Discovery Camp Summer 2008
Discovery Days 1
June 23 - June 27, 2008
Is yawning contagious? Will quicksand really pull you under? Join us for Part 1 of Science "Myth-Conceptions" and help us find the answers to these and other questions. Come find out if your favorite science myth is confirmed, busted or plausible.
Science connection: Physics, Chemistry
Entrance to Real Pirates is not included.
Hungry? The Science of Food
June 30 - July 11, 2008 (No camp July 4, 2007)
Do you know the difference between baking powder and baking soda? What makes a cake rise? Or that barbequed bugs can be perfectly delicious? Experiment with chemistry the fun way by getting gooey, messy and full.
Science connection: Chemistry, Nutrition, Scientific Method
Entrance to Real Pirates is not included.
Playground Physics
July 14 - July 25, 2008
Swings, see-saws and slides…oh my! You can find physics everywhere, if you know where to look. Come see the playground through the eyes of Newton as we explore things that swing, things that fling and all kinds of cool forces.
Science Connection: Physics, Engineering
Entrance to Real Pirates is not included.
A Pirates Life For Me!
July 28 - August 8, 2008
Shiver me timbers! Who knew pirates (the real ones) knew so much about science? These seafaring adventurers knew how to stay healthy on long voyages, what the stars could tell them about navigation and why the eye patch was more than just a fashion statement. Join us, Mateys for a two week look into the wild and wonderful world of the pirate.
Science Connection: Technology, Biology, Navigation
It's Not Easy Being Green
August 11 - August 22, 2008
Think you don't have an impact on the environment? Think again! What is "global climate change" or a "carbon footprint?" What are we suppose to do with all of the information? We will investigate our local ecosystem and what impact we have on it. Once you know your environment, you might find its not so hard being green after all!
Science Connection: Earth Science, Botany, Ecology
Entrance to Real Pirates is not included.
Discovery Days 2
August 25 - August 29, 2008
Join us for our last session of the summer and Part 2 of Science "Myth-Conceptions." Can a football filled with helium improve your quarterbacking skills? Does water go down the drain differently in different hemispheres? You don't have to be an expert, just willing to get a little messy.
Science connection: Physics, Chemistry
Entrance to Real Pirates is not included.
Print out the Discovery Camp Registration Contract.
Discovery Camp Highlights
Daily Schedule
Each day includes at least two hands-on science activities, snack, a break for lunch, outdoor play (weather permitting) and museum exploration. During the sessions, campers may also attend field trips, hear guest speakers, and take part in large-scale, camp wide projects.
Exhibit Exploration
Your campers will experience in-depth exploration of the Museum's exhibits, with opportunities to spend extra time in favorite exhibits. Find out what's new at The Franklin Institute! (Entrance to Real Pirates is not included with the exception of the "A Pirates Life For Me" session July 28-August 8.)
Field Trips
Building on the session's theme, campers attending two week sessions will take field trips to see scientific concepts and theories in the real world. (Parents will be notified in advance of all field trips.)
Guest Speakers
Interactive presentations relating to each theme will be facilitated by guest speakers. Campers will have the opportunity to discuss subjects of interest in depth with scientists and other professionals.
Tuttleman IMAX Theater Films
This summer, the Franklin Institute's Tuttleman IMAX theater will host several exciting educational films, such as Wild Ocean that will enhance your child's summer experience.
Fels Planetarium
One of the country's first planetariums, the Fels has a state-of-the-art digital projection system that makes sitting under its dome like camping out under the night time skies. Our planetarium shows will also add to the fun and learning of your camper's summer experience.
Newsletter
The Discoverer, our camp newsletter written by area journalism and media students, will showcase campers’ discoveries throughout the summer and will keep parents on the cutting edge of Discovery Camp activities.
Outdoor Adventures
Science Park, a permanent outdoor fair-weather exhibit is designed to be interactive and fun in a safe, clean environment. Campers will continue their science learning by playing miniature golf, swinging on the swing set and testing out many more devices designed to get kids excited about learning. Sundials, whisper tubes, sand pendulums, hide-and-seek tunnels, and mini periscopes help insure that fun and games are all part of each science lesson.