Elementary Students Learn Heat Transfer in preparation for Mid-Winter Break Seattle

Our Seattle Summer Camps are special, and as we prepare for the upcoming Mid-Winter Break in Seattle, Heat Transfer is on the agenda at Kids Science labs

Anyone who has stayed outside during cold or warm weather, especially, if you were at the top of Mt. Rainier, understands that hot things make adjacent items hot (sit closer to camp fire to warm up), and similar with cold temperatures (don’t put your hands on the ice if you want them to be warm).

How can you explain Heat Transfer in a Seattle Summer Camp for Kids?

Kids are brilliant and a simple experiment and experience can teach them what they need to know for true conceptual understanding. For nearly 15 years, oru Seattle Summer Camps have taken this approach to asking kids interesting questions, that present real problems, where a simple experiment is the answer to learn in a fun way.

Without getting too much into the science, the basic question is “Why does it burn my hand when i touch a pot, but the pot handle is not nearly as hot”? Well, the basic answer, as our students at Kids Science Labs learned today on a Middle School Field Trip, is Heat Transfer. Cold temperatures and hot temperatures can “transfer” the heat through any conductive materials (i.e. metals).

A Pot Handle is designed with either a hollow core or specialty materials and shapes to dissipate heat. In our Seattle Summer Camps and our STEM Programs for Kids, we are focused on teaching heat transfer to our students using real science and real hands-on experiments.

Seattle Summer Camps that teach kids heat transfer at Kids Science Labs

At home, run some warm water over plastic vs. a stick and ask kids which of the materials got “warmer” and how long did it take. Now do the same experiment over a spoon…and you will have insights into the type of basic science that is powerful for kids.

Our Summer Camps are powerful opportunities to engage elementary kids outside of field trips, and give Seattle Summer Camps something special to build kids Science Facts to outperform long-term in life.

Field Museum Summer Camps Offer Fossil Building Adventures for Future Paleontologists

Field Museum Summer Camp

The Field Museum in Chicago is more than just a place to see exhibits—it’s also where kids can take part in summer camp programs that blend fun and learning. These Summer camps are perfect for younger children who enjoy exploring, along with interactive play. Often our students at Kids Science Labs spent 1/3 of the summer at KSL, a few weeks at a summer camps liek the Field Museum Summer Camps or at MSI, and then enjoy outdoors with the rest of their Chicago summer camp experience.

What Activities Field Museum Summer Camp Participants Do?

Field Museum summer camps offer a variety of hands-on activities to keep young learners engaged. Here are some examples of what campers can expect:

• Camp Themes: Kids enjoy Animal Explorers, Creature Features, and Natural Word, Planet Protectors

• Exploring Exhibits: Campers get to walk through the museum’s exhibits, like the Hall of Dinosaurs. They learn by seeing and touching real artifacts and displays.

• Interactive Workshops: Kids participate in craft projects, small experiments, and storytelling sessions that make science and history come alive in a fun way.

• Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: Campers can go behind the scenes to see how museum collections are cared for and learn from scientists about the work they do.

You can find more information here: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/summer-camps-programs Every day offers something different, making these camps a great environment for learning and discovery. If you have a child that is 4+ that is really interested in the hands-on science, you can also learn about the best Chicago Summer Camps that boost academic performance by clicking here:

PlayLab @ Field Museum Summer Camp

For younger children, accompanied by an 18+ adult, the Crown Family PlayLab at the Field Museum runs camps designed to spark curiosity in a playful way. These camps cater to early learners, focusing on exploration and creativity. Some highlights include:

• Tailored Activities: Designed for kids ages 3 to 6, the activities emphasize sensory experiences, hands-on exploration, and imaginative play.

• Creative Projects: Young campers can create art inspired by nature, pretend to be scientists, and engage in simple experiments that encourage curiosity.

• Interactive Play: The PlayLab’s kid-friendly exhibits allow children to dig for fossils, dress up in costumes, and explore cultures through hands-on activities.

Field Museum summer camps provide a chance for future paleotonogists to learn, create, and explore in an environment designed to nurture their natural curiosity. If your child is 4+ and they are interested in a hands-on science summer camp in Chicago that offers both real experiments and discovery, you can also check out Kids Science Labs, which is less than 1 mile from the Field Museum, nestled in Museum Campus in the South Loop. Call 773-798-2012 for more info.

Best STEM Programs for Kids in Seattle and Chicago

Best STEM Programs for Kids in Seattle and Chicago

STEM programs for kids are an incredible way to engage your child's curiosity, spark their creativity, and build critical skills for the future. Whether you're in Seattle or Chicago, there are amazing opportunities for kids to dive into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These programs offer hands-on learning experiences that not only make science fun but also teach problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why STEM programs for kids are so important, how they help build confidence, and why Kids Science Labs stands out as one of the best STEM programs for kids in both Seattle and Chicago!

Why is Hands-on Science Important for Five-Year-Olds?

At the early age of two, kids are naturally curious and love to explore the world around them. This is the perfect time to introduce hands-on science activities, which are proven to help young children develop essential cognitive and motor skills. The founders of Kids Science Labs learned that the available neuroplasticity in toddlers and PreK students was well suited for accelerated growth in creativity, innovation, and use of applied physics.

Here’s why hands-on science is particularly important for five-year-olds:

• Engages Their Curiosity: Five-year-olds are asking "why" and "how" all the time. Hands-on science allows them to answer those questions by exploring materials, conducting simple experiments, and making observations.

• Builds Fine Motor Skills: Activities like mixing, pouring, building, and assembling objects help children improve their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

• Promotes Problem-Solving: Science activities encourage children to think critically and figure out how things work. They begin to make connections between actions and outcomes.

• Fosters Independence: As children conduct experiments or complete simple STEM challenges, they learn how to work independently and solve problems on their own.

Incorporating hands-on science into a five-year-old’s learning journey is not just fun—it’s the foundation for developing a lifelong love of learning and discovery!

How Do I Build Confidence with Kids Through Hands-on Science?

Confidence is a key factor in a child’s development, and hands-on science can be one of the best ways to help kids build it. Here's how:

• Successful Experimentation: When kids are given the opportunity to experiment and see results firsthand, whether it’s making slime or building a volcano, it boosts their confidence. Even if things don’t go perfectly, they learn that mistakes are part of the learning process.

• Encouragement and Support: Hands-on science allows children to explore at their own pace. They can try things, make adjustments, and celebrate their successes—big or small. When they see that they can make things work with their own efforts, their confidence grows.

• Teamwork: Many hands-on science activities are done in groups, which teaches children to work together, share ideas, and solve problems as a team. This not only helps kids feel more capable but also boosts their social confidence.

Incorporating science into play doesn’t just make kids smarter—it also helps them develop the confidence to face challenges and keep trying until they succeed.

How to Raise Confident Kids with STEM Programs for Kids

STEM programs for kids are an ideal way to raise confident, capable children. By focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, these programs teach children valuable life skills that will serve them for years to come. Here’s how you can help raise a confident child with STEM programs:

1. Encourage Exploration: Give your child the space to ask questions and explore. Whether it’s a STEM kit, science experiment, or robot-building activity, encourage them to try new things, ask questions, and dive deeper into their interests.

2. Celebrate Problem-Solving: Confidence comes from understanding that problems can be solved. Whether it’s building a structure that doesn’t quite work or fixing a design that needs tweaking, a STEM program shows kids that persistence leads to success. Celebrate their problem-solving efforts to build resilience.

3. Promote Critical Thinking: STEM activities encourage kids to think critically about how things work, why they work, and how to improve them. Teaching your child to think through problems logically will build their confidence in handling challenges, both inside and outside the classroom.

4. Support Their Passion: If your child shows an interest in a particular STEM field—be it space, engineering, chemistry, or robotics—support and nurture that passion. You can help them feel more confident by providing opportunities to dive deeper into their interests.

By providing exposure to STEM programs for kids and supporting their curiosity, you’re laying the groundwork for your child to become a confident and capable individual.

Which STEM Programs Have the Best Science Camps?

When it comes to finding the best science camps for kids, it’s essential to look for programs that are hands-on, engaging, and intellectually stimulating. Here are a few STEM programs that offer top-notch science camps for kids:

1. Kids Science Labs – Offering a variety of STEM summer camps, birthday parties, and STEM programs for kids in both Seattle and Chicago, Kids Science Labs provides an incredible hands-on learning experience for kids ages 4-12. Camps focus on exciting activities like slime-making, creative design, engineering challenges, and more.

2. Pacific Science Center – In Seattle, the Pacific Science Center offers great science camps with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and outdoor activities that engage kids in all things science-related.

3. Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) – MSI in Chicago offers a variety of STEM camps for kids that include hands-on activities, building projects, and access to amazing exhibits that spark curiosity in the realms of science and technology.

Each of these programs brings STEM learning to life with exciting, immersive experiences designed to ignite kids’ interest in science and inspire them to think creatively and critically.

Why is Kids Science Labs One of the Best STEM Programs for Kids?

Kids Science Labs stands out as one of the best STEM programs for kids for several reasons:

• Hands-on Learning: All of our programs focus on hands-on science, where kids get to engage directly with experiments, build models, and solve challenges.

• Experienced Instructors: Our experienced instructors guide children through each activity, ensuring they learn while having fun and making meaningful discoveries.

• Age-Appropriate Activities: Whether it's a slime party for younger kids or a hands-on science experience for upper elementary children, we tailor our activities to meet the developmental needs of kids at each age level.

• Innovative Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, making every program at Kids Science Labs a unique and enriching experience.

With locations in Seattle and Chicago, Kids Science Labs has earned a reputation as one of the best STEM programs, offering summer camps, birthday parties, and year-round classes that inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and thinkers.

Who Are the Founders of Kids Science Labs?

Kids Science Labs was founded by two dads, both engineers from Stanford University and University of Illinois, who met at the Chicago Booth School of Business. Shegan and Keith didn’t want to think of a brilliant idea, instead they wanted to solve a fundamental problem that mattered to the world. 15 years later, surrounded by a group of the most passionate educators and science enthusiasts who wanted to bring the joy of hands-on learning to children, Kids Science Labs and its award-winning STEM programs for Kids are still #1 form the Pacific Northwest to the Windy City.

The founders, Shegan Campbell and Keith Norsym, have deep backgrounds in education, science, and child development, which informs the program’s innovative approach to teaching STEM concepts.

In conclusion, STEM programs for kids are essential for fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Whether you're in Seattle or Chicago, there are incredible programs and camps available that can inspire your child to explore science and build confidence. Kids Science Labs offers one of the best STEM programs for kids, providing hands-on experiences that empower children to think, create, and solve problems. Ready to spark your child’s curiosity? Join us for an unforgettable adventure in science!

Best Science Camp in Northbrook blows the roof off Summer Camp with Unforgettable Northbrook Activities

Best Science Camp in Northbrook is at Kids Science Labs

If you're looking for the best science camp in Northbrook that sparks curiosity, fosters innovation, and offers a hands-on learning experience, look no further than Kids Science Labs! Whether it's a summer camp, a break camp, or any of our science camps in Northbrook, IL, Kids Science Labs is your go-to destination for all things science-related. Here’s why our Northbrook science camp is the perfect choice for your child.

Northbrook Science Camp That Teaches Innovation and Design Helps Kids

At Kids Science Labs, we don’t just teach science; we inspire it! Our science camp is designed to ignite curiosity, encourage experimentation, and foster critical thinking. By focusing on innovation and design, kids don’t just passively absorb information—they actively engage with the content, learning to solve real-world problems in creative ways.

Our Northbrook Activities for Summer Camp include new themes each week, such as:

1. Our World According to Physics (OWAP)

2. Design Time Live (DTL)

3. Gadgets & Inventions (GI)

4. ChemBusters (CHB)

What Sets Us Apart with our Northbrook Summer Camp:

• Hands-on Experiments: Children get to conduct real experiments, like building innovative catapults, redesigning slime to solve real world problems, and building structures.

• Innovation Challenges: Kids work on fun projects that involve designing, testing, and improving prototypes, giving them a taste of what it’s like to be an inventor or engineer.

• Collaboration: Our science camp encourages teamwork, helping kids learn how to work together to solve problems and communicate their ideas effectively.

Through these in class STEM experiences, campers gain confidence in their problem-solving abilities and creativity, setting the foundation for future success in both academics and life.

Where Are the Best Summer Camps in Northbrook, IL?

Northbrook offers a variety of summer science camp options, but none are quite like Kids Science Labs. Whether your child is an artist, imaginative writer, budding scientist, or simply curious about the world around them, our STEM-based camp activities will captivate their imagination and make this summer unforgettable.

Other Great Options to Balance Science Camp:

• The Village of Northbrook Summer Camps: These camps offer outdoor activities like sports, arts and crafts, and general recreation. It's a great way for kids to stay active and social during the summer months.

• Northbrook Park District Camps: With options like nature camps, theater camps, and tennis camps, Northbrook Park District provides diverse programs that suit a variety of interests.

However, if you want a camp that challenges your child intellectually while keeping them engaged and excited, Kids Science Labs is the best choice in Northbrook for hands-on science and innovation!

Parents Seeking Northbrook Activities Love How Hands-On Science Engages Kids' Brains

At Kids Science Labs, we understand that kids learn best when they are actively engaged. That's why our hands-on science activities are designed to be both fun and educational. Our programs go beyond just following instructions—they empower children to explore, experiment, and discover.

Kids Science Labs Co-Founder, Shegan Campbell, brings all of what he learned teaching Engineering at Stanford University to form the basis of one of the most innovative STEM programs for kids. At KSL, we have revolutionized science education since 2010 and our science camps are just a part of it.

Benefits of Hands-On Learning with Science:

• Critical Thinking: Science encourages kids to ask questions and find answers through experiments. At Kids Science Labs we have been encouraging the development of critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in school and life, since 2010.

• Creativity: Science camps are essential elements that spark creativity by allowing children to design, build, and test their own projects.

• Problem Solving: Kids are presented with challenges and given the tools to come up with solutions. This fosters a mindset of resilience and determination when faced with obstacles.

Parents often share how their kids’ brains are actively engaged in problem-solving, experimentation, and collaboration throughout their time at camp. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with parents noting that their children are more confident, curious, and enthusiastic about learning after attending our programs.

Science Camp Ideas That Build Confidence are every at KSL

One of the greatest benefits of attending science camp at Kids Science Labs is the confidence boost kids receive. Hands-on Science, by its nature, involves trial and error, so children quickly learn that failure is just part of the process. With each experiment, they grow more resilient and confident in their abilities.

Our Science Camp Activities Focus on:

• Building Confidence: Whether it’s building a tower from marshmallows or PreK students redesigning a paper bridge to support a rock, kids learn about engineering principles while developing problem-solving skills.

• Creative Design: From creating slime to launching rockets, our science camp encourages kids to design their own experiments and projects, giving them a sense of ownership over their learning.

• Teamwork: Kids work in teams, learning to collaborate and communicate ideas effectively, which builds both social and emotional skills.

• Science Facts : Our Northbrook Activities directly build NGSS science facts to first ensure students learn why something works by actually doing the experiment themselves

With each new project, kids see how they can turn their ideas into reality—and they gain the confidence to keep trying, even when things don’t go as planned.

Where Can I Find Thanksgiving Break Camps on NorthShore?

Looking for a fun, engaging activity for your kids during Thanksgiving break? Kids Science Labs offers a fantastic option for families in Northbrook and surrounding areas. Our Thanksgiving Break Camp gives kids the chance to explore the wonders of science through themed experiments, hands-on activities, and exciting challenges.

Whether your child is interested in mixing chemistry, creative design, lego robotics, or chemical reactions, our Thanksgiving Break camp provides a fun and educational experience that will keep them busy and inspired during the holiday break.

Check out Kids Science Labs for upcoming break camp schedules and registration details!

How to Find an Excellent Spring Break Camp in Northbrook

Spring break is just around the corner, and if you're looking for a camp that combines fun and learning, Kids Science Labs offers the perfect solution. Our Spring Break Camp is designed to keep kids engaged with exciting, hands-on activities that explore topics in science, technology, engineering, and math.

What Makes Our Spring Break Camp Stand Out:

• Hands-On Science: Whether it's building key science facts for PreK to elementary students or experimenting with how things work and what' is inside nearly everything, kids learn through doing, which makes the experience both fun and educational.

• Themes: We offer different themes each year, from space exploration to robot-building, ensuring that every spring break is a new adventure!

• Half-Day Options: If you only need a partial day to build science facts, boost creative thinking, and expanding design thinking in kids Prek-5th grade, try our MorningSTEM package

• Full Day Options: Need a whole-day camp to keep your child busy? Our full-day spring break camps are packed with science activities, games, and breaks for outdoor play.

To find the best spring break camp for your child, simply visit our website to view schedules and sign-up details for our Northbrook spring camp programs. Spots fill up quickly, so make sure to register early!

In conclusion, for the last ten years in a row, Kids Science Labs has consistently been rated the best science camp in Northbrook, offering a unique blend of fun, creativity, and hands-on learning that helps kids build confidence and critical thinking skills. Whether it's for a summer, Thanksgiving, or spring break camp, we provide an unforgettable experience for children who are curious about the world of science and innovation.

So, if you’re looking for a camp that encourages your child to think creatively, experiment, and innovate, Kids Science Labs is the place to be!