Week Two Recap: Space Adventures at Summer Camp!
With an impressively inquisitive and curious group of kids, we dove into the mysteries of space, exploring galaxies, the solar system, and the fascinating concepts of astrophysics.
Exploring the Universe and Galaxies
We kicked off the week by learning about the universe and studying the formation and shapes of galaxies. Our campers even dabbled in a bit of theoretical physics as we discussed dark matter and pondered what infinity truly means! To bring these cosmic concepts to life, we painted our own galaxy ceramic cups using a fun mixture of shaving cream and marbling techniques. This resulted in mesmerizing interstellar clouds that were as unique as each of our campers.
Solar System Dioramas
Next, we turned our attention to our own solar system and the magic of dioramas. Using clay and molds, our campers built their own solar system models. These creations ranged from extremely realistic colors and patterns to wonderfully imaginative made-up systems. The creativity was astounding!
Kandinsky-Inspired Abstract Planets
Keeping with the theme of imaginary planets, our campers learned about Russian painter and art theorist Wassily Kandinsky. Inspired by Kandinsky's Concentric Circles, they designed their own abstract planets. The color combinations were stunning, but even more impressive were the detailed stories the campers invented for each planet—whether it was hot or cold, gassy or rocky, and if it could sustain life!
Upcycled Papier-Mâché Rockets
In another exciting project, our campers used upcycled materials to create really cool papier-mâché rockets, each unique with its own flair of personality. For an extra dose of fun, we turned an extra rocket into a piñata that treated all the kids to a little surprise glow-in-the-dark craft!
Collaborative Art Installation: Eames Rocket
Our week culminated in what was probably the most challenging activity of the week: a collaborative art installation. The campers assembled a large-scale rocket using geometric flaps of fabric, wooden dowels, pipe cleaner ingenuity, and a ton of teamwork. This rocket design comes from the Eames Toy, one of the most sought-after Eames collectibles for people of all ages to enjoy and experience. In building the model, our campers learned about Charles and Ray Eames, interpretive modern art, and developed an appreciation for the Eamesian principle of modular systems, a popular feature in spacecraft design!
A Week Packed with STEM and Art
While our week was packed with STEM lessons and discussions, art was infused in every part of our day. We had a blast creating beautiful work that is truly out of this world! Our campers not only expanded their knowledge of space but also honed their artistic skills, resulting in a week full of creativity, learning, and fun.
Stay tuned for more adventures next week!