​2026 Summer STEM Academy
University Center at Ponca City
​Camp Descriptions:


K-2
LEGO CS & AI (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence): Little learners will move from being passive technology users to active creators by exploring the building blocks of computer science. Through guided play, students will follow step-by-step algorithms to program robotic devices and create their own sequential stories. It’s the perfect introduction to how hardware and software work together to solve problems
 
LEGO Science: Dive into the physics of play with this interactive building camp. Students will use exploratory play to build sturdy structures, mix colors, and conduct simple investigations into how pushes and pulls change the motion of an object. This camp provides the background experiences that inform scientific inquiry for years to come
 
Slime (K-2): Get ready to get messy in the ultimate "Icky & Sticky" chemistry lab! Campers will explore the wonders of non-Newtonian fluids by mixing their own ooey-gooey concoctions. This hands-on experience introduces young scientists to basic chemical reactions and the fun of scientific discovery
 
3-5
Fidget Factory 3D Printing: Turn your imagination into reality in the Fidget Factory! Students will learn the basics of CAD software like Tinkercad to design and print their own personalized keychains and fidget spinners. By testing tolerances and friction, campers act as mechanical engineers, refining their designs until they work perfectly.
 
Forensic Science: Solve the mystery of the missing mascot in our "CSI: Camp"! Students will become detectives, learning to lift fingerprints, analyze ink through chromatography, and identify fibers and hair strands using a microscope. This interdisciplinary camp combines biology and chemistry to teach critical thinking and precision in evidence collection.
 
LEGO CS & AI (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence): Step into the future by learning the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Students will use programming logic to control motors and sensors, creating "computational artifacts" that react to the world around them. From debugging code to designing interactive stories, this camp builds high-level 21st-century skills.
 
LEGO WeDo (Grades 2-4): Become a "Wildlife Engineer" in our Robotic Zoo! Using motorized LEGO bricks and app-based coding, students will build Milo the Science Rover and program motion sensors to solve "Smart City" challenges. It’s an ideal way to bridge the gap between simple building and advanced robotics while mastering the engineering design process.
 
Slime (3-5): Experience "The Great Slime Bake-Off" in this advanced polymer science lab! Students will conduct experiments to create the stretchiest, magnetic, or even glow-in-the-dark slimes by precisely measuring ingredients and tracking their results on graphs. It’s a fun, hands-on way to explore non-Newtonian fluids and material engineering.
 
Video Game Design: Move from player to creator by learning to build your own interactive worlds. Campers will use block-based coding to program character movements and design complex levels in platforms like Scratch or Minecraft. This camp blends artistic creativity with technical skills like logic and physics to produce functional arcade-style games.
 
6-8
Alternative Energy: Harness the power of the sun, wind, and water to design a "Green City". Campers will build their own pizza box solar ovens, design high-efficiency wind turbine blades, and construct miniature water wheels. This camp emphasizes sustainable solutions and the scientific principles behind thermodynamics and kinetic energy.
LEGO CS & AI (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence): Tackle advanced coding challenges by building machine learning models and neural networks. Students will explore the ethics of AI while modeling how autonomous robots use algorithms for tasks like image classification and text analysis. This camp prepares students for high-demand career pathways in computer science and advanced manufacturing.
 
LEGO Robotics 1 & 2: Enter the "Robot Rumble" and see if your machine has what it takes to win! Using LEGO SPIKE Prime or EV3 systems, teams will design, build, and program robots to navigate complex mazes and compete in Sumo Bot battles. Students will master the iterative engineering process by testing and refining their bots for maximum performance.
 
LEGO CS & AI: Tackle advanced coding challenges by building machine learning models and neural networks. Students will explore the ethics of AI while modeling how autonomous robots use algorithms for tasks like image classification and text analysis. This camp prepares students for high-demand career pathways in computer science and advanced manufacturing.
 
Forensic Science: Dive deep into the realm of crime scene analysis and evidence collection. Aspiring investigators will use the 7s’s of investigating a crime scene, fingerprint classification, and fiber analysis to solve intricate cases. Working in teams, students will visit simulated "crime scenes" and present their evidence-based conclusions to "crack the case.”
 
Petroleum Energy: Strike it rich in science as you explore Oklahoma's energy landscape! Students will model rock layers, map hidden "reservoirs," and even practice "drilling" for core samples to find hidden energy deposits. From rig building to designing oil spill clean-up methods, campers will explore the engineering and geology of the petroleum industry.
Rocketry: Prepare for blast-off in "3-2-1 Rocketry"! Campers will explore Newton's Laws of Motion by building and launching everything from simple paper flyers to solid-fuel model rockets. By analyzing flight data and adjusting launch angles, students will master the principles of aerodynamics and propulsion.
 
Veterinary Science: Step into the shoes of a local vet in our "Vet for a Day" clinic! Students will learn to check vitals, analyze real X-rays for fractures, and even practice basic suturing techniques on bananas. This camp fosters empathy and critical thinking while applying biological science to animal healthcare.
 
Video Game Design: Level up your programming skills by designing role-playing games (RPGs) with complex quests and logic. Campers will use Minecraft’s "Redstone" to model real-life logic gates and explore 3D world-building through virtual reality headsets. This camp turns screen time into a productive experience in systems thinking and asset creation.