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Quirks and Quarks·Analysis: Bob's blog

Making science fun with summer camps

Bob McDonald discusses how STEM activities in the summer can help raise future decision makers.

STEM activities in the summer can help raise future decision makers

Bob McDonald · CBC Radio ·
Four kids gathered around a table outdoors each hold a magnifying glasses, looking through it at a specimen on a glass slide.
Science and engineering-themed summer camps can teach children and youth what it's like to engage in experiments. (Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock)

The classic image of the summer camp involves canoes, campfires and tents in the wilderness.

But there is another type of camp experience – one where kids use real scientific equipment in laboratories to experience the wonders of science.

Most Canadian universities, colleges and science centres offer summer science camps for kids of all ages. These immersive experiences, often run by graduate students, introduce young people to science laboratories and the equipment used to conduct experiments.

And it's all hands-on, as kids get to actually participate in experiments. Whether it's building model bridges, studying genetics, chemistry, geology or any number of science subjects, the children are mentored through the process of exploring the world of scientific investigation for themselves.

Many of these programs are day camps, while some offer accommodation, and there are even campus experiences for older youth to prepare them for university life. 

Kids at the Lego Robotics session at the STEAM summer camp. They were able to learn some of the coding to increase the speed, turns, lights and so forth of the robots
In this Manitoba STEAM summer camp, kids learned how to operate Lego robots. (Submitted by Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre )

Science is a collaborative effort, so kids often work in teams, learning cooperation while making new friends along the way. They also get to enjoy the satisfaction that comes with success, and discover that science can be fun.

Of course, these programs are not all about laboratory experiments. There is usually an outdoor component as well, to keep the fun factor high.

Children and youth are the scientists, engineers, business people, politicians and decision makers of the future. Many of the tough decisions society needs to make are based in science, such as climate change, energy, food and water management, and biodiversity to name a few. Having a basic understanding of the science behind those topics, as well as knowledge of how the scientific process works, will go a long way to ensuring the right decisions are made.

So if that sounds like something worth adding to your summer activities, look for science camps in your area.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald is the host of CBC Radio's award-winning weekly science program, Quirks & Quarks. He is also a science commentator for CBC News Network and CBC TV's The National. He has received 12 honorary degrees and is an Officer of the Order of Canada.