Friday, June 13, 2014

Camp Invention

This week Emily had the awesome opportunity to attend Camp Invention at the WSR Middle School.  Camp Invention is a national program backed by the National Inventors Hall of Fame promoting STEM activities for elementary age kids.  It was five days from 9:00am-3:00pm.  It's no surprise that Emily LOVED it!  She was so excited to show us all of her inventions and prototypes at the end of the week.


Robot
Money ramp

 Kaleidoscope

Bionic hand
Paper shoes with a reinforced heel (washer covered in duct tape)
Kleenex shoes made at home


Emily won the Best Design award in her age group for her battery-operated car.  Everyone got a kit and tested different designs.  Emily made more modifications at home.  She preferred the spinning fan version over the rubber band axle version.
Dream launcher

On the first day the kids got to take apart an electronic device brought from home to observe what was inside.  Emily ended up needing the help of a sledge hammer to get inside her CD player (see above)!  Then the kids took components from their devices and other "invention material" to create pinball machines with a bug theme.  Emily won the drawing to be able to take her group's machine home.  It actually worked!


Pinbug machines by other groups
Camp Counselor Jamie
WSR Camp Invention 2014

We are so thankful for this amazing opportunity.  Emily can't wait to go back next year!  Below is a video with highlights and demonstrations.


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