Name: Science Sprint-7/20/2026 - 7/24/2026 | Ages 9-12 | Blue Ridge Boost
SKU: SUMMER26-SCIENCE-CAMP-W8-26
Price: 509.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Science Sprint

Overview

One featured theme per day; no prior experience required.
Emphasis on the engineering design cycle, measurement, and safe tool use.
Teams of up to 2–3 students; each day ends with a gentle, coach-guided “Show & Test” time.

Daily Plan

Day 1 — Helicopter Design Day (Coach-Guided Show & Test, 45 minutes)

Focus: Aerodynamics, torque, lift, rubber winding, lightweight structures.

S1: Flight Basics — Lift, drag, thrust, weight; safe winding and launch habits.
S2: Rotor Design — Try different rotor chord, pitch (twist), and diameter; build smooth hubs.
S3: Airframe + Power — Assemble a balanced airframe; gentle practice flights with timers.
S4: Coach-Guided Show & Test — Take turns flying, cheer peers, share one change and its effect.

Day 2 — Chain-Reaction Systems Day (Coach-Guided Show & Test, 45 minutes)

Focus: Energy transfers, simple machines, sequencing, reliability, documentation.

S1: Chains of Energy — Explore gravity, elastic, and electrical energy with simple machines.
S2: Module Builds — Create 2–3 dependable modules (e.g., marble ramp → lever → switch → fan).
S3: Integration + Testing — Connect modules; troubleshoot and make a short start checklist.
S4: Coach-Guided Show & Test — Run your chain for friends; celebrate wins and note learnings.

Day 3 — Tower Engineering Day (Coach-Guided Show & Test, 45 minutes)

Focus: Structures, compression/tension, buckling, bracing, strength-to-weight.

S1: Tower Principles — Triangles, load paths, wobble control; simple measuring and weighing.
S2: Design + Jigs — Sketch plans; build a jig for straight, repeatable sides.
S3: Build + Preload — Assemble legs and braces; preload gently to find weak spots.
S4: Coach-Guided Show & Test — Add weight gradually; observe, discuss fixes, and celebrate rebuilds.

Day 4 — Wind Power Design Day (Coach-Guided Show & Test, 45 minutes)

Focus: Renewable energy, rotor aerodynamics, power, measurement, optimization.

S1: Wind Energy 101 — Angle of attack, swept area; meet the fan and simple meter (safety first).
S2: Blade Design — Make 2–3 blade sets with different pitches and shapes; balance carefully.
S3: Tuning + Data — Test each set at the same fan setting; record readings; choose the best.
S4: Coach-Guided Show & Test — Share your best set, view readings, and explain a tradeoff noticed.

Day 5 — Hovercraft Design Day (Coach-Guided Show & Test, 45 minutes)

Focus: Fluid pressure, air cushion, friction reduction, stability, motor control.

S1: Hovercraft Mechanics — How air cushions lift/glide; safe use of small motors and batteries.
S2: Base + Skirt — Cut a light base; attach a flexible skirt; check for leaks and adjust vents.
S3: Drive + Control — Add propulsion; test straight travel; tune weight and thrust alignment.
S4: Coach-Guided Show & Test — Glide along a marked lane; share what improved stability.

What’s Included

Build materials for each theme, tool kits, and safety gear.
Friendly build guides, checklists, data tables, and reflection sheets.
Testing stations: flight area, chain-reaction table, loading rig, fan rig with meters, hover lane.

Skills You’ll Gain

Design Cycle: plan, prototype, test, iterate, communicate.
Measurement & Data: time aloft, load, voltage/current, distance/time, efficiency.
STEM Concepts: aerodynamics, structures, energy transfer, renewable power, fluid dynamics.
Teamwork: designer, builder, tester, data recorder; kind feedback and clear communication.

Camp Essentials

Ages: 9 to 12 years old.
Dates: Monday, 7/20/2026 to Friday, 7/24/2026
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

Note: The camps listed as ages 6 to 12 will be divided by age into two groups.