This summer, the university will launch think[STEM], a two-week day camp for students entering grades 7 through 9, that will explore fundamental engineering concepts and disciplines through hands-on activities. Camp dates are Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 26.
Campers will study the basic principles of science and mathematics that enable humans to create the devices, structures, processes, and systems that are important to daily living. Each day, campers will explore one of the major branches of engineering—including biomedical, civil, environmental, mechanical, electrical, chemical, aerospace and computers and software—and complete a hands-on project that demonstrates the principles and theories associated with the day’s discipline.
The camp is the brainchild of trustee, alumnus, and retired adjunct professor Larry Sears, who is also a founding supporter of Sears think[box], the university’s open-access innovation center and makerspace. “It can be quite powerful when young people have the opportunity to see the principles of engineering brought to life through something they’ve created,” Sears said. “These experiences can open their minds to academic and career pathways they hadn’t previously considered.”
University faculty and students will teach the campers, lead demonstrations and share about their experiences in engineering. The camp’s director is Leah Jackson, who is Founding Director of the IDEA Lab makerspace at Hathaway Brown in Shaker Heights. By the end of camp, students will have a broad overview of engineering upon which to build their academic interests, or a future career.
Visit think[STEM] online to learn more about the program, cost (a limited number of need-based scholarships are available) and eligibility criteria.