Whats Inside TikTok Colorful Slimes: Day 3

Today students had the chance to explore, design, and think about different types of slime, their textures and how they were made. Using observation to characterize them as sticky, gooey, viscous, or wet, the experiments provided sensory feedback to the brain to better relate to why slimes can be so interesting. Our student scholars already know he basic states of matter by 1st grade, so at KSL, we want to investigate the measurement and ratios that result in optimal slime, as well as the effect that random ingredients may have on a slime. By also trying to identify whether the slime’s state of matter, it allowed access to basic science. After investigating the materials inside of slimes, students were able to customize their own.

Students also discussed that while slime is sticky, wet and viscous (thick), it’s still a liquid and liquids evaporate and dry out if left open to the air. With that in mind students were given the option to use a condiment cup or ziplock bag to take their slime home. Occasionally, we will intentionally build our students fine motor skill by using pipettes, syringes, and small measuring devices that also allow our students the same specificity that science investigators use in their own labs.

Your child may come home with a customized slime they created in its own protective container.

Day 5 - Rockets and Propulsion

How Rockets and Propulsion Work, explained for elementary kids in science class

How do you boost kids confidence in understanding space, when you are not a space expert?

Attending a science summer camp, like Adventures in Space or Living on Mars at Kids Science Labs, is one way to boost confidence in understanding space, by offering kids simple experiments that motivate their curiosity.

During a recent innovation summer camp, we learned all about how to get to outer space, using various forms of travel. Kids explored propulsion using alka-seltzer and water as well as other chemical reactions that release gas as seen in the photo below.

What do kids in Summer Camps at Kids Science Labs do, when discussing OUter SpacE?

Kids in our Summer Camp program, which consistently is ranked the #1 STEM Program for Kids in Illinois and Washington, had fun with building their own rockets, designing the external fuselage and learning about what cargo should it transport to space. Students were able to explore and discuss about the energy needed to launch a rocket, how it gets up in the air and what happens to the spent fuel boosters when the detach. .

Kids experiment with a test tube and alka-seltzer to preform a launch.

In addition to exploring the propulsion of a rocket, older students also explored what it is like and what is needed to land one. Some of our next generation students (ages 9-12) discussed the use of a target and the precision it takes to land safely, such as with Falcon X rockets.

Where Can i find some cool Space Photos and Images on the Internet that I can print for my kids for Educational Purposes?

Your child may come home with a rocket or a system for launching rockets that they created.

Kids Science Labs, Noggin Builders Northbrook Summer Camps

North Shore Summer Camps Offer STEM Programs for Kids

Summer is right around the corner, and it’s time to think about where your child will spend those sunny days! If you’re looking to combine fun with learning, the North Shore of Chicago offers several summer camp options that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs for kids. These camps not only spark curiosity but also encourage kids to dive deep into hands-on activities that make science fun. But with so many choices available, how do you pick the right one? Let’s explore some popular options and help you make an informed decision.

Kids Science Labs vs. Noggin Builders Northbrook

When it comes to STEM-focused summer camps, Kids Science Labs and Noggin Builders Northbrook are two of the top contenders in the North Shore area. Both camps have earned solid reputations for providing enriching experiences, but they each have a different approach.

Kids Science Labs Northbrook is known for its hands-on experiments, outdoor experience, innovation, and interactive learning. From building go karts from scratch, innovating new projects, and exploring chemistry, the kids dive into fun science projects that teach them important concepts while keeping them engaged.

• Offers over 60 Unique STEAM Summer Camps to kids ages 3-14 in Northbrook

• Uses its award-winning PowerScience Program, which has consistently been rated the #1 STEM Program for Kids on the North Shore of Chicago

• Has a 3,000sf beautiful location with garage doors on every classroom and creative learning space that allows kids to write on walls to explore their questions

• Offers Scholarships to Students Who are unable to attend each summer

• For 10+ years, Kids Science Labs has been the dominant player in Northbrook, with its convenient center adjacent to Whole Foods and REi at Willow Festival Shopping Center. The environment at Kids Science Labs is designed to be creative and experimental, where children can safely make mistakes and learn from them.

On the other hand, Noggin Builders Northbrook takes a more traditional approach by focusing more on Legos, Robotics, and Computer Science, as well as some offerings in Chemistry. You can check out their STEM Foundation to learn about the wonderful 501(c) they offer to support student learning.

Both camps offer fantastic experiences, but if your child is more interested in hands-on experiments, real world problem solving, innovation and discovery, Kids Science Labs might be the better fit. If they enjoy constructing things and using coding or computer science to think about engineering, Noggin Builders could be the right choice.

Why do so many parents choose Northbrook Park District Programs instead of Noggin Builders Northbrook?

You might be wondering why many parents opt for Northbrook Park District programs over other specialized camps like Noggin Builders. There are a few key reasons why these programs are so popular.

First, the Northbrook Park District offers a wide variety of activities that cater to different interests. Whether your child loves sports, arts, or STEM, there’s something for everyone. The flexibility of offering diverse programs allows kids to explore different areas of interest, which many parents find appealing.

Another advantage is location. For families living in or near Northbrook, the Park District camps, just like those at Kids Science Labs are a convenient option, providing a familiar and safe environment for kids. Plus, they tend to be more affordable compared to some of the specialized camps.

Additionally, Northbrook Park District programs have an excellent reputation and best of all affordable prices. Many parents take a few park district camps, and combine them with campsat Noggin Builders and Kids Science Labs. The programs are designed to be both educational and fun, offering a balance that suits a wide range of needs.

Where can I find summer camp information for the Northbrook Park District?

Getting all the details you need about summer camps in the Northbrook area is easy. The Northbrook Park District website is a great starting point. There, you can find information about registration, camp dates, and the types of programs available.

Additionally, the website provides resources like camp descriptions, schedules, and pricing. This transparency helps parents make informed decisions and choose the best camp for their child.

To make your life even easier, the Park District also offers brochures and in-person registration events where you can talk to camp organizers and get more specific answers about the programs. Keep an eye on their website for updated camp offerings as well!

When does Summer Camp in Northbrook begin at Kids Science Labs?

Summer Camps begin June 1st of each year and continue through the end of August. If you’re specifically interested in the Kids Science Labs summer camp, try their calendar here. They tend to offer flexible sessions throughout the summer, which can accommodate different schedules.

Remember, summer camp spots can fill up quickly, so it’s best to register early to secure a spot for your child. Early registration also gives you a chance to explore the different themes and camp options they offer, ensuring your child’s summer is packed with fun and learning.

Choosing the right summer camp is all about finding what best suits your child’s interests, needs, and your family’s schedule. Whether you decide on a specialized STEM program like Kids Science Labs or Noggin Builders, or opt for the versatility of Northbrook Park District’s offerings, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your child is engaged in meaningful activities this summer.

Day 4 - Terraforming and Extreme Temperatures

Summer Camps that Explore Outer Space and Science for Kids

How do offer STEM Programs for Elementary Kids in Science Summer Camps?

Summer Camps in Chicago have always had the advantage of including real projects for kids, and Kids Science Labs Innovation Camps have taken it to the next level, offering science projects for PreK - 8th grade students that explore adventures in outer space.

Kids may have experimented with thermal sensitive paper.

During our summer camps this year in Seattle, students had a blast discussing and playing with temperature changes. They had the chance to experiment with heat and light as well as explore the relative temperatures of various objects. Our summer camp students were then were able to design a heat sensing tool as seen above. The purpose of these tools is to relay information of relative temperature and UV light from the sun. In order to do this they were given the KSL relative temperature scale seen below.

The KSL relative temperature scale that was used.

A big part of Terraforming a planet, involves investigating what would it would take to change soil in order to give plants the nutrients they need in order to grow and thrive. Our young scientists selected and planted vegetables, flowers, and fruits that they would desire to grow and harvest in outer space, then made nutrient rich soil for those plants.

Kids adjust their soil to add certain nutrients like nitrogen.

Our scholars compared types of dirt, soil and other environments for growing plants. Most students used this day to design device including a seed planted in their own nutrient rich soil and a transport container. It can be repotted in your home or outside garden.