Name: Hands-On Science-8/3/2026 - 8/7/2026 | Ages 9-12 | Blue Ridge Boost
SKU: SUMMER26-SCIENCE-CAMP-W10-26
Price: 509.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Hands-On Science

Overview

One featured theme per day; no prior experience required.
Emphasis on safe tool use, measurement, data, and the design cycle.
Teams of 2–3 students; each day ends with a friendly Show & Test time.

Daily Plan)

Day 1 — Bungee Drop Day

Focus: Elastic cord behavior, safe vertical drop testing, distance measurement, prediction.

S1: Elasticity & Safety — Explore stretch and proportionality; set up a safe drop rig and measurement method.
S2: Rig & Marking — Build a gentle release and clear reference marks; practice consistent procedures.
S3: Calibrate & Model — Run short test drops; graph stretch vs. distance; create a simple prediction table.
S4: Show & Test — Aim for a target drop distance; share one adjustment and its effect.

Day 2 — Boomilever Day

Focus: Cantilevers, compression/tension, joints, bracing, structural efficiency.

S1: Structure Basics — Load paths, why bracing matters; measure and weigh materials.
S2: Design & Jigs — Sketch truss layouts; plan compression vs. tension members; make a wall-mount jig.
S3: Build & Preload — Careful gluing and alignment; gentle preload to find weak nodes.
S4: Show & Test — Add load gradually at a set distance; observe deflection and celebrate reinforcements.

Day 3 — Circuit Lab Day

Focus: Electricity & magnetism, Ohm’s Law, series/parallel circuits, safe measurement.

S1: Electricity 101 — Voltage, current, resistance; safe use of batteries and multimeters.
S2: Build Circuits — Series and parallel on breadboards with resistors and LEDs.
S3: Troubleshoot & Extend — Find opens/shorts; try a voltage or current divider and compare data to predictions.
S4: Show & Test — Demonstrate your circuit, explain measurements, share one insight.

Day 4 — Helicopter Day

Focus: Rubber-powered free flight, rotor design, trimming, winding technique.

S1: Flight Basics & Safety — Lift, drag, thrust, weight; safe winding and launch habits.
S2: Rotor & Hub — Build lightweight blades; set pitch/chord; smooth hubs and bearings.
S3: Trim & Test — Short flights; track winds, pitch, and time aloft; tune for stable climb and descent.
S4: Show & Test — Take turns flying, time flights, and cheer peers; share one tuning change.

Day 5 — Machines Day

Focus: Simple and compound machines, levers, mechanical advantage, lever-based measuring.

S1: Simple Machines — Levers, pulleys, wheel & axle, wedges, inclined planes, screws; mechanical advantage basics.
S2: Lever Build — Construct a lever device; set pivot and arms; add pointer and scale; calibrate with known masses.
S3: Measure & Compare — Use the lever to determine mystery mass ratios; record and analyze.
S4: Show & Test — Demonstrate your device; explain how arm length affects readings.

Skills You’ll Gain

Design Cycle: plan, prototype, test, iterate, communicate.
Measurement & Data: distance, load, voltage/current, time aloft, mass ratios.
Core Concepts: elasticity, structures, electricity, aerodynamics, simple machines.
Teamwork: kind feedback, role rotation (builder, tester, recorder), clear communication.

Camp Essentials

Ages: 9 to 12 years old.
Dates: Monday, 8/3/2026 to Friday, 8/7/2026
Times:
- Full-Day,8:30 AM–5:00 PM
- AM, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
- PM, 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: 2171 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
What to Bring: Water bottle, lunch, and one or two light snacks.
Video gaming: Allowed with parent permission during Exploration Time
Tech Provided: Computers and robotics kits (for in‑camp use only; equipment stays with us).
Skill Level: Beginners welcome; no prior coding experience required
Dress Code: Comfortable clothes; indoor‑friendly shoes
Contact: camps@blueridgeboost.com • (434) 260‑0636
Allergies/Medical: Share details during registration; bring any necessary meds
Behavior & Safety: Kindness first; follow staff directions; internet safety rules apply