Featured
4 Ways to Include English Learners in STEM
Almost every afterschool setting should be prepared to support students and families whose first language is not English.
Designing a Dynamic Summer Program
July 10, 2018
Designing and facilitating a dynamic, enriching, hands-on, active project-based summer program.
Summer Learning Memories
July 3, 2018
“Summer experiences and out-of-school time should be embraced as opportunities to not only help put children on more equal footing when they return to the classroom but to empower youth so that they return with improved self-esteem and have more positive experiences within the school community,” reports Georgia Hall, Ph.D., director and senior research scientist of the
STEM & Out-of-School Time Events to Celebrate
June 26, 2018
July is World Water Color Month. Use kids artsy imaginations and architectural marvel and have them design and build a watercolor paper house.
Confessions of a Summer Camper
June 19, 2018
Preparing for the June Webinar, What Can We Learn from Summer Camp?, make me reflect a lot on my own experiences as a camper and staff member at summer camps. In the webinar, I summarized research findings in this way:
Are Academic Camps Fun?
June 12, 2018
Growing up I participated in various academic summer camps and I can say they are some of my favorite memories. At first, like many young people, I was very hesitant to attend an academic camp. I remember thinking to myself "I want to have a fun summer" or "I don't want to do school work during the summer". However, many of my teachers encouraged me and ensured me that it would be nothing like school.
Designing a Memorable Summer Science Camp: Survive the Zombie Apocalypse
June 5, 2018
It was the end of the week and all the youth put on a showcase of accomplishments for their families. Some stumbled across the stage dressed in perfect undead makeup and costumes as zombies. Others demonstrated their pop can fishing poles they designed to survive and forage for food.
STEM Celebrations in June
May 31, 2018
June is Camping Month, and it's a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! Research shows that people who spend time camping are happier, more relaxed, and tend to buy more bug repellant. Need ideas for celebrating Camping Month indoors? Check out these 31 Easy and Fun Camping Theme Ideas and Activities from Teach Junkie.
It's Not Just about Space: Using NASA Technology to Inspire Youth
May 29, 2018
When most people think of NASA technology, they think of technology used in space exploration to the Moon, Mars or the most distant galaxies in the universe. But did you know NASA technologies also benefit life on right here on Earth, in the form of commercial products? "NASA spinoffs" are in your everyday life –they can be found all around you, from your smartphone and household appliances to your car and even in baby formula.
Resources to Inspire Youth to Look to the Sky
May 22, 2018
"The Space race helped to create a fascination with science and lead to great advances in technology, including the first large-scale integrated circuits which are the basis of all modern computers" (Hawking).