Project Exploration values the connection students make to real STEM experiences. Creating opportunities to expose students to STEM mentors and STEM-related environments has been a hallmark of Project Exploration programs. We always seek opportunities where our students can meet STEM professionals and can take trips to labs, nature centers, and corporations. These experiences build our students ability to see the options available to them if they are interested in STEM fields.
Hanny visited the West Side STEM Learning Center (SLC) during our first week of summer camp, and led an activity with the students, a coin purse made from Capri Sun pouches, while explaining to them how she came up with the bag design, how she sourced the manufacturing in China and the logistics on getting them shipped to her warehouse here in Illinois.
During the eight week camp, students have had the opportunity to dissect frogs and sharks, program robots, build wind chimes and ArtBots, build a water pump designed for use on Mars, and learn all about the mechanics that go into building a race car.