First Day of Camp : )

Hello Parents...

It's only the first day of camp and we're already off to a great start!

My name is Ivana Freitas and I am the Program Assistant here at the Center for STEM Education at Northeastern University. I will be providing you with daily updates on what your child is learning and experiencing here at our summer camp along with pictures from that day!

The day began with the students, in teams of two, designing their very own "Egg Drop" structure. Teams were given three balloons, string, tape, and a plastic sheet along with a zip-loc bag and cotton balls (to cradle the egg). The objective was to design a structure in which the egg could be dropped from a high altitude without breaking. This was quite a challenge, however the kids got busy... and creative! Designs ranged from large, three-ballooned parachutes to smaller balloon-less designs. Following the assembly of their structures, the students proceeded to the parking garage, or rather "launching site," to test their designs. If the egg didn't break, they advanced to the next parking level until the egg no longer withstood the drop. Although none of the eggs made it past the second level, the students will get a chance to revisit this lesson next week and redesign their structures in hopes of better results. Stay tuned!

After lunch, it was time for some bridge building! In groups of five, the students were asked to recreate a given bridge design using all the parts in their kits, including nuts and bolts to connect each stick. Most groups found it easiest to divide the bridge into sections and then combine all pieces at the end. It seemed simple at first, but the students soon realized that they must recreate the design exactly and fasten the bolts tightly, or the bridge would be defective. Their ability to work together was fantastic! A spokesperson from each group then presented what they deemed to be successes and challenges when building their bridge. While some groups were unable to finish their design in the given timeframe, they all came very close.

All in all, the students seem to really be enjoying themselves! They've already designed their own egg-drop structures and built their own bridges while making lots of friends along the way!

Please remember to visit our blog daily for updates on your child's experience at the Exxon Mobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp!

Pictures will be posted later on today.


~ Ivana : )