The CREATE Program
Problem Solving on Planet ZAK ®
In the Problem Solving on Planet ZAK module, children are immersed in the wondrous world of science fiction after crash-landing on a strange planet! Children first work together to “reassemble” their crashed spacecraft from a variety of common objects. Then children use relevant weather data to design shelter and clothing for their stay on Planet ZAK and reach a hard-to-find food source. Finally, children design ways to launch their spacecrafts in time for the blastoff countdown!
Saving Sludge City™
In the Saving Sludge City™ module, children are introduced to ecology and the concept of conservation when they are challenged to rebuild a cleaner, more eco-friendly city that has been polluted to the point of ruin. Before construction begins, children investigate and demonstrate the actions that polluted the city and determine effective methods to clean it up. Children explore green city design, water filtration systems, safe waste disposal, conservation techniques, and renewable energy as they completely reconstruct the town.
Imagination Point: Ride Physics™
In the Imagination Point: Ride Physics module, children are introduced to Sir Isaac Newton’s Three Laws of Motion through hands-on activities related to amusement park rides. Children, working as design interns for the world’s newest and largest amusement park, Imagination Point, use their creativity and imaginations to design prototypes of roller coasters and other rides. They explore inertia, centripetal force, and the science behind amusement park rides to create ultimate thrill rides.
I Can Invent III™
The I Can Invent III module illustrates the joys (and frustrations) that real inventors face during the process of creating totally new inventions. During the week, younger children create fantasy inventions using pieces and parts of broken appliances and other provided materials. Older children spend the week creating multi-step, Rube Goldberg-type machines that solve a given challenge. Both age groups use and develop creative and critical-thinking skills as they encounter problems or unfamilar situations throughout the week.
Global Games™
During the Global Games module, children explore cultures from around the world. Throughout the week, children discover the link between the games of ancient civilizations and the sports of this generation. The Global Games module fuses physical activity and history. Modern games have evolved from ancient and sometimes prehistoric games into the games we now play. Children employ strategy and teamwork as they play games and explore how changing the rules can create a new experience! Children learn about how most ancient cultures used the materials they had to create games and how, even now, found objects can be used to create new challenging games.