Anyone who’s watched a baby be fascinated as they splash their hands in a water table knows, there’s something really cool about water. As humans, we don’t grow out of a curiosity around our senses, or our desire to be near water. In fact, studies show that 50 percent of the world’s population lives within three kilometers of a body of water. And speaking of bodies of water, did you know that the human body is 55 to 60 percent water?
Given how deeply integrated water is into both our physical being and our environment, it makes sense that water is a central element of STEM Camp activities. Water isn’t just fun — it’s an essential part of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. By incorporating water into learning, we help children connect the theoretical with the tangible in a way that excites them about learning and exploration. And we have a whole lot of fun while we’re at it!
At STEM Camp, we believe that the best way to learn is through active, hands-on exploration. When the weather cooperates, our campers spend a lot of time outdoors engaging with water-based activities that challenge their creativity and problem-solving skills. We might have huge buckets of soapy water to make giant bubbles or spend time designing elaborate water balloon catapults. These activities give campers the chance to test basic principles of physics, such as force, motion, and trajectory, all while developing critical thinking and teamwork skills.
One of our favorite outdoor projects involves building miniature water runs from pipes, funnels, and tubing, zip-tied to on-site chain link fences. This engineering challenge helps campers understand concepts like gravity, flow rate, and water transport, while also allowing them to explore the idea of sustainable water management. Working together in teams to design and test their creations, campers engage in collaborative problem-solving, trial and error, and the excitement of seeing their designs come to life.
Even when the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor play, we don’t let a little rain — or even a heatwave — stop us from exploring the wonders of water! Indoors, we have a variety of water-based sensory bins and activities that help campers investigate the properties of water and how it interacts with other materials.
For example, campers might experiment with floating and sinking objects to learn about density, or they could design rafts from recycled materials to test what materials make the best “floats”. This hands-on experimentation encourages scientific inquiry, testing hypotheses, and drawing conclusions. Campers also learn about the importance of buoyancy, material properties, and engineering design in the process.
Moreover, sensory bins filled with water, sponges, or even ice cubes allow younger campers to explore texture and temperature differences while developing fine motor skills. These activities engage the senses, spark curiosity, and provide valuable tactile learning experiences.
Incorporating water into STEM Camp activities goes beyond just fun play — it’s an essential part of helping campers understand the world around them. Water connects to a wide range of STEM concepts, from chemistry (e.g., how different substances dissolve or react with water) to engineering (e.g., designing systems for water flow and filtration). Whether it’s exploring how water interacts with different materials, observing weather patterns, or investigating water conservation, campers are constantly building a foundation for understanding the real-world applications of science, technology, engineering and math.
At STEM Camp, we make a splash with water because it provides an engaging, interactive, and multi-sensory way for children to explore STEM concepts. By integrating water into our activities, we spark curiosity, encourage experimentation, and help campers make meaningful connections between science and the world around them. There’s always an opportunity for fun and learning in every drop!
Does this sound like fun? Register for STEM Camp today!
