Last month, StemEIC hosted our summer camp utilizing Cosi Connect kits, specifically the James Webb space telescope kit.. These learning experiences were donated to us by the Center of Science and Industry museum located in Columbus Ohio and we thank them for their support.
Each camper received their own connect kit and upon camp completion, was able to bring home their connect kit containing their projects that they worked on during the week. The campers were excited to bring home their kits as they were proud of their work they had accomplished. One camper in particular, when informed of this, almost jumped out of their seat in excitement as they wanted to show what they had been working on to their family.
The connect kit had five different activities that were each used on each day of our five day camp. On day one students created a model rocket, on day two campers used water beads to simulate the light pollution that is visible from space. On the third day, campers created a model Webb telescope using a hexagonal mirror and golden hexagonal stickers, and on day four campers used water, glitter, dye, and beads to create a model image of a nebula. On the final day students had to use materials and braille to solve if an exo planet could sustain life. Additionally upon completion of the final day, every student was awarded a pin signifying their completion of the camp.
These activities had the students engaged and excited about learning. The students were genuinely engaged with the material and were excited to learn about the James Webb telescope and space in general. Camps such as this are critical for children to ignite their interest in STEM and COSI’s connect kits helped our organization immensely.
To anyone reading this who is considering using COSI connect kits in their programming, we here at StemEIC strongly recommend them and would like to once again thank COSI in their support of our program and for providing our kits.
