STEM Camps

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• BWINDI PROJECT - GORILLAS AND HEROINES

  Join this classroom adventure to Uganda to track the remaining mountain gorillas living in their natural habitat, Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest, and meet some of the science heroes working to save them. Students will apply science and experimental design concepts in the preparation for and manifestation of the trip (medical kits, carbon footprints), and in solving some of the community and biological challenges involved with gorilla conservation in rural Africa (population growth, zoonotic diseases). We will also discuss the work and career paths of two ground-breaking gorilla conservation heroines, Dr. Diane Fossey and Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka. The camp will culminate with a trip to the local Santa Barbara Zoo, where we will visit and learn about captive gorillas.
  
  For rising students in Grades 6 through 8.

• CARDBOARD ENGINEERS

  Learn how engineers create solutions to problems we face. Utilizing design thinking, we will use modern tools and cardboard to create a wide range of project-driven applications to real-world problems.
  
  

  For rising students in Grades 4-6.

• DREAM STEAM

  Dive into the deep end of this science rich experiential camp. Learn about electricity and magnetism, waves and a wide range of other topics in this hands-on/engineering based environment.
  
  For rising students in Kindergarten through Grade 4.

• Introductory Course for Raspberry Pi and Python

  This is an introductory course focused on the credit card-sized computer Raspberry Pi. This course is ideal for students interested in exploring the possibilities of Raspberry Pi as a computer. The course does not assume any prior knowledge of computers or programming. However, understanding the Linux operating system and Python programming language would greatly help you get up to speed. No need to worry if the student does not know Linux or Python. The course has sections that cover the basics of Linux and Python to get the student started.
  
  The course teaches how to hook up the Pi with a keyboard and monitor so that it can use as a low-cost computer. Students will also learn how to interact with the hardware of the Pi. There will be many complete projects. Projects that teach how to write a software program using the Python language running in the Thonny Interactive Development Environment (IDE). And projects involve learning how to control the Raspberry Pi hardware using computer programs written in Python.
  
  For rising students in Grades 8-11. Specialty camp cost is $500.
  

• OCEAN POTION

  What could be more fun and interesting then our big beautiful ocean?! Campers will learn about sea life, our various oceans, and the exciting work of marine biologists in this interactive hands-on camp.
  
  

  For rising students in Grades K-4.

• SHOP

  Let’s learn how to make things with our hands again! Campers will cut, sand, and nail during the making of fun home projects. It’s time they learn how to use some hand tools along with the true meaning of “righty tighty, lefty loosey!” Campers don’t need to bring anything, except a can-do attitude! All materials will be provided including safety gear.
  
  

  For rising students in Grades 6-8.

• SPHERO ROBOTICS

  Learn how to code with Sphero robotics (think BB8 from Star Wars). Campers will learn the basics of driving their robot and how to use input sensors to interact with the world around them.
  
  For rising students in Grades 2 through 4.

• STEM SHOWDOWN

  Learn how engineering works through hands-on experiments and competitions. From tower building to race car design, campers will learn how to use engineering principles and iterative design to go head-to-head in friendly competitions that test out their creations. All materials are provided - campers just need their imagination and a can-do attitude.
  
  For rising students in Grades 3 through 5.