Science, technology, engineering, art and math activities geared to educate and entertain highlight this week’s Summit Academy – Columbus STEAM Summer Camp for students in grades 1-6.
The action-packed camp began Monday with a “Challenge Island” project. The
campers engaged in fun, challenge-based lessons that support academic growth, social emotional learning and collaboration, explains Behavior Specialist Rebecca St. Clair.
During one activity, for instance, the students were challenged to follow instructions to make slime. To the mixture they added assorted colors, glitter and trinkets that matched their personalities. At another station, the children were presented STEAM bins containing various materials to use in challenges such as creating a superhero with a special power or designing a chair that would seat a specific animal. The students also practiced reading as they followed recipes to make their own lollipops and bubble solution.
On Tuesday, the students visited the Central Ohio Fire Museum and Learning Center where they learned about fire safety and the responsibilities of firefighters. For their next stop, the children visited COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, where they explored concepts like motion and ecology in an interactive, hands-on setting. Today, the students will focus their attention specifically on the forces of golf, at a local recreation center. 
The camp will wrap up on Friday when the young learners head outdoors to Slate Run Metro Park to tour a live historical farm.
“The camp provides an opportunity for students to continue to learn for an additional week, build relationships with their teachers, and have fun with their peers,” says St. Clair. She adds that many of the students gravitated toward STEAM activities in an after-school program last year, which inspired the STEAM-themed camp.
Students are receiving free breakfasts and lunches at the no-fee summer camp.