It’s the first day of the Camp Invention program, and we are thrilled that your child could join us for
a week of hands-on FUN! Watch as your child’s imagination comes to life as he or she explores, builds, takes apart inventions and much, much more! Here’s a quick snapshot of what we did today…
In the Problem Solving on Planet ZAK® module, our spaceship crashed on the weird Planet ZAK, and we only have five days to get home! We built shelters to protect us from the storms that frequently pop up on the planet, and we started to rebuild our spaceship.
Then, in the Imagination Point: Ride Physics™ module, we were chosen to be design interns at the largest amusement park in America and commissioned to create a new roller coaster! Today we concentrated on Newton’s First Law of Motion. (An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion remains in motion, unless acted on by an outside force.)
In the Saving Sludge City™ module, we were challenged to clean up a town that totally destroyed its environment with pollution. We created models of Sludge City’s landfills and discovered that they did not protect the town’s groundwater from pollution. Oh no! We then rebuilt the landfills so that Sludge City’s groundwater was protected from harmful mock chemicals.
Today in the Action and Adventure Games™ module, we combined physical activity with creativity. We played some new games that made us think and rely on new friends as we completed challenges!
In the I Can Invent: Balloon Burst™ module, we were charged with becoming the next great generation of inventors and began thinking about future products that we can create. Using creative thinking, we brainstormed possibilities. After learning about tool safety, we began dismantling our machines for parts to use in our new inventions.
PARENTS:
When dropping off and picking up your child, you must accompany them into the gymnasium to sign them in and out each day. Your child’s safety is of the utmost importance to us. In the event that you need to contact us for any reason this week, please call 555.555.5555.
ALSO:
Mark your calendars!
This Friday at 2:45pm, the children will be hosting the Inventors’ Showcase program. This is their chance to show off what they’ve been busy doing this week. All family and friends are welcome and encouraged to come.
Camp Invention Cheer
Offered by Carolyn HennonPat knees twice and then clap once – keep the rhythm throughout…
Camp Invention is our name;
Imagination is our game.
We create…
We discover…
We invent and we uncover!
Camp Invention is our name;
Being inventors is our fame!
Remember to practice our cheer tonight!
Whose group will be the LOUDEST tomorrow?
Invent a Snazzy…
This week at the Camp Invention program, we will be getting pretty creative. Each day, our outfits will match the explosions happening in our brains! Plan ahead and think of what kind of outfit you will wear each day. Don’t buy anything special! Upcycle and find items from your house to use for your outfit!
Tuesday is Crazy Hat Day
Wednesday is Wacky Hair Day
Thursday is Mix and Match Day
Friday is Camp Invention T-shirt Day
Camp Invention Song
Offered by Sue Lyons and Paul Bigos
Sing to the tune of “Old Smokey”…
I am an inventor;
Inventing’s my game!
Here comes my idea…
A real hurricane!
Watch out for my elbows;
Watch out for my brain!
I am an inventor;
Inventing’s my game.
You thought that you knew us,
A real quiet team…
But I know that we fooled you,
By creating that thing.
Look out for that button;
Look out for that chain!
I am an inventor;
Inventing’s my game!
Did you know…
Just as the children will create new inventions during their stay on Planet ZAK, a number of inventions that were originally developed for the space program are now being used by people around the world every day. In the consumer market, these inventions include…
Better brakes
Enriched baby food
Portable x-ray equipment
Improved aircraft engines
Dustbuster® vacuum cleaners
Freeze-dried foods and packaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
PARENTS…
Don’t forget to ask your child about his/her experience at the program each day. Ask specific questions about each module based on the daily summaries provided, such as:
- What were some of the challenges you dealt with in your modules today?
- What do you think your best solution was?
- How did your groups ultimately come up with their solutions?
- What did you enjoy most about each module?
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
The hands-on, inquiry-based activities your child encounters at the Camp Invention program – paired with your expressed interest – will help your child to get the most out of the experience. Note the boost in self-confidence and how his or her attitude toward working and problem solving in teams really develops.
Don’t forget to check-in on FourSquare and Facebook each day this week!
The Camp Invention program is made possible through the assistance of a number of organizations, businesses and individuals that truly believe in the importance of inspiring our next generation of inventors.
Special thanks to the following sponsor(s):
United States Patent and Trademark Office