Description
Explore, Make, Create STEAM (EMCeeS) Program Summary
The Explore, Make, Create STEAM (EMCeeS) Maker Program is a week-long immersive STEAM experience that engages elementary students in hands-on exploration of science, engineering, and art through dynamic projects. With a focus on 3D design and printing technology, students will delve into topics such as medieval siege engineering, altered states of matter, secret messaging systems, soft circuits, and flight. By integrating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), students will experience the intersection of engineering, physics, and creative expression in a fun and collaborative environment. Each day of the program brings new challenges and projects, fostering innovation and problem-solving.
Day 1: Drones & Medieval Engineering
The week kicks off with an exciting blend of technology and history. Students will learn about medieval engineering by building and defending cardboard castles and using drones to simulate magical attacks. They'll also design and test siege catapults and jousting balloons. The hands-on engineering experience extends to creating and testing foam head helmets and armor using pocketlabs to assess impact forces. The day concludes with acceleration challenges and reaction time tests using micro
.
Day 2: Secret Messages & Hidden Perceptions
Students will explore the science of perception and hidden messages through projects that involve invisible inks, UV pens, and watercolor resist techniques. They will create kaleidoscopes, experiment with sunprints, and uncover how to make erasable and recoverable messages. Chemical wood burning and electrochemical metal etching introduce students to chemistry-based artistic techniques. The day ends with a creative exploration of illusions, art, and stencils, highlighting the intersection of science and visual communication.
Day 3: Rockets & Flying Objects
This day focuses on flight and engineering challenges. Students will design and launch a variety of projectiles, including paper planes, pop rockets, and water rockets, all while measuring acceleration and flight performance. Nerf rocket design challenges and parachute recovery systems are tested with accelerometers. The day culminates with rocket parachute launches, teaching students the fundamentals of aerodynamics, stability, and propulsion.
Day 4: States of Matter & Phase Changes
Students will dive deep into the physical changes in matter through a series of pressure-based demonstrations. They’ll experiment with air pressure, create convection currents, and see firsthand how states of matter change with temperature. In addition to bike-pump water rockets and mini ice cream-making, they’ll explore dry ice, gallium metal, and DIY thermometers. The 3D printing component also comes into play with students designing and printing their own nametags, while learning about melting points and metal properties through gallium and pennies.
Day 5: DIY Circuits & Soft Circuits
The final day focuses on electronics and soft circuits, combining engineering with wearable art. Students will create personalized light-up circuit art, build electric houses, and make wearable technology, such as LED hats, bandanas, bracelets, or patches. By integrating circuitry into everyday items, students will gain practical knowledge of electricity while exercising their creativity to design functional and artistic electronic accessories.
Highlights
Description
Explore, Make, Create STEAM (EMCeeS) Program Summary
The Explore, Make, Create STEAM (EMCeeS) Maker Program is a week-long immersive STEAM experience that engages elementary students in hands-on exploration of science, engineering, and art through dynamic projects. With a focus on 3D design and printing technology, students will delve into topics such as medieval siege engineering, altered states of matter, secret messaging systems, soft circuits, and flight. By integrating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), students will experience the intersection of engineering, physics, and creative expression in a fun and collaborative environment. Each day of the program brings new challenges and projects, fostering innovation and problem-solving.
Day 1: Drones & Medieval Engineering
The week kicks off with an exciting blend of technology and history. Students will learn about medieval engineering by building and defending cardboard castles and using drones to simulate magical attacks. They'll also design and test siege catapults and jousting balloons. The hands-on engineering experience extends to creating and testing foam head helmets and armor using pocketlabs to assess impact forces. The day concludes with acceleration challenges and reaction time tests using micro
.
Day 2: Secret Messages & Hidden Perceptions
Students will explore the science of perception and hidden messages through projects that involve invisible inks, UV pens, and watercolor resist techniques. They will create kaleidoscopes, experiment with sunprints, and uncover how to make erasable and recoverable messages. Chemical wood burning and electrochemical metal etching introduce students to chemistry-based artistic techniques. The day ends with a creative exploration of illusions, art, and stencils, highlighting the intersection of science and visual communication.
Day 3: Rockets & Flying Objects
This day focuses on flight and engineering challenges. Students will design and launch a variety of projectiles, including paper planes, pop rockets, and water rockets, all while measuring acceleration and flight performance. Nerf rocket design challenges and parachute recovery systems are tested with accelerometers. The day culminates with rocket parachute launches, teaching students the fundamentals of aerodynamics, stability, and propulsion.
Day 4: States of Matter & Phase Changes
Students will dive deep into the physical changes in matter through a series of pressure-based demonstrations. They’ll experiment with air pressure, create convection currents, and see firsthand how states of matter change with temperature. In addition to bike-pump water rockets and mini ice cream-making, they’ll explore dry ice, gallium metal, and DIY thermometers. The 3D printing component also comes into play with students designing and printing their own nametags, while learning about melting points and metal properties through gallium and pennies.
Day 5: DIY Circuits & Soft Circuits
The final day focuses on electronics and soft circuits, combining engineering with wearable art. Students will create personalized light-up circuit art, build electric houses, and make wearable technology, such as LED hats, bandanas, bracelets, or patches. By integrating circuitry into everyday items, students will gain practical knowledge of electricity while exercising their creativity to design functional and artistic electronic accessories.
