Out-of-This-World Fun: Exploring Astronomy and More at Summer STEM Camps

Summer STEM camps are a fantastic opportunity for kids and teens to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a fun and engaging way. Live online camps led by experts offer a unique blend of education and inspiration, providing kids with hands-on learning experiences through exciting experiments, interactive projects, and collaborative challenges. Not only do kids get to learn about cutting-edge concepts and technologies, but they also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that are essential for success in today's increasingly digital world. Furthermore, summer STEM camps also offer a safe and supportive environment where kids can make new friends who share their interests and passions.

So today, we'll share some award-winning STEM camps that come highly recommended by parents and experts. Each of these camps was designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, MIT, Airbnb, Apple, and more, so students learn real-world technologies and real-world examples, to develop a nuanced understanding that allows them to apply their learning in the future.

Discover Award-Winning Summer STEM Camps for Kids & Teens

Summer STEM camps are like a playground for curious young minds, offering a wide range of exciting subjects for kids to explore. From coding to robotics, chemistry to astronomy, and everything in between, these camps we'll share with you today are a treasure trove of hands-on learning opportunities. Kids can dive into the world of computer programming and learn how to code their own games, apps, or websites, unleashing their creativity and problem-solving skills. They can tinker with robots and learn about engineering concepts as they build and program their own machines. And they can explore the mysteries of the universe and gaze at stars, planets, and galaxies with telescopes during astronomy sessions. That's just the tip of the iceberg! Let's find the best camp for your student.

Summer STEM Camps for Elementary School Kids

When it comes to choosing the perfect STEM summer camp for your elementary school student, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, safety should be a top priority, so look for camps that have proper safety measures in place, including trained staff, well-maintained equipment, and a secure environment. Additionally, it's important to find a camp that offers a well-rounded curriculum with a diverse range of STEM subjects, such as coding, robotics, science experiments, and engineering challenges, to expose your child to various areas of interest. A low student-to-instructor ratio ensures personalized attention and guidance, allowing your child to thrive in their learning journey. Look for camps that offer hands-on, experiential learning opportunities to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. With these considerations in mind, you can select a STEM summer camp that will provide your elementary school student with a safe, engaging, and enriching experience that ignites their passion for STEM!

1. NASA STEM Science Camp

Explore the mysteries of outer space science with fun projects in this live online camp led by an expert. From Mars and aliens, to galaxies and rockets, space fascinates many kids and adults alike, and is the source of powerful imaginations. In this camp designed for students in grades 1-4, kids will learn a wide range of topics related to space science, NASA, and practice other STEM skills. All classes are project based to encourage curiosity and develop problem solving skills. In each session, students will learn cool new things about space and science, then build small projects, and play games sometimes, to ensure there's plenty of fun and strengthen learning. No prerequisites required.

2. Atom Secrets & The Periodic Table of Elements

Designed for students in grades 2-6, this 4-session summer camp offers a fun and engaging introduction to the fields of Chemistry and Quantum Physics, exploring atoms, subatomic particles and the Periodic Table of Elements! The STEM camp introduces students to 54 atomic elements, while exploring advanced concepts such as electron orbitals, covalent and ionic molecular bonds, and the structural organization of the Periodic Table. The camp materials include 54 full-color cartoon Atom Flash Cards, emailed to students as printable PDFs, designed by Pixar animation artist Glenn Kim (whose film credits include The Incredibles, Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc). A full-color illustrated Periodic Table of Elements is also provided. In addition, Review Handouts are provided for each session. These printable resources are included with camp registration. No prerequisites required.

3. Beginner Coding STEM Camp

Scratch is the ideal way to for your student to begin coding because it's easy to learn and students can bring animations to life quickly within their first session. Which gets them more interested in how coding works and what they can create. In this fun interactive online summer camp led by an expert, students learn the basics of how to code games and animations with drag-and-drop coding blocks led live by an expert! Students learn foundational coding concepts, and are encouraged to think critically and use their creativity while coding a special project in each session. Scratch is a subject that students in grades K-9 will enjoy - pick the camp for your child's grade level: ScratchJr (K-2); Scratch Ninja (2-5); Accelerated Scratch (5+). No prerequisites required. Your student might also enjoy progressing to our Pokemon Game Coding camp.

4. Minecraft Redstone Engineering Camp

This is another great entry-level small group camp for students in grades 2-5, led live by an expert. Does your child enjoy Minecraft? If so, this fun one-of-a-kind class will help them learn how to identify and utilize the rare Minecraft element: Redstone - to engineer powerful inventions. In addition to engineering techniques in the world of Minecraft, students learn about real-world engineering concepts! No prerequisites required.

5. Junior Robotics Camp

Students in grades 2-4 are invited to learn how to code a robot to move, sense, lift, and more - all in virtual worlds. In this fun live online small group camp led by an expert, students practice navigating robots through complicated virtual worlds full of obstacles by making use of sensors. Moreover, students learn how to make robots transport objects and see how these topics are important in real-world scenarios! No prerequisites required.

Summer STEM Camps for Middle School Kids

When choosing a STEM summer camp for your middle school student, it's important to look for a program that provides a stimulating and challenging experience. Middle schoolers are at a critical stage of development, and a well-designed STEM camp can help them build on their foundational knowledge and develop advanced skills. Look for camps that offer a curriculum that goes beyond the basics and delves into more complex concepts, such as advanced coding, robotics competitions, advanced science experiments, and engineering projects. A camp that encourages hands-on learning and problem-solving challenges can help your middle schooler further hone their critical thinking and creativity. Experienced and qualified instructors who are passionate about STEM can make a big difference in your child's experience, so consider the expertise and qualifications of the camp's staff. Furthermore, consider camps that provide opportunities for collaboration and teamwork, as this can help your child develop valuable social skills.

6. Beginner Roblox Game Coding Camp

For students with some prior coding experience in grades 3-8, this summer camp is designed to be an introduction to coding games in the ever popular Roblox gaming platform (with over 40 million games)! It's the only class of its kind to teach Roblox coding without the complicated game development tool Lua, which is most commonly used for Roblox coding. Students learn new coding skills using block-based coding, through building multiple fun games in a supportive environment led live by an expert instructor. Previous Scratch coding experience is required. Completion of Scratch Ninja 4 or equivalent of advanced coding experience is required.

7. Advanced Coding Python Camp

Master Python, an essential coding language, in a supportive environment led by an expert teacher in this camp designed by students in grades 5-9. In this more advanced summer STEM camp, students will learn not only the advanced coding language of Python, but also the elements of Python that are most relevant to the increasingly-important field of artificial intelligence. Python is used by companies like Netflix and Google for web development, game development, building apps, machine learning, and much more! Advanced Scratch Coding or Minecraft Modding experience is required before joining this camp.

8. Create with AI: ChatGPT Secrets for Kids

Through several carefully designed projects, this live online interactive course designed by experts from Google, Stanford, and MIT, helps students understand what ChatGPT is and introduces them to effective ways of using ChatGPT. Together with ChatGPT, students will plan something fun, honing their systematic and critical thinking skills while developing essential executive functions. Moreover, they'll learn how to use ChatGPT to enhance their writing abilities and unleash their creativity, enabling them to craft captivating storylines, and they'll master the art of delivering powerful messages through well-structured sentences. Students will also have the opportunity to code their very own ChatBot using this remarkable technology. Throughout the course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the power of ChatGPT, its practical applications, and the ethical considerations associated with AI usage.

9. Modern Website Design Camp

Does the student in your life ever talk about wanting to create their own websites? This cap is designed to teach students in grades 4-9 all the skills they need to build their own website with the leading free website building platform, Wix. It covers a wide range of web design topics including how to structure your website, design your layout, choose color schemes, and create an online storefront. Websites can be used as a virtual portfolio, to showcase school or community events, help local businesses or nonprofits, and really anything you put your mind to! No prerequisites.

10. Mobile Coding Technology Camp

This summer class for kids in grades 4-9 provides students with the skills to create their own unique mobile applications. Students will learn a variety of exciting skills including but not limited to design layout and UI, how to enable UI elements for event handling, how to use different mobile features like a touch screen, how to make multi-user apps, and much more! This is all achieved through building fun projects and games in a small group class, led by an expert teacher. Completion of Scratch Ninja 2 or equivalent coding experience is required.

11. Quantum Frontiers: Dark Matter, Dark Energy, Antimatter and the Standard Model of Particle Physics

Explore exciting frontiers of quantum physics theory and research, including dark matter, dark energy, antimatter and the Standard Model of Particle Physics! This 4-session camp introduces learners in grades 2-6 to intriguing concepts in quantum physics that represent some of the most cutting-edge areas of current scientific research. In addition, this camp moves beyond the 3 most commonly-known subatomic particles (protons, neutrons and electrons) to discuss the 16 subatomic particles in the Standard Model (including quarks, leptons and bosons), which forms the theoretical framework used by modern physicists. Printable Review Handouts will be provided for each class session.

Summer STEM Camps for High School Teens

When selecting a STEM summer camp for your high school student, it's crucial to look for a program that offers advanced and specialized opportunities to further their skills and knowledge in their chosen STEM field of interest. High schoolers are at a pivotal stage in their academic and career journey, and a well-designed STEM camp can provide them with invaluable experiences that can shape their future. Look for camps that offer advanced coursework in areas such as computer programming, engineering, biotechnology, or other specialized fields. A camp that provides access to cutting-edge tools, technologies, and resources can help your high schooler gain hands-on experience and exposure to real-world applications of STEM concepts. Also qualified instructors with industry expertise and connections can provide mentorship and guidance to help your high schooler excel.

12. Python and Pandas Camp

Python and Pandas are a powerful combination of platforms that when used correctly provide students with superb data analyzation and drawing business insights. In this hands-on analytic camp for students in grades 6-12, they'll learn how to manipulate data. The ability to effectively analyze data and use it to inform decisions is a critical skill for a variety of professions including lawyers, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, journalists, and more. Completion of Python for AI or equivalent experience is required first.

13. Unity Game Development Camp

Did you know Unity is the most popular game engine in the world? If your child has ever wondered how professionals develop games with sophisticated features and design, this is it! This advanced game building summer STEM camp led live by an expert covers a wide range of topics including how to navigate the Unity ecosystem to build 2D/3D games from scratch, complete behavioral and object scripting, and much more. Basic knowledge of text-based coding such as Python, Javascript, or Java is required.

14. Intro to Java Programming (AP CSA Aligned) Class

This rigorous Java camp was adapted by Lead Curriculum Developer Jamila Cocchiola from the new Code.org AP CSA curriculum (certified by College Board) to better fit our online format and student needs. This class is a highly thorough introduction to Java programming and covers a wide range of topics like the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, and the development and implementation of algorithms to process data. These skills and many more are put into practice through fun project-based learning!

15. Rocket Science Camp

Are you excited about outer space, science, or humans going to the moon and Mars? Have you been watching rocket launches and astronaut videos, like those from the popular space company, SpaceX? Well then you probably want to learn more about rockets and this class was designed for you! This live online summer STEM camp starts with the history of the rocket, covers rocket fundamentals, and talks about the new rockets being developed today and in the future. It's a must for any student in grades 2-10 who is curious and excited about space exploration!

16. Mathematical Fundamentals of Machine Learning: Math Camp

Created for students in grades 6-12, this STEM camp enlightens students about the core mathematics behind basic ML-powered solutions in data analysis and become empowered in the critical field of AI. The technology company IBM, founded in the early 20th century, cites more than 150 zettabytes of data will require analysis by 2025. With the abundance of data, artificial intelligence (AI) like machine learning (ML) is essential to solving some of the most challenging problems. The camp curriculum includes an introduction to Bayesian decision theory, parametric estimation (e.g. maximum likelihood estimation) and dimensionality reduction, coupling theoretical lessons with hands-on exercises to enforce learning.

Your student might also enjoy private math tutoring on geometry, calculus, and more.

17. Intro to Computational Biology Camp

Students in grades 6-12 are invited to learn how to use code to decipher their biological code - understand what makes you, YOU. This is a chance to get a peek into the challenges scientists deal with every day, and where coding can help! Computational biology is a field that bridges the gap between biology and computer science. If your child is curious about understanding how we humans work inside, and is interested in learning how Python coding can lend a hand in understanding the world of DNA, RNA, and proteins, then this is the summer STEM camp to get started!

Join Summer STEM Camps to Build Tech Skills & a Promising Future

Participation in summer STEM programs has been shown to significantly impact students' interest and engagement in STEM subjects, leading to increased motivation, improved critical thinking skills, and a better understanding of STEM concepts. The camps we've shared with you today provide hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges and engage in problem-solving and creativity. Furthermore, summer STEM camps often expose students to diverse STEM disciplines and professionals, helping them explore potential career paths and make informed decisions about their future. The immersive and collaborative nature of our small group camps fosters teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, which are vital in the modern workforce. By instilling a passion for STEM at an early age and equipping students with relevant skills, summer STEM camps play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM fields! If you're still not sure where your student should begin we recommend joining a Scratch coding camp or exploring all of our live online summer camps here.