Making STEM Fun: How to Organize a STEM Camp

STEM Education

            More and more districts today are gearing towards incorporating a STEM teacher within their schools.  Sometimes, STEM is taught in isolation, which has proven to be less successful than co-taught within a curriculum; however, the important piece is that there is an initial shift in doing so.  The purpose for this shift is because the United States is “falling behind” economically in the areas of math and science.  Countries such as Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, and Poland have surpassed the United States in these concentrations.  This is unfortunate; as the corporate world’s new reality includes much of both.  “Overall, the purpose of STEM…is to help students become more interested and engaged in their mathematics and science classes in school so they have the opportunity for a future STEM career.”

            The University of Central Florida is one of the top schools that specialize in technology.  To begin this movement, UCF hosted a series of seven two-day STEM camps, and was found to be beneficial.  These camps targeted students on free and reduced lunches, as well as students with high-incidence disabilities.  Some camps were focused on the minority gender in this concentration—female—and there were also camps for any or all that were interested.  The article then goes on to discuss the best ways to go about setting up a STEM camp, including the following considerations:

            1. Administer a Pre and Post-Assessment to monitor student progress.  Not only is the information beneficial for the teacher and student, but depending on where one receives his or her financial support—it can also be used to help obtain sponsors, to demonstrate growth in these areas,, assuming all goes well.

2.  Find funding.  As mentioned previously, if it is difficult for a school to obtain funding, the article encourages one to seek sponsorship from local or national foundations, such as The National Science Foundation.

3. Determine focus.  Students should be able to take what they are learning in STEM and connect it back into the general education classroom.  Creating a relationship between the classroom, STEM, and the real world is key in order for student success.

4. Determine the format for which the classes should be taught.  Consider modifications that may be necessary for students.  What type of technology is needed?

5. Carefully select and construct learning activities that are meaningful to students.  Strive to avoid worksheets and long lectures.

6.  Use technology!  Consider videoconferencing, Web cams, and pre-recorded video clips.

7. Over plan for the “quick finishers”.

8. Reach out to experts and collaborate!  Consider hosting guest speakers and those willing to volunteer as an aide for disabled students.

9. Gather data and reflect at the end of the camp.  What can be improved for next time?

           

10. Stay organized!

            Above are just some of the many suggestions STEM Education suggests to consider, prior to hosting a STEM camp.  “To properly prepare students for our society, they must be exposed to STEM content.  A great way to increase the exposure is to conduct a STEM camp.”