Idaho State University College of Education
*Enrollment is limited. Register today to guarantee your spot. Questions? Contact Dr. Celal Perihan at celalperihan@isu.edu.
High school students, age 10 - 18 with autism, are invited to join the Idaho State University College of Education for a FREE, hands-on STEM summer camp. This camp is offered thanks to grant from the ON Semiconductor Foundation, a Giving Now program at onsemi.
This camp offers science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) project-based learning activities with a focus on authentic, hands-on experiences that will allow participants to experience the engineering design process using a variety of hands-on materials. (NOTE: Camp is subject to ISU and State of Idaho health and safety guidance during that time frame).
Invasive Plants in Idaho
In this activity, students will learn to analyze and interpret data about invasive plants (e.g., Giant Hogweed, Turkish Thistle, Yellow Hawkweed) in Idaho. Using mathematics, students will then predict which plant will have more growth based on their results and learn how invasive plants invade areas in Idaho.
Bugs and Biomes
In this activity, students will use their creativity, problem-solving, and engineering mindsets to design and construct mini bug habitats. Understanding their insects' various needs and constraints, students will have access to hands-on materials to refine and improve their habitats with the goal of helping their insects grow and thrive.
Bacteria! It’s Everywhere?
In this activity, students will play the role of biochemical engineers and investigate what causes them to become sick during the school year. Students will test classroom lab samples for bacteria and have the opportunity to learn from an expert about healthcare protocols that help to minimize the spread of germs.
Sorting Like a Computer
In this activity, students will have the chance to sort like a computer by using hands-on applications that help them to recognize patterns, sequences, abstracts, decomposition, etc. and be given the opportunity to see a supercomputer (or high performance computing system) in action.Students will learn from a computer science expert from Idaho State University about the importance of computers and their smart sorting techniques.
Build a Better Bean Stock
In this activity, students will design and create a better bean stock that will help Jack get away from the Giant as fast as possible. Putting on their engineering caps, students will have the opportunity to brainstorm, design, create, test, and make improvements to models with the goal of constructing the most efficient bean stock for Jack.
Do different colors absorb heat differently?
In this activity, students will test whether the color of a material affects how much heat the material absorbs. Designing containers made of various colored paper (white, yellow, red, black, etc.), students will place ice cubes in each container and leave them in the sun to melt. Thinking like a scientist, students will make predictions, record observations, and study the effect of color and heat absorption.
Credits for STEM Ideas and Funding
Teach Engineering Ignite STEM Learning in K12 available at: https://www.teachengineering.org/
Masarwa, B., Hel-Or, H., & Levy, S. T. (2023). Kindergarten Children’s Learning of Computational Thinking With the “Sorting Like a Computer” Learning Unit. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 1-24.