Fun STEM Camp Engages Young Learners

Laughter filled the air as children enjoyed their time at STEM Camp held from August 12 to 16 at Family Focus. Kids of different ages participated in exciting science, technology, engineering, and math activities that not only educated them but also sparked their curiosity.

In one of the classrooms, Arikpo Dada, a teacher from Northwestern, had the students working on a challenge to build the tallest freestanding tower using everyday materials like paper cups and magazines. Earlier in the week, they attempted to create similar structures with marshmallows and spaghetti. Although their first designs collapsed, the kids embraced the chance to try again, just like real engineers would.

Dada noted how the campers got truly excited about STEM subjects. She said, “For our students and our kids, if we keep putting STEM in front of them, it just starts chipping away at that idea that it’s unattainable.”

The camp consisted of two classrooms with a total of 36 kids split into groups by grade level, including third to sixth graders. One of the fun activities included drawing positive things about themselves on coffee filters with permanent markers, inspiring self-confidence.

At the start of the week, professors from Northwestern’s Center for Talent Development introduced the kids to the basics of electricity. They learned how electrons turn on lights and even had hands-on experience with LED light projects the following day, guided by Daniel Martin from James Wadsworth STEM Elementary School.

The campers used plexiglass and LED strips to create glowing designs of their choice, which helped them connect to larger concepts, like power systems used by electricity companies.

Aria Jackson, a young student in the camp, shared that her favorite activity was making an LED light, where she chose the design of a pink circle. She said, “My favorite part was [the LED light] and going to the park where we play.”

Henry Wilkins, one of the founders of STEM School Evanston, explained that the camp was created in response to community input. Many in the Fifth Ward expressed a desire for a stronger focus on STEM education for their children, leading to this initiative, which is also supported by a grant from philanthropists Paul and Mary Finnegan.

To make it accessible, the camp was free for all kids. Renne Marriot Stone, the project coordinator, wanted to remove any financial barriers that might prevent children from participating.

On the final day of camp, the kids enjoyed a field day with traditional games and showcased all the projects they worked on throughout the week. They even went on a fun trip to Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry in the middle of the week.

Maya Reina, who helped lead the camp, praised the well-rounded schedule. The kids had dance activities mixed with learning to use coding software that lets them create musical rhythms. They even had some campers with prior coding experience, adding an exciting twist to their learning.

Overall, the camp was a big hit, giving kids a chance to discover the wonders of STEM in an engaging way.