Credit Microsoft YouthSpark Camps

Summer STEM to ignite passion

Summer is a great time to explore STEM and if you are looking to expose your children to STEM concepts and get them involved with hands-on activities, here are four free STEM summer programs that are worth considering from my friend and fellow STEM blogger Cyndi at Boston Tech Mom. These summer STEM programs are so cool, and there is still space available in many of them.

While looking over this guest blog post I got completely sidetracked and signed my rising third grader up for Microsoft’s talking robot camp. I mean seriously, how cool is it that they are offering multi-day, multi-hour camps to teach coding?!? For some of these, like the Mircosoft camps, you do need to stay on site, so keep that in mind when registering.

Below you will find opportunities to learn to code, explore the science of space, get introduced to cool new technologies and be part of the maker movement. These programs will run throughout the U.S. in summer 2018. Please visit each organization’s website to get complete details and find out if there is a program near you.

Microsoft Store: Summer YouthSpark Camps

Each year, Microsoft Store offers innovative STEM summer camps designed for kids ages 8+ in their stores. This year, Microsoft is hosting five camps focused on programming robots, learning to code, creating your own movie with digital media, and more. Each camp was developed by experts in the field and with input from store associates, all dedicated to equipping students with the digital skills they need to succeed when they pursue any career.

Camps will take place starting in late May through August, and specific dates and times will depend on your local store and school schedules. Visit Microsoft’s website to find a store near you and RSVP for a program.

GlaxoSmithKline: Science in the Summer

For over 30 years, pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), has sponsored Science in the SummerTM, a science education program for elementary school students entering grades 2-6. This year’s theme is “Science of Space” and programs will be held at 27 locations around the country. Through active, hands-on learning, students will explore the sun, the moon, the stars, space travel, and more, led by certified teachers.

Parents and guardians of students can register online for the summer science program. Class dates, locations and times are available at www.scienceinthesummer.com. Space is limited and registrations will be processed in the order they are received.

Credit GSK Science in the Summer

Credit Verizon Innovative Learning Labs

Verizon: Innovative Learning Labs

Verizon has partnered with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), developer of STEM curricula for K-12, to bring free, hands-on learning opportunities and cool new technology directly to kids.  

Through its Verizon Wireless retail stores, Verizon gives kids the opportunity to explore technology and learn new skills through hands-on, experiential technology workshops for elementary and middle schools students (ages 8-12). In stores around the country, Verizon will run labs in June, July and August on augmented reality, emoji design and holography.

Visit Verizon’s website to find upcoming events and register.

Maker Camp

Maker Camp is an online, worldwide summer program for kids, offered for free by Make: magazine, a terrific source for DIY ideas and projects and a community of people who love to make things. During a Maker Camp, students will work on projects that get them designing, creating, crafting, coding, and more.

Many libraries, makerspaces, and community centers are hosting Maker Camps for kids in their communities. Visit the Maker Camp website to find a camp or learn how you can start your own camp.

About BostonTechMom

BostonTechMom is a resource for parents who want to inspire their children to explore and learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). BostonTechMom’s mission is to encourage kids to explore STEM at a young age and help parents find programs that will excite and motivate their children. BostonTechMom’s website identifies events, programs and activities that expose children to technology in fun, engaging, and meaningful ways. The website emphasizes after-school programs and summer camps with a focus on computer programming, robotics, engineering, science, and other STEM subjects.