Calgary Science Summer Camp 2026 for Kids Ages 6-12

Engineering & Inventions Camp
In this exciting hands-on camp, students explore how engineers solve problems through creativity, design, testing, and improvement. Throughout the week, children are introduced to the engineering design process — Ask, Imagine, Plan, Build, and Improve — while creating structures, testing inventions, exploring flight, and building simple mechanical systems. Each day includes experiments, engineering projects, science journaling, and interactive games that help students develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence through active learning.

Day 1 – The Engineering Design Process
Students begin the week by learning what engineers do and how inventions solve real-world problems. They are introduced to the engineering design process and explore examples such as bridges, airplanes, and robots. In hands-on stations, students build paper bridges and test how much weight they can hold, and they also create towers using spaghetti and marshmallows to investigate stability. For the engineering project, students design and build a strong bridge using popsicle sticks, tape, and cardboard, then test and improve their designs. The day also includes science journaling and a quick-build engineering challenge.

Day 2 – Structures & Stability
Campers explore how buildings and bridges stay strong by learning about structural shapes such as triangles, arches, and columns. They compare triangle and square structures to see which design is stronger and more stable, and they test tower models on a shake table to simulate an earthquake. For the engineering challenge, students build an earthquake-safe building using cardboard, straws, and tape, then improve the design based on testing. Journaling and a bridge builder relay help reinforce ideas about strong structures and design improvement.

Day 3 – Flight & Aerodynamics
Students learn how airplanes fly by exploring the concepts of lift, drag, thrust, and gravity. They build and test different paper airplane designs, comparing flight distance, time, and stability. They also create parachutes using simple materials and observe how parachute size affects fall speed. For the engineering project, campers complete a cargo plane challenge, designing a plane that can carry weight while still flying well. The day ends with science journaling and a flight accuracy challenge that adds fun and competition to the learning process.

Day 4 – Robotics & Mechanical Systems
This day focuses on robots and machines that use movement, force, and simple mechanical systems. Students learn about real-world examples such as robotic arms, factory robots, and Mars rovers. In the experiment stations, they build a robotic arm simulation using cardboard, straws, and string, and they also investigate a hydraulic lift using syringes and tubing filled with water. For the engineering project, students create a grabber tool using popsicle sticks and rubber bands to pick up small objects. Science journaling and a robot obstacle course help reinforce sequencing, problem solving, and mechanical thinking.

7.5 hours program | 
Drop-Off Time: 8.00 AM - 8.30 AM
Pick-Up Time: 4:00 PM - 4.30 PM