From July 28 to Aug. 1, the Carle Place School District held its annual Camp Invention, a hands-on summer program that built creativity and confidence while inspiring STEM learning through open-ended challenges and collaborative exploration.
Campers learned and collaborated in age-based groups— each of which centered around a unique themed project— and over the course of the week, they rotated through all four modules. During the beginning of the week, students explored each group's tools and concepts. As the days progressed, they applied what they learned to design and complete hands-on projects, which resulted in exciting final presentations that showcased their creativity and innovation.
In “Illusion Workshop,” campers explored the science behind special effects in movies and TV. They engineered pneumatic props, experimented with sound effects and explored STEAM careers that drive innovative entertainment. Through these activities, campers discovered how illusion and design work together to create movie magic.
During “In Control,” campers tackled real-world challenges using creative problem-solving. They repaired a flat tire, built emergency shelters and sent important Morse code signals. They concluded the week through a Morse code signal challenge, using circuity to wire a transmitter and reaching a final destination.
In “Penguin Launch,” campers turned into young environmental scientists. They tested snow and water samples for pollutants, experimented with magnetic fluids to remove microplastics from penguin habitats and created eco-messages. Using physics, they launched a character named “Pengy” into the thermosphere to spread their environmental message far and wide.
In “Claw Arcade,” campers combined engineering and entrepreneurial thinking. They built functioning claw machines complete with custom prizes, created trademark-worthy logos, learned about design patents and developed brand identities for their arcades. At the end of the week, campers pitched their inventions to investors and demonstrated their machines in action.
"We at Camp Invention were thrilled to bring hands-on STEM learning to Carle Place again this summer,” said Nancy Porcellini, director of Camp Invention at Carle Place. “Campers had a great week of fun and learning while collaborating with friends."
Camp Invention gave Carle Place students the opportunity to dive into hands-on STEM based learning while developing critical thinking, teamwork and presentation skills.