Science Curriculum
Wow! Science Camp® uses the kinesthetic (hands-on) approach to teaching complex topics. Research has shown that when learners are able to immediately apply newly acquired knowledge, they are 80 percent more likely to retain that knowledge.
The Wow! Science Camp® approach allows campers to put together a functioning machine or gadget or create an object in each of the subject areas in the science curriculum. Watching different pieces of materials come to life in the finished product creates the “Wow!” factor. This is where the didactic component of the program begins. As learners ask questions about the experience, instructors explain the experiment or project and the underlying scientific concepts.
Broad Learning Goals (K-3rd Grade):
Our goals for campers in kindergarten through third grade is for them to:
- Raise questions about the world around them and seek answers through careful observations and experimentation.
- Understand and practice safety procedures for conducting science investigations.
- Select appropriate measuring instruments based on the degree of precision required.
- Describe a product or device in terms of the problem it solves or the need it meets.
- Choose materials most suitable to make simple mechanical constructions.
- Differentiate between the needs of plants and those of animals.
- Reinforce classroom learning.
- Campers are introduced to circuits and robotics.
- Experiments and group activities are used to introduce concepts.
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- Campers are introduced to Newton’s laws of physics.
- Experiments and group activities are used to introduce concepts.
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- Campers are introduced to types of energy.
- Experiments and group activities are used to introduce concepts.
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- Campers are introduced to the science of sound.
- Experiments and group activities are used to introduce concepts.
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- Campers learn the science behind motion.
- Experiments and group activities are used to introduce concepts.
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- Campers learn the science behind kites and paper airplanes.
- Experiments and group activities are used to introduce concepts.
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- Campers learn the basics of chemical reactions. They learn the composition of substances and their properties and reactions. They get a chance to combine chemicals and perform some experiments.
- Campers conduct water electrolysis, make potassium permanganate lose its color, test for starches and vitamin C, create precipitates, do flame color tests, make chromatograms of leaves and chemicals, set off time-delay and redox reactions, mix up edible artificial honey, break down sawdust into glucose, etc.
- Campers learn safety procedures by working in a laboratory environment.
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Campers learn:
- The characteristics of plant and animal kingdoms.
- The stages of development of select animals and plants.
- How plants and animals survive in their natural habitat.
- Food groups and the importance of healthy eating habits.
- Types and importance of exercise in maintaining health and preventing disease.
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Campers learn:
- The characteristics of plants, animals, and other aspects of their environment.
- Specific characteristics of the animals they visit during their field trips.
- The relationship between plants, animals, and people in the environment.
- Their role in preserving the environment.
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Broad Learning Goals (4th to 9th Grade)
Our goals for campers in fourth through ninth grade is for them to:
- Follow instructions to create mechanical constructions.
- Collect, organize, and interpret data that result from experiments.
- Understand and practice safety procedures for conducting science investigations.
- Understand the underlying theories of motion, mechanics, and energy.
- Compare and contrast kinds of organisms using their internal and external characteristics.
- Understand their role in building a sustainable society by reducing environmental impact.
- Learn types and sources of energy.
- Review alternative sources of energy.
- Generate energy through experiments.
- Understand the relationship between energy consumption and sustainability.
- Use lessons, video, classroom activities, experiments, and projects to bring laws to life.
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- Understand the three laws of motion:
Force
Gravity
Friction
Use lessons, video, classroom activities, experiments, and projects to bring laws to life.
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- Velocity and terminal velocity.
- Motion
- Mass
- Weight
Use lessons, video, classroom activities, experiments, and projects to bring laws to life.
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Use lessons, video, classroom activities, experiments, and projects to bring laws to life.
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- Matter
- Electromagnetic radiation (light waves and lasers)
- Microwave and radiowave
Use lessons, video, classroom activities, experiments, and projects to bring laws to life.
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- Learn Bernoulli's principle for wing design.
- Apply lessons from mechanics, motion, electricity, and energy in designing a hovercraft and other flying objects.
Use lessons, video, classroom activities, experiments, and projects to bring laws to life.
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- Identify the characteristics of vertebrate and invertebrate animals.
- Compare and contrast various organisms using their external and internal characteristics.
- Learn the ecological role of animals, from the microscopic to the super large.
- Learn food groups and the importance of healthy eating habits.
- Learn types and importance of exercise in maintaining health and preventing disease.
Field trips will provide an opportunity to study specific animals in depth.
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- Electrons
- Circuits and components
- Robotics
- Radios
- Alarms
- Solar
- Wind turbine
- Battery
- Fuel cell
Use lessons, video, classroom activities, experiments, and projects to bring scientific laws to life.
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- Understand life processes explaining adaptations, distribution, and abundance of organisms, the movement of materials and energy through living communities, the successional development of ecosystems, and the abundance and distribution of biodiversity in context of the environment.
- Examine conservation of natural resources, and conservation of energy and materials.
- Learn the concepts of environmental protection and sustainability.
- Learn the role of each citizen in achieving and sustaining a cleaner, healthier environment .
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Activities 
