Our vision: All Pennsylvanians will have access to quality STEM education and career pathways to become tomorrow’s leaders, influencers, and problem-solvers.
From The Directors Desk
The Benefits of STEM Learning Summer Camps for PreK-12 Students
Summer break is often viewed as a time for rest and relaxation for students, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and learning, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). As an educator, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that STEM learning summer camps can have on PreK-12 students. These camps provide a unique environment where young minds can explore, create and innovate, fostering a lifelong passion for these critical subjects and shining a light on STEM career opportunities.
STEM summer camps offer many immersive learning experiences that go beyond traditional classroom settings. In these camps, students are not just passive recipients of information; they are active participants in their own learning. Through hands-on projects and experiments, students can see the real-world applications of STEM concepts. This experiential learning approach helps to solidify students’ understandings and retain knowledge more effectively. For example, using a robot or creating a computer program allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical, tangible way, making learning both fun and meaningful.
Second, STEM summer camps cultivate essential 21st-century skills that are crucial for future success. Critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and collaboration are at the heart of STEM education. In a summer camp setting, students often work in teams to tackle complex challenges, encouraging them to think creatively and develop innovative solutions. This collaborative environment mirrors the real-world workplace, where teamwork and effective communication are vital. By engaging in these activities, students not only enhance their STEM skills but also develop social and emotional competencies that will benefit them in all areas of life.
Another significant advantage of STEM summer camps is that they provide early exposure to potential career paths. Many students, especially those in younger grades, may not yet be aware of the diverse career opportunities available in STEM fields. Camps often include guest speakers, field trips, and mentorship opportunities with professionals, giving students a glimpse into what a future in STEM might look like. This exposure can spark interest and inspire students to pursue further education and careers in these high-demand fields, addressing the growing need for skilled STEM professionals in the workforce.
Moreover, many STEM summer camps are inclusive and designed to cater to a wide range of interests and abilities. Whether a student is a budding scientist, a future engineer, or simply curious about how things work, there is a camp to match their interests. These camps often adopt a differentiated instruction approach, ensuring that all students, regardless of their skill levels, can engage and benefit from the activities. This inclusivity is particularly important for students, who may have not had regular access to opportunities for STEM learning, the time and space to explore.
STEM learning summer camps offer invaluable benefits for PreK-12 students. They provide an engaging and interactive learning environment, foster essential skills, offer early career
exploration and promote inclusivity. By participating in these camps, students not only enhance their STEM knowledge but also develop a passion for learning and a foundation for future success. PSSE encourages and supports such opportunities, ensuring that all students have the chance to explore the exciting world of STEM. Throughout the summer months, our newsletters will highlight STEM summer camp opportunities available throughout the state and supported by our regional ecosystem members. We encourage you to share them with your networks.
Yours in STEM,
Alexandra Konsur-Grushinski
STEM Resources & Opportunities: Summer Camps For Youth
Alvernia University Summer STEAM Camps
Alvernia University in Reading, PA will be hosting three Summer STEAM camps for various age groups this summer. The camps will include science experiments, field trips, engineering activities, and an art party. All camps are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.
Urban Forestry Careers Camp with the Maryland Forestry Foundation
Explore your future career in the exciting and growing field of Urban Forestry. Come spend a week on Maryland’s flagship campus in College Park and experience hands-on learning with industry professionals and experts in many forestry-related fields.
Be one of 40 high school students selected to spend a week at the University
of Maryland. Selected students will receive housing, meals, field trips, recreational activities and materials covered. The one-week camp will be held from July 7 – July 13, 2024.
Natural Resources Careers Camp with Maryland Forestry Foundation
Experience an unforgettable journey into the world of natural resources with the Natural Resources Careers Camp (NRCC)! This week-long adventure, nestled in the scenic mountains of Garrett County, Maryland, is designed for high school students seeking to explore exciting career paths and college opportunities in the realm of natural resources. This camp is a hands-on learning opportunity led by industry professionals at the Hickory Environmental Education Center.
Science-U: Penn State Summer Science Camps
Penn State’s Office of Science Outreach offers a wide range of summer camps for students grades 2-8 and 9-12. Each of the Science-U camps is designed to take campers through a one-week journey that investigates an area of STEM in a fascinating and meaningful way. Guided by passionate staff, Science-U campers are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and explore how science can captivate them and make a difference in their lives. Camp offerings this year range from “Science Wizards” to “Bit-By-Bit Camp: Building Computer Fundamentals From the Wires Up” to “Premed Academy” and more!
Lancaster Science Factory Summer STEM Camps
The Lancaster Science Factory is celebrating 16 years of providing the best hands-on STEM Summer Camps in Lancaster County (and beyond)! Registration is now open for the 2024 camp season.
Camps run each week Monday through Friday. Choose a morning camp from 9 am–12 pm, an afternoon camp from 1-4 pm, OR pick both to pack a lunch and stay for a full day! Each camp is $175 per camp. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.
Temple Engineering Summer Youth Programs
The College of Engineering is actively engaged in nurturing STEM studies in our community and to the region’s youth. The College is offering a variety of youth summer programs:
- Philadelphia Youth for STEM (PY-STEM): Temple’s Philadelphia Youth STEM camp is an inclusive, one-week long experiential learning program for middle schoolers interested in exploring STEM.
- Temple Formula Racing for High School Students: During this weeklong program, students will acquire computational and prototyping skills necessary to design and build a scaled formula-style open-cockpit race car, according to detailed technical specifications.
- Summer Robotics Institute: Learn how to build a mobile robot and program it to perform fascinating tasks such as autonomous obstacle avoidance, following lane lines, playing music, dancing, and much more!
Carnegie Science Center Summer Camps
Start planning for summer exploration and fun! Programs are offered for ages 4–14. Explore video game science, virtual reality, digital storytelling, space, robotics, biology, art, and so much more to foster curiosity and scientific inquiry! The Carnegie Science Center offers Summer Camps for kids in Pittsburgh that are exciting, fun, active, and enriching.
STEM Summer Camps in Harrisburg
As summer approaches, Harrisburg parents are on the lookout for fun and educational activities to keep their kids engaged. Enter STEM summer camps – a cool way to learn Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Harrisburg is bursting with these camps, each offering a mix of hands-on fun and brainy challenges for kids of different ages.
In this article, explore the best STEM summer camps in Harrisburg, where learning is like an exciting adventure. These camps aren’t your usual classroom stuff – they’re more about building robots, trying out cool tech, and discovering the wonders of science. Whether your kid’s into coding, robotics, or exploring engineering, there’s a camp to spark their interest.
Da Vinci Science Center Summer Camp
Think creatively, be curious, and learn through your own observations and discoveries at Da Vinci Science Center Summer Camp. Join us for full-week and single-day summer camp programs at the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion, located in Downtown Allentown.
This year’s campers will be the first to experience our state-of-the-art classrooms and will have access to the many innovative new exhibit areas featured within our brand-new science center. Through hands-on activities, captivating experiments, and collaborative projects, campers will unleash their curiosity, cultivate critical-thinking skills, and ignite a passion for learning.
Digital Foundry at New Kensington STEM Camp
With support from Hillman Foundation, the Digital Foundry is conducting its BELONG in STEM (Bringing Education Learning Opportunities for New Growth in STEM) summer program for high school students who are typically underrepresented in STEM careers. Summer camp will be hosted at the Digital Foundry for in-depth, hands-on exposure to technologies and professional skills introduced during the activity sessions with direct access to the Digital Foundry’s equipment.
This FREE summer program provides bridges from classroom learning to the real world through hands-on educational experiences, connections to industry careers and exposure to future opportunities for students.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources DiscoverE Program
DiscoverE is a series of exciting outdoor programs at many Pennsylvania state parks for youth ages 4–17 years. Through DiscoverE, trained educators help young people discover and appreciate Pennsylvania’s natural resources and historic sites. Programs are offered in various ways, including:
- Multi-day summer camps
- Single-day summer camps
- Home-school summer programs
Each Pennsylvania state park schedules its own DiscoverE outdoor programs and sets its own program fees. Information on DiscoverE opportunities is available at state park offices. Please contact the state park you would like to visit to see if they offer DiscoverE programs.
STEM Resources & Opportunities: For Educators
Ag in the Classroom: Traditions & Horizons of the Food & Fiber Industry of Berks County
Educators are invited on a 3-day tour of the agricultural industry in Berks County! Come visit and learn where your food comes from firsthand on June 11-13, 2024! Attendees will travel by bus to visit producers and suppliers to explore agriculture with technology, direct-to-consumer businesses, and niche agricultural products. The course also includes visits to ag education programs adaptable to students and schools. View this flyer for more details, and click here for registration.
Supporting Environmental Literacy with GLOBE Workshop on June 27
Immerse yourself in hands-on environmental literacy and science education with a full-day workshop from the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) Program at the Berks Nature Center! Praised as the quintessentially ideal program for involving kids in science, GLOBE offers FREE interdisciplinary learning resources for educators. Through engaging outdoor activities and protocols, educators will discover how GLOBE enhances higher-order thinking and science process skills while promoting environmental literacy and sustainability. Moreover, this workshop highlights GLOBE’s compatibility with the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) framework, supporting the Pennsylvania Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Standards.
For more information, please explore GLOBE’s website.
Teaching Climate Science Summit – July 29-31
Join us for the Teaching Climate Science Summit, a transformative three-day event from July 29th to July 31st at the CSIU (90 Lawton Drive, Milton PA) and virtually. This event will help K-12 teachers understand the environmental literacy and sustainability of the STEELS standards and how to incorporate Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE) into their classrooms.
Day 1 starts with insights from Penn State climate scientist Dr. Raymond Najjar and virtual sessions led by science education researcher Mark Windschitl, focusing on fostering understanding, resilience, and a commitment to justice in teaching climate change.
Day 2 of the summit offers hands-on climate adventures – held at our local environmental education locations (Montour Preserve, 374 Preserve Road, Danville PA), featuring activities such as kayaking with water chemistry analysis and geocaching with a focus on trees as a carbon sink.
Day 3, participants will engage in action planning sessions, hybrid workshops on Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs), and collaborative lesson/unit planning sessions, empowering educators to enact positive change in their communities through climate education.
High School Student Spotlight of The Global Impact Forum hosted by Penn State University and Global Silicon Ventures (GSV)
Are you ready to showcase your students’ brilliance on a global stage? The Global Impact Forum 2024 (TGIF) invites you to apply for a spot in the High School Student Spotlight, where your students can present their innovative ideas and projects to a diverse audience of industry professionals, innovators, and higher education institutions.
Taking place on September 23, 2024, from 9 AM to 1 PM in Philadelphia, this free showcase is a unique opportunity for your students to shine. Whether their projects focus on environmental sustainability, social justice, technology, or other impactful areas, this event is their platform to inspire and be inspired. Benefits to Students:
- Network with education, industry, and community leaders
- Connect with like-minded peers and mentors
- Explore future careers
Events
Pennsylvania STEELS Materials Selection Meeting
High-quality instructional materials are a necessary component of the transition to the Pennsylvania STEELS Standards. In this two-day meeting held in Harrisburg June 25- 26, participants will build an understanding of the features of instructional materials designed for STEELS as well as an OER toolkit and process (adapted from NextGen TIME) for reviewing and selecting quality materials. There is no registration fee for this meeting and breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. WestEd will provide overnight lodging for any participants who live more than 1 hour from the meeting location and reimburse mileage and per diem according to agency guidelines.
STEELS Leadership Summit with Berks County IU – June 12 & 13
Inviting all building principals, science supervisors, instructional coaches, department leaders, and district administrators! Join Berks County Intermediate Unit on June 12 and 13th for 1.5 days of immersive learning where you will acquire strategies and new understandings to support teachers and students with three-dimensional learning and STEELS standards implementation. This experience will help building and district teams identify what needs to be in place to help this new vision for science education become a reality.
CSinPA Book Fair Events
The CSinPA book events are open to all educators and leaders in PA, including school librarians, special education teachers, and others who can leverage the books to support CS learning in your district.
What to expect at the Book event:
- A curated selection of CS-related books: Browse a large collection of CS-related fiction and nonfiction titles for students, as well as professional books titles for educators.
- Collaborative brainstorming: Participate in lively discussions on using books in standards-aligned activities, extracurriculars, and professional learning.
- Networking: Connect with other educators in your area and learn about additional resources and opportunities available through the CSinPA team and CSTA chapters. Breakfast, snacks and giveaways: Breakfast and snacks will be provided.
Save the date: 2024 CSforAllPA Summit on December 11-12
The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is pleased to announce the seventh annual Pennsylvania Computer Science For All (CSforAllPA) Summit will be held December 11-12, 2024 at PaTTAN Central (Harrisburg) and online.
The CSforAllPA Summit offers educators, leaders, and stakeholders the opportunity to share, discuss, and collaboratively develop tools, resources, and practices for CS learning experiences. The Summit specifically focuses on equitably serving historically under-served populations including students with disabilities, English Learners, and females.
Participation Needed
Pennsylvania’s Chief Science Officer (CSO) Program Seeking Participating Schools
Have you heard? Pennsylvania has a statewide Chief Science Officer (CSO) Program! CSOs are students in 6th to 12th grade who demonstrate an interest in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and/ or innovation and have a desire to impact their community. CSOs are elected by their peers to be liaisons for STEM and innovation in their schools and community.
This year, 25 out of 29 Intermediate Units (IUs) launched or expanded their CSO Cabinets. This growth has led to 86 school districts and 311 students participating in the CSO Program. The PA CSO Program addresses the following STEM education challenges:
- STEM Student Engagement Attrition
- K-16 to Workforce Skills Gap Discrepancy
- Over-rewarding of formulaic problem-solving
- Shrinking Teacher Pipeline (especially in STEM/CS)
Previous PA CSOs have shared that being a CSO has allowed them to:
- advocate for STEM outreach,
- enrich other people and themselves,
- have an opportunity to make a difference, bring STEM to their community, and grow people’s awareness of STEM,
- be a leader and develop their leadership skills,
- be a representative for their peers, family and community,
- and be a role model for younger students.
To learn more, view this slide deck from a recent conference presentation or watch this PA CSO Program Impact video. Recruitment for CSOs for the 2024-2025 school year are currently underway.
