NUScience Explorations

NU Science Explorations

 

NUScience Explorations is a series of science and technology related camps for young children to explore and engage in fun and interactive indoor and outdoor activities. Each summer, week-long camps are held at Nipissing University, exploring different science-based themes.

On-Campus Science Camp - August 9 - 13, 2021

We are excited to return to in-person science camp experiences with NUScience Explorations. For the week of August 9 - 13, NUScience Explorations will have a morning camp experience in the field of Robots and Coding. We have a limited number of seats available for this camp experience and we look forward to welcoming you back to campus in August! Details for the camp can be located below.

Virtual Science Camps - Summer 2021 

Join us this July for our new week-long, virtual summer programs. Camp participants will engage with NUScience Explorations facilitators in daily sessions. Materials will be delivered to camp participants ahead of time!

Registrations are now open.

Summer Camps 2021 - General Information

Please read the following general information related to virtual summer 2021 programming.

Costs

The cost for each individual camp is $100. This includes

  • Access to virtual sessions
  • Camp Resource Kit filled with supplies and resources for the camp's activities
  • Delivery and pick-up of Camp Resource Kit
  • On-campus programming will provide all materials 

Technical Requirements

For Virtual Camps Only:

Technology requirements may vary depending on the weeks' theme. They will be indicated upon in week descriptions.  

At minimum, all participants must have the following:

  • A stable internet or data connection,
  • Webcam and microphone
  • It is recommended that participants use a laptop, desktop computer or tablet to participate in the Virtual Camps 
  •  All virtual programming will be conducted using Google Classroom

Policies and Practices

Please read the following information related to NUScience Policies including Photo/Video Release, Supervision and Support, and NUScience Camp Code of Conduct

Photo/Video Release

Nipissing University will ask parents for permission to use photos or video stills of camp participants for the sole use in future marketing purposes of NUScience Explorations camps and workshops.  Permission forms will be sent to parents prior to the start of weekly camp activities.

Supervision and Support

For Virtual Camps Only:

Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising their child(ren). Some activities will require the assistance and support of an adult and/or older sibling.  

NUScience Explorations' Code of Conduct

When online or on campus, a safe and fun environment are a must. To ensure this, the following Virtual Space Rules apply: 

  1. Be safe 

    • For example, do not share personal information with others.  

    • Do not click links unless posted by a facilitator. 

  2. No bullying 

    • For example, no discrimination or harmful "jokes". 

  3. Use appropriate language 

    • No swearing or mean words 

    • Be kind to each other and respect their feelings and ideas.  

  4. Be a good listener 

    • Listen to discussions and pay attention 

    • No spamming or all caps in the chat 

  5. Take turns 

    • Be sure to let everyone have a chance to speak 

    • Create a safe and positive environment for everyone. 

Not following these rules can lead to remove from camp and/or future camps.  

 

Crime Scene Investigation Week - Start July 5, 2021

Put on your investigator hats as we spend the week cracking codes, looking for clues and learning how to identify finger prints. This week will be based on activities that allow kids to explore and discover clues all around them. 

Deadline to Register: June 30, 2021

Materials Required

In addition to the "NUScience Kit" which will be delivered to your home, we are asking for households to have the following materials for this week's activities. If there are any materials on this list that you do not have, please contact our office and we will make sure to include that item in the "NUScience Kit".

  • Pencil  

  • Pen 

  • Tape (Clear, Masking)  

  • Measuring Cups/ Spoons  

  • Salt  

  • Dish soap 

  • Bowls (small) 

  • Drinking glass (small& tall) 

  • Funnel  

  • Markers  

  • Scissors  

  • Ruler  

  • Paper Towel Roll 

Weekly Schedule

Ages 7 - 8: Daily live sessions at 9:00 - 10:15 AM and 1:00 - 2:15 PM (Google Classroom link will be provided)

Ages 9 - 10: Daily live sessions at 10:45 - 12:00 AM and 2:45 - 4:00 PM (Google Classroom link will be provided)

Open Drop-In Sessions: Opportunities to meet our NUScience Explorations facilitators and ask questions, solve technical issues, etc. (Google Classroom link will be provided).

8:45 - 9:00 AM; 10:30 - 10:45 AM; 2:30 - 2:45 PM

Girl Power in STEM - Starts July 12, 2021

Spark your curiosity as we explore and discover the many ways in which girls can be involved with STEM. This week is aimed to be inclusive for all those who identify as female. Science, technology and engineering will play a key role in our explorations! 

Deadline to Register: July 8, 2021

Materials Required

In addition to the "NUScience Kit" which will be delivered to your home, we are asking for households to have the following materials for this week's activities. If there are any materials on this list that you do not have, please contact our office and we will make sure to include that item in the "NUScience Kit".

  • Tape  

  • Scissors  

  • Pencils  

  • Markers, Colored Pencils, or Crayons 

  • Salt  

  • Cookie Cutters  

  • Glue  

  • Toilet paper roll  

  •  Food coloring 

  • Empty water bottle  

  • Compass 

  • Vegetable oil 

  • Dish Soap 

  • Cardboard  

  • Bowl  

  • Measuring Spoons  

  • Cupcake tray  

Weekly Schedule

Activities include building straw rockets, Making Fossils with Salt Dough, and creating Crystal Coral Reefs.

Ages 7 - 8: Daily live sessions at 9:00 - 10:15 AM and 1:00 - 2:15 PM (Google Classroom link will be provided)

Ages 9 - 10: Daily live sessions at 10:45 - 12:00 AM and 2:45 - 4:00 PM (Google Classroom link will be provided)

Open Drop-In Sessions: Opportunities to meet our NUScience Explorations facilitators and ask questions, solve technical issues, etc. (Google Classroom link will be provided).

8:45 - 9:00 AM; 10:30 - 10:45 AM; 2:30 - 2:45 PM

Ozobots Assemble/Superhero Week - Starts July 19, 2021

Ozobots ASSEMBLE! Join us as we unpack coding, find adventure and learn how to work with small robots known as Ozobots. This week will be focusing on coding, learning and exploration into the world of programming and technology. 

Deadline to Register: July 15, 2021

Materials Required

In addition to the "NUScience Kit" which will be delivered to your home, we are asking for households to have the following materials for this week's activities. If there are any materials on this list that you do not have, please contact our office and we will make sure to include that item in the "NUScience Kit".

  • Tape  

  • Scissors  

  • Cardboard  

  • Blank Paper  

  • Empty Water Bottle  

  • Markers  

  • Pencils  

  • Stick Glue

Weekly Schedule

Activities include learning to code, programming your Ozobot to perform superhero feats and building a robotic hand!

Ages 7 - 8: Daily live sessions at 9:00 - 10:15 AM and 1:00 - 2:15 PM (Google Classroom link will be provided)

Ages 9 - 10: Daily live sessions at 10:45 - 12:00 AM and 2:45 - 4:00 PM (Google Classroom link will be provided)

Open Drop-In Sessions: Opportunities to meet our NUScience Explorations facilitators and ask questions, solve technical issues, etc. (Google Classroom link will be provided).

8:45 - 9:00 AM; 10:30 - 10:45 AM; 2:30 - 2:45 PM

Mad Science - Starts July 26, 2021

Bring your thinking cap and some safety goggles as we have fun with chemical reactions and learn about science. This week we will explore mad science and all the things you need to be a scientist at home! 

Deadline to Register: July 22, 2021

Materials Required

In addition to the "NUScience Kit" which will be delivered to your home, we are asking for households to have the following materials for this week's activities. If there are any materials on this list that you do not have, please contact our office and we will make sure to include that item in the "NUScience Kit".

  • Lemon  

  • Food coloring  

  • Salt  

  • Paint brush  

  • Vegetable oil  

  • Empty plastic water bottle  

  • Empty Jar  

  • Cardboard  

  • Shoe Box or Cardboard package box  

  • Ruler 

  • Tape  

  • Paper  

  • Scissors  

  • Butter Knife  

  • Measuring Cup  

  • Pan or Tray  

  • Dish Soap  

  • Large Tray  

  • Plastic Bottle  

  • Colored Pencils 

  • Glue  

  • Small Glasses  

  • Measuring Cup

Weekly Schedule

Activities include building a bottle rocket, homemade geodes and exploding moon rocks!

Ages 7 - 8: Daily live sessions at 9:00 - 10:15 AM and 1:00 - 2:15 PM (Google Classroom link will be provided)

Ages 9 - 10: Daily live sessions at 10:45 - 12:00 AM and 2:45 - 4:00 PM (Google Classroom link will be provided)

Open Drop-In Sessions: Opportunities to meet our NUScience Explorations facilitators and ask questions, solve technical issues, etc. (Google Classroom link will be provided).

8:45 - 9:00 AM; 10:30 - 10:45 AM; 2:30 - 2:45 PM

Makey Makey Explorations - Starts August 3, 2021

This week is all about creativity and exploration as we learn our way around the Makey Makey circuit board. The small device is pretty amazing as it can turn ordinary household items into a game controller. Come help us find its full potential as you're guided through lessons and experiments. The possibilities are endless! Some activities include turning ordinary household items into an electric guitar, beat box and making a Dance Dance Revolution game!

For information on Makey Makey, please visit https://makeymakey.com

Materials Required

Makey Makey activities require cardboard for some of the activities. We ask participants to start collecting cardboard boxes to be used for cutting out some of the pieces related to the activities. If you are unable to find any cardboard boxes, we are happy to provide some for participants (upon request).

Weekly Schedule

TBA

On-Campus Camp: Robots and Coding: Ozobots 101 - Starts August 9, 2021 (mornings only)

This week we will expand each campers coding and programming skills with activities featuring Ozobots. These little robots will show us how to combine creativity, curiosity and exploration into learning as we unfold the possibilities of new technologies. No previous coding or experience with Ozobots is required to participate!

Sessions start at 9:00 am and end at 12:00 pm. All materials and technology will be provided by the program!

 

Safety Protocols

To ensure the safety of all participants and staff, our science camp will implement the following procedures:

a) Daily active screening of all staff and participants;

b) All staff and participants will be asked to wear a mask; 

c) Hand sanitizing upon entry into the science room;

d) Pick up and drop off outside main doors of Education Centre (weather permitting);

e) We ask all participants to bring personal water bottle;

f) Participants will work at individual tables;

g) All work spaces and materials will be sanitized in the mornings prior to start of camp and after participants have left for the day.

If you have any specific questions or concerns related to the procedures we have put in place, please do not hesitate to contact us at sciencecamp@nipissingu.ca

For more information about our programs, please contact 705-474-3450 ext. 4368 or email us sciencecamp@nipissingu.ca

Part of National Network:

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Actua provides training, resources and support to its national network of members located at universities and colleges across Canada in the delivery of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education outreach programming. Each year, these members engage over 225,000 youth in 500 communities nationwide. Please visit Actua at www.actua.ca.