Exploring Phenomena Science and Hands-On Learning at Camp Invention

Children are naturally curious about the world around them. From wondering why the stars twinkle at night to asking what causes thunder and lightning, the natural phenomena around us represent relatable ways to help get students interested in science.

This simple but effective strategy is at the core of phenomena science education, a pedagogy that invites children to authentically engage with scientific concepts by using observable events throughout the natural world as relatable examples.

As STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education becomes ever-more imperative, particularly from a life skills perspective, it’s essential that educators have the opportunity to practice and explore different ways to engage their students in these areas.

At Camp Invention^®, the K-6 summer STEM program from the National Inventors Hall of Fame^®, they have the chance to do just that. With our all-new 2024 camp program, Illuminate, educators are invited to practice teaching phenomena science and hands-on invention in an environment that encourages open-ended exploration.

Below are just a few examples of how this year’s new Camp Invention modules integrate phenomena, encourage hands-on learning and connect to anchor standards.

In the Game^™

While constructing their own light-up game board, campers take a closer look at different sports balls to examine their features and specialized materials. By practicing catching and throwing techniques as they experiment with playing their game board, they’re able to explore fundamental physics concepts like gravity and momentum. Experimenting with physics principles in this hands-on way will help campers feel more comfortable and confident in exploring science concepts when they return to school in the fall.

Let’s Glow^™

Campers uncover the science of light through glowing animals and inventions that illuminate. In the process, they participate in light refraction experiments and explore how light reflects off different surfaces like aluminum foil while discovering how the eyes of nocturnal animals can bend and reflect light. As they consider how some jellyfish glow using bioluminescence, campers use lab equipment such as Petri dishes and test tubes to experiment with highlighter water and safe neon chalk markers that fluoresce under ultraviolet light.

Operation: HydroDrop^™

Students embark on an operation to help solve water challenges around the world as they learn about the impacts of weather phenomena like droughts and flooding. Campers build an understanding of the critical role water plays on our planet and construct a mobile laboratory to help them on their journey. Using their problem-solving skills, they apply the science behind water filtration to invent solutions to clean drinking water challenges.

Prototyping Studio^™

Using their very own DIY toolbox and the types of tools used by Our Nation’s Greatest Innovators^™ — National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees — children complete a variety of rapid prototyping challenges. Along the way, they explore materials and how they can dramatically change the effectiveness of their inventions. Tapping into the power of observation, imagination and experimentation, this empowering module helps children realize that they can invent anytime and anywhere.

Bring the All-New 2024 Camp Invention Program to Your District

To learn more about Illuminate, and to find out how you can bring Camp Invention to your district, visit our website!