Case Study: NextWave STEM Summer Camp at Dallas Eastfield and North Lake Campuses

Overview

The NextWave STEM Summer Camp, held at both North Lake and Eastfield Campuses, featured two distinct two-week sessions aimed at students in grades 3-8. One week focused on STEM activities, while the second was dedicated to drones. This case study reflects on the camp’s goals, achievements, and outcomes based on feedback from campers, teachers, and parents, alongside the operational challenges and recommendations for future camps.

Program Goals and Objectives

The primary goals of the camp included:

  • Providing hands-on, interactive learning experiences in STEM and drones.

  • Engaging students through age-appropriate activities and creative problem-solving tasks.

  • Promoting parental involvement to enhance the overall camp experience.

  • Extending the learning environment beyond classroom walls through field trips and live demonstrations.

The specific objectives included:

  1. To offer a balanced curriculum tailored to both STEM and drones, focusing on skill-building, creativity, and engagement.

  2. To engage students from grades 3 to 8 with age-appropriate activities.

  3. To establish strong relationships with parents and the local community, encouraging ongoing support and participation.

Results  

The camp was successful in creating engaging, hands-on STEM and drone learning experiences. The activities, such as marble mazes and drone projects, were particularly well-received and provided both educational and fun aspects. The involvement of parents was high, and the campers showed significant enthusiasm and engagement.

Student and Teacher Goals

Student Goals

  • Students were expected to learn about STEM concepts and drone technology in a hands-on environment.

  • They were also expected to build teamwork and problem-solving skills through collaborative activities.

Results

 According to the feedback, students enjoyed the projects, such as drones and marble mazes, which directly aligned with their learning goals of exploring STEM concepts and engaging creatively. This was reflected in the 100% satisfaction rate from parents and campers regarding the content of the camp.

Teacher Goals

  • Teachers were expected to foster an interactive, supportive environment where students could thrive.

  • Teachers also had to manage the operational side of the camp, including logistics like drop-off/pick-up schedules and ensuring smooth transitions between activities.

Results

The teachers received high ratings for their support and guidance, with all evaluations marking the staff as excellent. The smooth operations and logistical success, combined with positive feedback on staff engagement, showed that the teachers met and exceeded their objectives.

What Did Students and Teachers Most Enjoy?

The most enjoyed activities for both students and teachers included:

  • Drones Both groups highlighted the drones as a standout activity. The excitement of operating drones and applying engineering concepts captivated students. Teachers appreciated the opportunity to facilitate practical learning and technical skills development.

  • Marble Maze Projects These were also very popular, allowing students to engage in problem-solving and teamwork while having fun with STEM challenges.

Students and teachers alike enjoyed the Show and Tell and Invention Convention events, where students showcased their projects, and parents had the opportunity to witness their children’s learning progress. These events added a celebratory and community-building aspect to the camp. Positive Learnings

Several unexpected positive outcomes were observed:

  1. Parental Engagement: Parents not only supported the camp but also became highly involved in the learning process, often attending events and providing feedback. This involvement helped create a more community-focused environment, making the camp more memorable and impactful for students. Partnerships with local departments, such as the STEM Resource Center and the Athletics Department, enhanced the camp experience. For example, field trips sponsored by these departments and access to gym facilities for breaks were well-received and will likely be continued in future camps.

  2. Expanded Interest from Younger Students: While the camp was designed for grades 6-8, the participation of younger students (grades 3-5) was higher than expected. This raised the question of whether more age-specific programming should be implemented in future sessions.

Conclusion and Future Considerations

The NextWave STEM Summer Camp at Dallas Eastfield and North Lake Campuses was successful in meeting its educational and operational goals. The camp effectively engaged students with hands-on STEM learning, while also fostering a sense of community through active parental participation. Moving forward, the key recommendations for future sessions include:

  • Tailoring Activities for Different Age Groups With the wide range of participants, developing more age-specific activities could help ensure a balanced experience for all campers.

  • Extending the Camp Duration Both students and parents expressed interest in extending the camp to 3-4 weeks for deeper engagement with STEM concepts.

  • Further Community Involvement Expanding partnerships with local businesses and community leaders could provide additional resources and opportunities for the camp to thrive. By considering these considerations, the NextWave STEM Summer Camp can continue to grow and provide valuable learning experiences for future generations of students.

Paula Chiarotti