Science Camp: Joy of Toys!

Update: I’m adding to the plans whenever I think of another idea, such as Seek and Find Bottles.  The plans in the spreadsheet are a work in progress.

One of my favorite Camp themes is the Joy of Toys.  There are loads of science toys who can make.  I usually have a big mix of fun activities with inexpensive toys, such as mini-copters and balancing birds.  Here is the link with plans and loads of activities.  Joy of Toys was the theme for National Chemistry Week.  Here is the page with electronic resources, many of which are still live: Science Toy Maker, Creative Chemistry, and Chymist.  Celebrating Chemistry: The Joy of Toys has plans for Air Rockets, Zippy, Zappy Boats, It’s a Gas, Cartesian divers and Bouncing Ball.  Here are science toys from Flinn and Educational Innovations to use for more ideas.  

The plans have a $250 budget for 25 children.  The budget should give you an idea about supplies needed for Camp.  Start saving recycling materials.   You’ll need yogurt cups to mix experiments, bottles (1 or 2 liter bottles work well.) for Cartesian divers and vortex tubes, recycled containers (#6) for shrinky dinks, paper rolls, styrofoam plates, cups, jars for snow globes, plastic bags (to send home materials), CDs or DVDs for spinners, etc.  (Ask the thrift store to save CDs for you.). This camp requires household goods such as shaving cream, tape, straws, and toothpicks.  Start looking at the activities to see what you need, such as tennis balls or 35 mm film cartridges for the Alka-Seltzer rockets. See what you have on hand, such as scrap wood to make balance boards or stomp catapults.  Have a blast!  This is going to be the best summer yet!