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Students simulated a moon landing, were given a fictitious budget of $1 million and got a chance to meet zombies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Odyssey Science Camp. These were just a few of the creative science-related projects that students, ages seven to 15, participated in July 20-31. 

“The summer camp is an opportunity for youths to experience STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning in an informal environment,” said Elisabeth Knierim, camp coordinator in the SIUE STEM Center. “Odyssey Camp exposes kids to the different aspects of math and science that they are not exposed to during the typical school year and does so in a more relaxed environment. The activities also help the students develop critical thinking and cooperative skills.” 

The SIUE STEM Center hosted the camp and participants were divided into the following groups: 

 Explorers (students entering grades 2-3) – Integrates basic concepts from biology, chemistry, earth science and physics with activity-based instruction, including laboratory exercises and outdoor experiences. 

Voyagers (students entering grades 3-4) – Builds on concepts introduced in Explorers with more in- depth laboratory exercises and outdoor activities.

Math Movers and Shakers (students entering grades 4-5) – Takes a playful approach to math through puzzles, games and exploration of real world connections and applications.

Super Sleuths (students entering grades 5-6) – Emphasizes the importance of observation skills as students learn crime investigation techniques such as collecting evidence, finger printing techniques and blood spatter analysis. 

Disaster Academy (students entering grades 6-7) – Examines how the world prepares for (and survives) large scale disasters. Participants will explore disaster preparedness, disease spread and prevention, and human anatomy/physiology through exciting hands-on activities and simulations that focus on the science of zombies, large-scale disasters and survival skills. 

Geared Up (students entering grades 7-8) – Focuses on constructing Lego Mindstorms robot creations and using a simple visual programming language for beginners. Campers do not need prior experience with Legos. 

Cosmic Investigators (students entering grades 8-9) – Explore space by building telescopes, engineer tools to investigate Earth’s upper limits and investigate possible life on other planets. 

Photos: 

Katrina Agustin, of Edwardsville, works on her telescope.

Blake Renken, of Troy, looks at assembly instructions for his telescope.