Putting knowledge and teamwork to the test
Today was the big last day! The girls completed tremendous class projects, launched rockets, and performed for our talent show!
Before core classes, the girls spent the morning building rockets for take-off! However, they did not just take a soda bottle and decorate it — they carefully planned their designs and worked within a budget to invest in consultation services, purchase supplies, and fill out purchase orders for fuel. We went to a grassy area on campus with enough space to launch the rockets, which were powered by air pressure and water.
It was the last day for core classes–so what can a group of young girls create from a week’s worth of knowledge and interaction from our wonderful and dedicated teachers?
Up, up, and away!
Our hot air balloon gals finally got to launch their works of art. They spent the entire week learning the science and history behind hot air balloons while making their own from scratch. Many of us woke up bright-and-early to see the awesome showcase of their handmade hot air balloons take advantage of the (rare) cool air in Fresno. Some lost their balloons to a tree, but they will always treasure the memories and knowledge from their class.
Do you want to build a snowman (that withstands earthquakes)?
Our structures class dipped their feet into the world of structural engineering. They began the week testing models on a computer program before building and challenging their own bridges. Today, our young problem-solvers toured the seismic lab on CSU Fresno’s campus as part of their in-depth discussion regarding what it takes to become a structural engineer. They finished the class by breaking up into groups and fearlessly attempting to build the tallest and sturdiest tower of toothpicks.
CSI: Tech Trek
Try not to think of the TV shows if you talk to the CSI girls. But they did receive an awesome opportunity to solve a crime in the classroom today! In this scenario, they must figure out who broke into the classroom. They carried out every step they had spent the week perfecting–photographing the scene, fingerprinting evidence, gathering bloodstain samples, handling chemical spills, obtaining a footprint mold, and analyzing the results. It’s a top secret mission, so you will have to ask the girls who they think the culprit was!
There’s an app for that
The app inventor class worked with the camp’s director Becca to learn how to code functioning apps. They invested time into their creativity and patience to learn within the context of user interface and programming. By the end of the week, they were able to work on their own and express their individuality in a routine-manner. These girls could create the next big app!
Understanding the world around us
After many physics lessons and labs, the roller coaster class constructed their coasters! Their task was to build a coaster made of pipe insulation, tape, and marbles, containing a minimum number of bumps, loops, and level changes. The marble has to make it to the end, so they had to examine the conversions between kinetic and potential energy as well as the frictional effects in order to design roller coasters that are completely driven by gravity. It was a series of trial and error, but a rewarding one nonetheless. Who knew physics could be fun?
Putting the fun in math and puzzles
Speaking of physics being fun, it was wonderful to see the art in math class having a blast studying math! After learning about precise stitching and folding hexahedrons (a.k.a. cubes), the girls created dodecahedrons today! They experienced many frustrations, but worked together to find enjoyment in mastering the art in math. After this class, these girls have an increased interest in the unique side of math–they are also future origami masters and geometry lovers!
Fahrenheit 190
(the approximate melting temperature for solder)
The circuits class soldered two circuit boards. One board is made to crawl like a bug, and the other lights up while playing loud noises. The girls have become naturals at soldering, building an increased tolerance for burns and the complexity of circuit boards throughout the week. They also worked together beautifully in pairs to solder their boards–teamwork makes a dream work!
What better way to wrap up the week and create some silly memories than to go into a talent show? We had a variety of girls perform in the show, but we first opened up with a special skit of the girls acting out each counselor’s personalities.
The girls saw hidden talents like guitar-playing and sign language-singing among their friends. 
We got to laugh with our friends as each dorm group performed silly skits for everyone. 
And, just like that, the week has come to an end. We made so many memories in such a short time–and many cannot even be contained within blog posts. We are all so grateful for the people who make our experience amazing and those who made it possible for us to come here. Thanks for following along with us this week, too!