WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks offers a variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) related Middle School Discovery Camps in a fun and relaxed environment. The camps are for students entering fifth through eighth grades in fall 2019, unless otherwise noted. Camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Movie Making: Storylines and iMovie
In this new camp, students will embark on a storytelling journey and learn the technology that will enable them to create avatars, animated characters, explosions and other film-making fun. They will use stop-motion sets, a green screen, 360-degree video, and other resources to tell a story worthy of sharing, resulting in the creation of a movie using iMovie software. This camp runs June 17-21. The cost is $300.
RoboCamp: Where Minds and Technology Meet
This camp will take students on a journey where imagination and the mind meet to make technology fun. RoboCamp focuses on problem-solving as students sharpen skills in spatial reasoning and computational thinking. Campers will learn to design, program and control fully functional EV3 robots, build circuits, and learn 3D design and printing and simple programming. This camp runs June 24-28. The cost is $300.
Science of Technology Camp
Engineering technology is an outstanding way to introduce the young scientific mind to the high-technology world. Using hands-on learning, campers will explore the engineering design process and the various fields within engineering such as civil, mechanical, aerospace and structural. Topics include bridge building, flight, motion and structures. Campers will learn about 3D design, communication and collaboration skills. This camp runs June 24-28. The cost is $300.
Engineering for Generation Z
Children born after 2010 are considered part of the Z Generation: They have never known a world without technology. Previous generations expect a lot from these tech-savvy individuals, especially regarding innovation and entrepreneurship. The camp encourages development by showcasing nontraditional engineering fields, including agricultural engineering, green engineering/urban landscapes and bioengineering. This camp runs July 15-19. The cost is $300.
Junior Nittany Criminal Investigative Science Camp
This camp is for students who have an interest in fighting crime. In the NCIS (Nittany Criminal Investigative Service) camps, students will learn the science and the chemical techniques that can be used to solve puzzling crimes, such as how to analyze blood spatter, use footprints to estimate height, use Excel to analyze FBI crime data, and more. This camp runs July 15-19. The cost is $300.
It’s All an Act: Theatre Camp
Students will discover their dramatic side in this camp. They will explore the plays of Shakespeare through daily workshops in voice, movement, text analysis and acting. The focus of the workshops will be on performance and the week will culminate with a live performance in which campers are encouraged to invite family and friends. This camp is open to students entering sixth through 12th grade and it runs July 22-26. The cost is $285.
Full STEAM Ahead: Building an Idea into an Invention
This camp will help your student embrace his or her creative side. Campers will take original ideas and turn them into inventions using STEAM fundamentals. Ingenuity, design and engineering principles, along with construction basics, create a fascinating, fun-filled week, culminating with a project showcase on Friday, the final day of the camp. This camp runs July 22-26. The cost is $300.
Problem Solvers of Tomorrow Camp
Campers will be involved with activities designed to unleash their creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills. Campers offerings include building and programming LEGO EV2 robots, exploring circuits, designing wearables, learning how to design 3D objects, and using Scratch to learn programming. As a bonus, some of the content will help campers complete scouting badge requirements. This camp runs July 22-26. The cost is $300.
Body Systems Escape-Room Camp
Campers will work in teams and use their knowledge of the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive and nervous systems to escape from hairy scenarios. They will also take a field trip to Key Quest where they will enter a mysterious room and solve a series of puzzles using logic, knowledge, communication and teamwork skills. This camp runs July 29-Aug. 2. The cost is $300.
Minecraft Designers: Code Your Own Adventures Camp
Campers will develop a game concept that goes well beyond the limitations of the traditional 2D design. Students will learn the physics behind 3D games and explore beginner event-scripting and level design, controlling flow of gameplay and storytelling. Then they will have a chance to apply those skills to design their own Minecraft game. The camp runs July 29-Aug. 2. The cost is $330.
Enrollment in the Middle School Discovery Camps is limited and early registration is recommended. For more information or to register, visit berks.psu.edu/middle-school-summer-camps or call 610-396-6230.