection will introduce our young to the amazing geology around us. They will safely observe the sun using our telescopes and consider it as a source of all life.  They will learn how changes in weather, climate, and human activities  shape the natural world. Throughout the week, students will create projects to keep and share. They will hear stories, make friends, and work as a team to grow and share their excitement as young naturalists.

Camps for Students Entering Grades 3 & 4

Secrets of Code!

Session A: June 29 – July 3
Session B: August 3 – 7

Engineering

We are surrounded by code! This camp will introduce students to the ways we use codes in our everyday lives, in ways they may not even be aware of. Students begin by learning about UPC, ISBN, ZIP and QR codes and their practical daily uses. They will learn about Samuel Morse and Louis Braille and the important codes they invented – Morse Code and American Sign Language. Students will explore pre-computer coding activities as a way to learn the  important vocabulary of coding: algorithm, binary code, loops, conditionals.  Students explore block coding with Lego SPIKE robotics. As a final project and to incorporate all of their new coding knowledge the students will design and create their own original maze board game. This is still an “unplugged” coding activity but it is essential to students’  understanding of computer coding.

Carnival Creations

July 13 – 17

Engineering

What’s more fun than going to a carnival?  Coming to a summer camp where you can make a carnival! Students will use everyday “trash” like bottles, cans, egg cartons and cardboard boxes to create fun, sustainable carnival games including ring toss, plinko, mazes, basketball shoot out and so much more. Students will deepen their eco-awareness by learning how to use the things we throw away to engineer, build, and create fun. And these “carnivalers” will experience the simple joy of creating carnival games that can be shared and enjoyed with each other and at home.

Camps for Students Entering Grades 4 & 5

Robotics – Elementary

July 6 – 10

STEM

Robots are all around us! The simple idea of a robot as a programmable machine that does work opens doors to a world of innovation and future thinking. Using the Vex IQ robotics system, students will explore the fascinating world of robotics and the design process required to work as a team to engineer, build, program, and operate  a semi-autonomous robot. Students will use block code to write operation software to run a hand-controller to operate their robot. Once robots are built and tested, teams will take their robot through a series of challenges to test their designs and compete with other teams. Students will build confidence and gain new technology skills, while having fun and making new friends.

What’s In Your Backyard? Become A Nature Scientist!

July 20 – 24

Life Science

There is so much to learn from the world around us! Students explore the biodiversity of habitats, ecosystems, and biomes around the world before focusing on the biome we live in, the deciduous forest. Students actively investigate biodiversity and why we need to protect it. Students learn the characteristics of the six  terrestrial and aquatic biomes of the earth. Students investigate interconnected food chains and food webs to understand interdependence of the deciduous forests of our biome. Students learn about the concept of invasive species that negatively affect biome environments and the importance of pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and birds to preserving biomes. Nature walks are an important part of the camp. To learn more about the flora and fauna of the deciduous forest, students will become nature scientists as they count, measure, and record items they find on our nature walks. Each student will be provided a Nature Journal, clipboard, hand lens, and a ruler. They will write and draw observations in their journal which will be shared, compiled and analyzed with classmates.

Our Amazing Earth

August 10 – 14

Environmental Science

Our Earth is an extraordinary planet and the only home to life that we presently know of.  Our Amazing Earth is an exciting week of exploration, wonder, and inquiry that introduces students to the dynamic systems that shape our planet. From towering mountains and vast oceans to powerful storms and shifting tectonic plates, students discover how Earth’s interconnected systems work together to create and sustain life.  Students will learn about rock cycle, weather and climate, ecosystems, natural resources, and environmental change. This camp will be an active, hands-on opportunity to explore the world around us.  Students will learn about different ecosystems on Earth and how those systems are affected by human activity.  Through team work, curiosity, and fun, students will build a deeper understanding and appreciation for our most amazing Earth!

Camps for Students Entering Grades 6 – 8

CADventures in 3D

June 29 – July 3

Engineering

Are you a middle school student interested in creating three-dimensional models using computer software? This workshop is for you! In this hands-on, project-based course, students explore the exciting world of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), 3D printing, and computer-based engineering. Using beginner-friendly design software, Onshape, students learn how to create and manipulate 3D models using Onshape. Then, they turn these models into real, physical objects using a 3D printer. Students will develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and engineering thinking as they design and print custom projects. Along the way, they will learn how engineers, architects, and product designers use CAD technology to solve real-world problems.

Immersive Innovators

Session A: July 13 – 17
Session B: July 20 – 24

STEM

Learn to develop games and worlds beyond the limits of reality as an Immersive Innovator! In this virtual reality (VR) focused camp, students will use a variety of development tools to design immersive worlds that they will experience in a Meta Quest 3 headset. Using the innovative digital creation platform—Delightex—campers will learn the basics of modern VR development as they craft their worlds by programming and 3D-modeling. They will also explore how a VR headset can be used to create by sculpting and building using motion tracking controllers. Each day of camp will offer the chance to try out state-of-the-art VR applications, including a VR tour of the Solar System!

Robotics – Middle School

July 27 – 31

STEM

Robots are all around us! The simple idea of a robot as a programmable machine that does work opens doors to a world of innovation and future thinking. Using the Vex IQ robotics system, students will explore the fascinating world of robotics and the design process required to work as a team to engineer, build, program, and operate  a semi-autonomous robot. Students will use block code to write operation software to run a hand-controller to operate their robot. Once robots are built and tested, teams will take their robot through a series of challenges to test their designs and compete with other teams. Students will build confidence and gain new technology skills, while having fun and making new friends.

Blast Off! Rocket Design

August 3 – 7

Engineering

It is rocket science! And it is something that young people can learn and do! Students are introduced to the fascinating field of rocket science that culminates in the build and launch of their own model rockets.  Students learn about the history of the space program, from the earliest rockets to the latest missions. Students study the principles of rocket science and how private companies like SpaceX and Boeing are advancing the field. Students begin rocket design by first constructing and testing their own simple, single-stage rockets. As the week progresses, they will be equipped to build more complex designs with multi-stage engines, special recovery systems, and more. Students will experience the thrill of building and launching rockets, and in the process, the excitement of new innovations in the field of rocket science and space flight. Tuition includes a $20 materials fee.

The Science of Art

August 10 – 14

STEAM

What do science and art have in common? A lot! In this camp, “STEM” becomes “STEAM” as students explore the fascinating ways chemistry and art are related. In this week-long STEAM camp, students explore the science behind the creation and use of art materials. Project-based explorations introduce students to how materials respond to heat, light, and electricity, including handmade paper, solar cyanotype prints, polymer clay and plastics. Students will engage in material science and art, incorporating recycled materials and sustainable practices to create small, finished artworks. Building soldered sculptures and engaging in cardboard engineering challenges, students learn how the structure of materials affects strength, durability, and recyclability. For young engineers and scientists, they will see how they can use their interests to create art. For young artists, they will see how science and engineering can be a source of creativity and inspiration!

Creative Construction

August 17 – 21

Engineering

Get ready to do hands-on construction! During this week students learn the skills of drafting and design to build model buildings, weight-bearing structures, and powered vehicles. The basics of technical drawing are brought to life as students do  scaled hand drawings of their projects. Working with foam core and wood, students construct detailed scale models while learning essential construction techniques. During this week students will create a model building, a load bearing bridge, and a mousetrap car.  They will explore engineering constraints including how well their structures carry loads, or how fast their vehicles can move. Creativity meets critical thinking as students problem-solve, test, refine, and build. The excitement of design and the satisfaction of hands-on construction come together in a dynamic learning experience that inspires future engineers and architects. Tuition includes a $20 materials fee.

Camps for Students Entering Grades 8 – 12

Return to the Edge of Space

August 17 – 21

STEM

This annual summer camp continues to be popular among high school students. Kopernik students design, build, launch, and recover a weather balloon payload that reaches altitudes of over 100,000 feet (nearly 20 miles). Each year the payload becomes more sophisticated. A 360° camera will capture immersive video which can be translated into a virtual reality experience using Kopernik newly acquired virtual reality headsets and software. A Geiger counter will track radiation levels at different altitudes. This new payload technology will complement existing technology including radio transmission for slow scan video and a GPS beacon to track the balloon’s flight path in real time. The camp begins with students learning about the technology and design of the weather balloon’s payload. On launch day, two teams of students work together. One team heads out to recover the payload in a chase vehicle, while the other team remains at Kopernik tracking the weather balloon’s flight path in real time, capturing Slow Scan images, and communicating its location to the chase team. Once the payload is retrieved and returned to Kopernik, students spend several days compiling and studying the data, culminating in a presentation to family and community members.