Phenomena in the 2027 Camp Invention Curriculum

Every summer, Camp Invention^® introduces fresh challenges and authentic STEM experiences to help children grow into confident creators. With an innovative pedagogy designed to ignite their natural curiosity, K-6 campers uncover STEM phenomena that spark their motivation to explore new possibilities and make connections between their learning and the real world.

Phenomena encourage students to wonder, investigate and explain through scientific inquiry. From everyday observations to more complex events, phenomena provide meaningful starting points for learning. Designed to promote creativity and advance the spirit of innovation, Camp Invention’s all-new 2027 program, Gear Up, engages young learners with observable phenomena involving light, motion, circuits, forces and much more. Read on to learn how phenomena are woven into each new experience this summer.

Gadget Garage^™

Students collaborate in crews as they explore mechanical engineering and investigate the inner workings of gadgets. As they discover idea-sparking tools and build original prototypes, children learn how different gear sizes change the speed and direction of motion. After excavating a useful gearbox, learners deconstruct a wind-up robot in a hands-on, take-apart experience and repurpose parts in imaginative ways. As they create their own spinning, light up Etch-n-Glow Wand^™, students uncover how electromagnets are used to make a motor shaft spin, find out how impact can light up an impact sensor, and observe the phenomena of light as moving LEDs create light trails.

New Heights^™

Students reach for new heights as they take on an engineering challenge inspired by cutting-edge architecture. After constructing a multilevel cardboard superstructure, learners explore electrical engineering by assembling a motorized construction elevator and uncover circuits in motion as they demonstrate their elevator’s function. As they find solutions for building their sustainable superstructure with limited materials, children observe the effects of gravity, discover balance and stability, and explore the effects of distribution of weight and load. After they complete their superstructure, students showcase their clever designs and eco-friendly solutions to investors.

Ooze and Aahs^™

Children uncover ooey-gooey chemistry concepts when they investigate nature’s tiniest organisms in the Backyard Laboratory. As they explore, observe and analyze slimy substances inspired by freshwater pond water, they compare mixtures and solutions and investigate properties of materials at Bioslime Analysis Stations. Uncovering features of different bacteria, bugs and insects, students explore predator and prey relationships during a ladybugs vs. aphids game. To protect the ecosystem from a new invasive species, students incorporate biomimicry concepts to design an insect-inspired bioinvention.

Stuck!^™

Students embark on an entrepreneurial endeavor, learn the phases of product development and compete in a hands-on prototyping challenge to design an exclusive new product. Exploring materials science and engineering, they find inspiration at the Sticky Situation Station, stay persistent during a stacking challenge, observe how shape and added weight affect a structure’s stability and take risks to earn big rewards. As they transform their innovative ideas into a novel and useful product, they discover how to incorporate gearboxes and lights on DIY products. Next, they dive into marketing and business strategies by developing a unique logo and product name.

Bring the All-New 2027 Camp Invention Program to Your District

The 2027 Camp Invention program engages young learners with hands-on challenges that uncover the wonder of STEM. Learn more about the brand-new Camp Invention program, Gear Up!