Bismarck, N.D. – Gateway to Science has initiated its new STEM Adventure Mini Camps, providing educational opportunities for elementary school students on days when Bismarck public schools are not in session. The program commenced on Monday, with students from Elk Ridge Elementary participating in the inaugural camp.
These mini camps are specifically designed for children in grades one through five, offering a structured environment for learning outside of the traditional classroom setting. The initial session featured a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities, including the construction of pumpkin zip lines and lessons focused on harvesting.
STEM educator Emily Montgomery elaborated on the educational objectives of the camps. Montgomery noted that students participating in the program not only gain understanding of "what coding is" but also explore the practical application of coding with robots. She further explained that the camps integrate learning about harvesting, combining these distinct topics to create an engaging and enjoyable tandem learning experience for the children.
One of the hands-on projects, the pumpkin zip lines, served as a practical demonstration of scientific principles. Fourth grader Maxwell Sailer detailed the process of creating these zip lines. Sailer explained that the activity involved wrapping a pumpkin with paper, securing it with tape around the entirety of the pumpkin, and then fashioning a small handle. A paper clip was then attached to this handle, which, in turn, was connected to a string to complete the zip line setup. These zip lines are specifically incorporated into the curriculum to teach students about the concepts of force and motion through direct experience.
In addition to the zip line activity, students were also introduced to harvesting concepts. These lessons utilized pinecones as part of the hands-on instruction, allowing students to engage with the subject matter in a tangible way.
Gateway to Science plans for the STEM Adventure Mini Camps to continue throughout the remainder of the school year. Each subsequent STEM Adventure session is slated to feature a different set of activities and learning experiences, ensuring a varied and continuously engaging program for the young participants from Bismarck public schools. The camps aim to provide an alternative learning environment, leveraging non-school days to foster interest and knowledge in STEM fields among local elementary students.