Day 3: Out of This World

The students began their day with a raft rally in the Cabral Center. Given only a piece of aluminum foil, they brainstormed together in groups to create a raft design that could hold the largest amount of pennies possible without sinking. They then estimated how many pennies their raft could withstand before filling with water. Estimates were quite high, showing just how confident these future scientists were with their creations. Again, the results were impressive. At 379 pennies, team Mayflower set the BHSSC nationwide record for most pennies held without sinking!

After the raft rally, Al Sacco, a distinguished Professor of Engineering at Northeastern University and former NASA astronaut, paid the students a visit. Al shared his space travel experiences with the students detailing everything from his intensive fitness routine before flight to his diet while in orbit. Learning about such a unique experience, the students had many questions for Al. His presentation was both exciting and enlightening.

Taking into account what they had learned from Al, it was now time to construct their own rockets using an empty soda bottle, construction paper, duck tape, and a tennis ball. No restrictions were put on the construction of the rocket, but rather instead to keep in mind what they had learned about aeronautics. The rockets were then filled with water and ready for launching. The students then proceeded to the O'Bryant Field to test their creations. Once all campers counted down to 0, a team member pulled down the lever and all watched as each rocket took off into the sky. The winning team’s rocket was in flight for 6.2 seconds before returning to the ground!

To add to the excitement of the day, cameramen were present to capture the thrilling rocket launches. As you can imagine, the students were over the moon : )

Fun from Day 1...

Day 2: Shaking Things Up!

Today was quite an exciting day for our campers...

All 48 students were split up into two groups. While one group simulated real-life earthquakes through Northeastern University’s very own "Shake Table," the other designed bridges using West Point Bridge Design computer software.

At the Snell Engineering Center, students learned exactly how earthquakes can have a destructive impact on buildings whose structures were poorly designed. They watched as a one-story and two-story building both behaved differently to the same magnitude earthquake. It was then their turn to design a building that they believed could withstand the trembling Shake Table, or "earthquake." One prize was given for the most appealing design and another for the sturdiest. The students were extremely creative and clever in their ideas. One building withstood what would measure an 8 on the Richter scale! What smart kids you have! They were even given the unique opportunity of experiencing a real-life earthquake by taking turns balancing on the Shake Table.

While buildings were shaking up downstairs, students were attempting to straighten out pillars to create a durable bridge upstairs. They also were given a challenge (clearly a common theme throughout all engineering lessons): to create the least expensive, but still functional and stable bridge. Keeping in mind the cost-effective component, they got right to work. Competition set in and figures were thrown out left and right, the prices getting lower and lower. It was great seeing how each child realized just what had to be adjusted to create a successful design. Whether beams were thickened or patterns redesigned, the students produced record-low figures that surely impressed the engineering professors.

Look forward to some out of this world, rocket action tomorrow : )

~Ivana

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 : )

Parking and Drop-off Information for Sunday, July 12th

Can you believe that camp begins in just a few short days?

We will begin the 2oo9 camp on Sunday, July 12th. Female campers should be dropped off at 3:00 and male campers at 3:30. Parents MUST stay with their campers until 5:00.

The protocol for camper drop off will be as follows:

* Please drive by 40 Leon Street to drop off luggage. This is the front side of West Village F. See mapquest.com for directions.

* You will sign your child in and drop off luggage to the night counselors who will put the student's luggage in his/her room.

* We will then give you parking information. We are hoping that parking will be provided but there may be a nominal fee for this ($5-$8). You will park and then come to the Raytheon Amphitheater for the rest of orientation which will run from 4:00-5:00 p.m. with both parents and students.

Please refer to the "What to Bring" document when packing and don't forget to bring your pre-camp assignment.

As always, feel free to call or email if you have questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday :)

~ Kelly and the the rest of the ExxonMobil Harris Camp Staff!

Reminders for Camp!

Hello Campers and Parents!!!

As we get closer to the start of camp, the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp staff would like to give you a few reminders.

Camp will run July 12th – 24th. You are required to attend for the full two weeks.
Remember to bring:
· A sweater or light jacket
· Comfortable sneakers
· At least 5 t-shirts
· Pajamas
· Socks
· Sneakers/closed toe shoes

Please leave your electronics, money, and food at home.

If you have other questions as to whether or not you are permitted to bring an item please refer to the handouts given out during orientation. If you have any additional questions or concerns please call or e-mail us at (617) 373-8380 or bhssc.neu@gmail.com.

You should also complete and bring with you the camp pre-activity on Sunday. Staff bios of your day and night counselors are also attached. The left side shows your day counselor and the right side shows your night counselor. For those of you that are with the same counselor for day and night there is only one bio.

Reporting to camp: Girls are to report to camp at 3:00 pm and boys are to report to camp at 3:30 pm on the first day (Sunday, July 12, 2009). Parents will be required to stay with their children until 5:00 pm. Dinner will be provided for students only on Sunday July 12th.
Information on parking will be emailed and posted to the camp blog next week.

Policy/Procedure Handbook: www.stem.neu.edu/bhssc/2009/policies2009.pdf
Camp Pre-Assignment: www.stem.neu.edu/bhssc/camp2009.htm

SEE YOU SOON!!!

IMPORTANT POST REGARDING MEDICAL INFORMATION

Hello Parents and Campers!

This is a very important reminder that we MUST have all camper medical files before participation in the camp is permitted. This means that your child must have returned their:

1.) Medical Information Form (with the Harris Logo)
2.) Authorization to Dispense Medication Form
3.) Immunization Record
4.) Proof of Physical
5.) Copy of Front and Back of Insurance Card

If we do not hear from you and your materials are not received by us by Monday afternoon (July 6th), your child's spot will be given to the next student on the wait list. If you have further questions, you can call 617.373.2626. Our fax number is 617.373.7084.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We truly want all of our students to have a safe and enjoyable summer.