From July 7-11th, 2025 our center will be transformed into an engineering challenge lab using all things cardboard, paper, wires, glue, you name it! I've always been a tinkerer, so when it comes to planning summer STEAM sessions, I knew that automatons had to be one of the weeks! Between the pure enjoyment of creating a simple machine based on concepts of cams, cranks and axles combined with the art of whatever you want to have moving -- there is endless potential!
For Automaton Camp week, there are a range of projects that go from simple to more challenging and they can all be customized based on the interests of our summer session attendees!
In the spirit of Automaton Camp, I gave myself the challenge to have a completed project within 45 minutes from concept, gathering and customizing materials, iterating design, troubleshooting to holding a finished product in my hands. Since one of the things we make each day at Kalexedy is an origami crane to mark the days, I got to work making a very simple automaton with a moving crane atop it! (We have many more materials and tools to choose from for camp week, including Makedo cardboard kits to bring creations to the next level!) My favorite part of this creative process is that there are so many ways to tweak, customize, and learn through failing at making these.
Each camper will come home from Automaton Camp with something (or multiple somethings) they're proud of, better understanding of the design and engineering process, and, more importantly, the grit needed to troubleshoot and work through engineering challenges in a low-stakes environment.
Camp Automaton Description:
Calling all young innovators and engineers! Are you ready to transform your imagination into reality? Camp Automaton is an exciting adventure where you'll use everyday materials like cardboard to design, build, and bring incredible moving creations to life!
Build Awesome Machines: Ever dreamt of building a chomping T-Rex, a fluttering butterfly, or a speedy race car? At Camp Automaton, you can turn those dreams into reality using cardboard, craft materials, and your ingenuity!
Master the Art of STEAM: This camp is a deep dive into the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). You'll learn core engineering principles like mechanics, how to use levers, cranks, and axles to make things move. Explore the fascinating world of simple machines and how gears and cams can create complex motions.
Become a Problem-Solving Pro: Building amazing creations isn't just about following instructions! Camp Automaton will equip you with valuable problem-solving skills. Learn to brainstorm ideas, design your automaton, and overcome any challenges that arise during the building process.
Unleash Your Creativity: Cardboard is an amazing material that can be transformed into anything you can imagine. Camp Automaton is all about unleashing your creativity and turning ordinary cardboard into extraordinary inventions!
If that sounds like something you (or someone you know!) may be interested in, create your OurSchoolHangout Account and then Register for Camp!
We can't wait to create something with you!
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