This summer, Westfield’s STEM Camp once again engaged students in grades 3-8 with exciting, hands-on challenges that sparked curiosity and creativity across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
During the week-long, half-day sessions in July, STEM campers participated in four workshops among a selection of 10 courses, including Solar Boat Racing, Crash Test Cars, Wind-Powered Vehicles, Crime Scene Investigation, Stop Motion Animation, and Workshop to Flight.
“We believe students learn best through active engagement. The camp’s hands-on projects introduce campers to complex STEM concepts in a way that’s both accessible and empowering, fostering a sense of ownership and confidence in their abilities,” says camp co-director Laura Paiva. “As participants design, build, and test their creations, they develop critical problem-solving skills and learn how to navigate challenges, helping them to develop essential skills that are useful both inside and outside the classroom.”
Other courses included Spike Prime Robotics, Hydraulic Judd Bots, Cardboard Critters, and Makey Space.
“Since the start of this camp in 2013, I have witnessed hundreds of children from Westfield wanting to spend a week of the summer engaging in meaningful real-world, problem-based learning and having fun while doing so,” adds camp co-director Sean Bonasera. “Learning like this not only builds critical thinking skills, but also builds resilience, confidence, and perseverance, all skills that lead to success in today’s world.”
Bonasera notes that the courses are taught by Westfield Public Schools teachers with a passion for STEM education.
