A young camper learns the science behind lava lamps at last year’s Geering Up program. There are a variety of summer programs at UBC’s Okanagan campus this summer that will introduce fun ways to learn about science, engineering and technology.
Engineers at UBC’s Okanagan campus suggest a re-think when it comes to summer camps.
Instead of campfire singalongs and S’mores, School of Engineering faculty members are suggesting 3-D modeling, laser engraving, Lego robotics, and concrete like you’ve never seen before.
The school is hosting several summer programs tailored to students from Grade 1 right through to teenagers in high school.
“The School of Engineering hosts a variety of summer programs for students of all ages,” says School of Engineering Senior Instructor Yang Cao. “We’d like to open our doors to young students to let them discover the many options an education in engineering can provide. The summer programs provide a fun way to do just that.”
The purpose of the camps, says Cao, is to open the doors early to thoughts of an applied science education and encourage young students to think about careers in science, engineering, technology and mathematics.
The Geering Up programs, targeted specifically to children in elementary and middle schools, are all about making science technology and engineering hands-on fun. Along with a variety of activities, campers participate in demonstrations, tours, outdoor events, and design challenges. The camps are taught by experienced university students who are filled with passion for their field of study.
Geering Up programming includes activities such as a CSI-themed day of the science behind crime scenes, building periscopes, a zip-line car design challenge, polymer bouncy balls, coding in Scratch, and building Lego Mindstorm robots. There is also a program focussed on computer science and one that will introduce young minds to chemistry and biology.
UBC Okanagan also hosts a Geering Up girls-only version to encourage young female students to discover and explore their love of science and engineering. More information about Geering Up can be found at: geeringup.apsc.ubc.ca/camps/kelowna
Meanwhile, high schools students can participate in the DiscoverE or the Stewards in Engineering Education (SEED) summer programs.
DiscoverE participants will be exposed to general design processes through civil, electrical and mechanical engineering projects. SEED students will participate in cutting-edge research projects with the goal that they will, in turn, share their experiences with their peers the following school year. Information about both these programs can be found at: engineering.ok.ubc.ca/engineeringsummerprograms
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