What you'll do
Explore the outer reaches of space on a weeklong voyage through our solar system and beyond! Construct sturdy spacecraft, create alien-inspired artwork and tame the forces of gravity as you set a course for a neighboring star.
Start by building and launching a rubber-band rocket strong enough to exit the atmosphere. Be reflective as you fine-tune for shape, fin design and weight distribution to achieve maximum escape velocity. Engineer a long-haul spaceship that rotates to simulate gravity and be determined
to balance its components while maintaining a smooth spin. Use the power of paper tubes and triangle shapes to construct a strong outpost on a faraway planet, then craft out-of-this-world collages inspired by the view from your outpost’s portholes. Finish the week with a fall back to Earth, using 3D construction techniques to make a cushioned landing pad for an egg astronaut and setting your design skills light years ahead.
Note:
This weeklong class is more than innovation-igniting projects—it’s an immersive experience full of delightful details, including interactive games, silly traditions, snacks (see Materials, below) and dress-up days designed to build community, bolster confidence and deliver loads of camp-away-from-camp fun.
What you'll need
Materials
- 30+ sheets of standard-size paper
- 2 fresh eggs
- 2 plastic bottles
- 1 set of drawing tools
- 10 pencils or disposable chopsticks
- 4 paper plates
- 1 broom
- 2 chairs
- 1 piece of aluminum foil
- 1 zipper bag
- 10 dimes or pennies
- 1 hardcover book
- 1 piece of string
- 3 pieces of thin cardboard (cereal box or similar)
- 3+ rubber bands
- 1 pencil
- 1 pen
- Masking tape
- Scissors
- Snack: Please have a snack and drink ready for your child approximately one hour into class.
- See your welcome email after enrollment for more detailed material lists broken out by day.
Technology
- Computer or tablet with speaker and camera
- Internet access
- Zoom application installed
- Signed in with your child’s name
- Unmuted (the instructor will manage class muting/unmuting)
What you'll take away
- Paper construction and collaging techniques
- An understanding of gravity and neighboring solar systems
- The skills to be reflective and notice what is and isn’t working in your design
- The skills to be determined and persevere until you reach your goal
- A fast-flying rocket, long-haul spaceship, paper-tube planetary outpost, alien-- inspired collages and super-soft landing pad
Join the community
The last step in the Galileo Innovator’s Process is share. Great learning can come from sharing successes and failures—to solidify your own experience as an innovator and to inspire others.
ELL
Some bilingual staff & support for multilingual families.
Baahiyaha Gaarka ah
Support for Students with Special Needs (Oakland Camp Director has a Masters in Special Education).
Heshiisyada
Yes. Every year, we award thousands of weeks of specially priced camp through our financial assistance program. Apply on our Financial Assistance page. Scholarships available.