Idaho State University College of Education
Kindergarten through 5th-grade students are invited to join the Idaho State University College of Education for a FREE, hands-on STEM summer camp!
This camp offers science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) project-based learning activities with a focus on authentic, hands-on experiences that will allow campers to experience the engineering design process using a variety of hands-on materials. Campers will explore how STEM can be used to propose solutions to real-world problems. Summer camp funding was provided by the Idaho STEM Action Center. (NOTE: Camp is subject to ISU and State of Idaho health and safety guidance during that time frame).
- Inspire young children to study STEM fields and pursue STEM careers in the future.
- Develop an early understanding and appreciation of engineering design principles.
- Use hands-on materials to explore how science, technology, engineering, math and the arts come together to help solve real world problems.
- Allow participants with special needs opportunities to increase their engagement, success, and learning in STEM subjects and activities.
8-9:30 a.m. Check-In College of Education Lobby
9:30 a.m. Makerspace Safety Guidelines, Lesson and Hands-On Application
11:30 a.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. Makerspace Lab Hands-On Open Exploration or Field Trip
1:40 p.m. Reflection and Sharing
2:00 p.m. Parent Pick-Up
- Drop-off Location: Please reference the Campus Parking Map for K-5 STEM Camp and park in the College of Technology, Trade and Technology T&T lot or the parking lot across from the Eli M. Oboler Library. You can then cross the street to the Rendezvous Building where this event will be held. Please look for College of Education representatives who will be wearing ISU t-shirts to help with directions.
- ISU Campus Map
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.
K- 5 STEM Camp Faculty
Esther Ntuli, EdD
Associate Dean and Professor
(208) 282-5311
estherntuli@isu.edu
Jenn Gallup, PhD
Associate Professor of Special Education
(208) 282-5382
jennifergallup@isu.edu
Allison Roxburgh, PhD
Assistant Professor
(208) 282-5646
allisonroxburgh@isu.edu
Emma Wood, PhD
Assistant Dean
(208) 282-5443
emmawood@isu.edu
Beverly Ray, PhD
Professor
(208) 282-4516
beverlyray@isu.edu
Celal Perihan, PhD
Associate Professor
(208) 282-3674
celalperihan@isu.edu