Hands-On STEM Adventures: Volcanoes, Gravity Runs & Engineering at SPK!
- Sweet Potato Kids
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
At Sweet Potato Kids, we believe that early childhood is the ultimate window for scientific curiosity! Recently, our summer campers stepped into the shoes of real-world engineers, chemists, and architects during a high-energy day filled with hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) challenges. From explosive chemical reactions to vertical engineering builds, our little scientists proved that complex science concepts are best learned through tactile play, investigation, and discovery! Here is a look inside our interactive STEM learning stations at SPK.
1. Chemical Reactions in Action: The Great Volcano Eruption!
Nothing sparks wonder quite like hands-on chemistry! Using custom clay volcano structures, our campers conducted classic acid-base chemical reaction experiments.
The Setup: Working in small groups, students carefully measured and poured liquid catalysts into their volcano bases.
The Discovery: Eyes went wide as gas bubbles rapidly built up inside the chambers, sending a foaming, colorful "lava" flow cascading down into their trays!
The Science: Our campers learned how combining different elements creates brand-new gas reactions (CO2), sparking early curiosity about chemistry, pressure, and earth science.
2. Physics & Motion: Designing Gravity Runs
Over at our physics station, campers put kinetic energy to the test with recycled cardboard tube marble runs!
Testing Trajectory: Students experimented with angles, slope incline, and tube placement on vertical boards to guide balls smoothly from top to bottom.
Trial & Error: When a ball rolled off course or stopped midway, our young engineers collaborated to adjust the tube alignments, learning the fundamentals of gravity, friction, and momentum through hands-on problem-solving.
3. Early Structural Engineering & Blueprint Geometry
Using colorful wooden sticks, playdough bases, and visual blueprint guides, our campers dove into spatial geometry and structural design!
Building in 3D: Students followed architectural diagrams to construct multi-dimensional geometric shapes, vertical towers, and balanced structures.
Fine Motor Mastery: Squishing dough and carefully balancing upright sticks challenged their fine motor coordination, spatial awareness, and structural reasoning—laying early mathematical foundations for future architectural thinking!
Learning Guided by Compassionate Curiosity
Watching our campers collaborate, ask big questions, and celebrate their science discoveries perfectly reflects our core values. By giving children safe, supportive spaces to experiment and embrace trial-and-error, we help them build the confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills needed to become future leaders and lifelong learners.
Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels to see where our summer camp learning adventures take us next!
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