Inside Methodist University’s science labs, the eagerness to learn is visible. Each summer, young learners step outside of textbooks and traditional learning and into hands-on discovery through an engaging STEM experience.
Inside Methodist University’s science labs, the eagerness to learn is visible. Each summer, young learners step outside of textbooks and traditional learning and into hands-on discovery through an engaging STEM experience.
Held June 9–13, this year’s STEM Summer Camp welcomed rising middle schoolers ranging from ages 10 to 13, to MU for daily sessions from morning into the afternoon. Campers were divided into two groups: Green and Gold, each featuring a full schedule of interactive sessions led by MU faculty and staff. “The campers were enthusiastic and engaged all week—many already had a strong interest in STEM,” said Dr. Denise Bauer, STEM Camp coordinator and Methodist University Engineering Professor. “One even said they want to become a doctor.”
The Summer STEM camp serves as fuel for future scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. From exploring biology to the world of tech, kids of all ages get exposure to new concepts beyond that of the traditional classroom experience. Guided by MU’s passionate mentors and staff, students grab their goggles and PPE and gear up to engage directly with the tools, technology, and types of experiments that bring STEM to life.
Each year, the camp aims to introduce complex, yet youth-approachable topics, with the goal of sparking interest early, making learning interactive, and connecting it to everyday life. From coding and programming to investigating germs, learning becomes more of an experience—and less of a lecture.
Throughout the week, students explored a wide range of activities including:
- Escape the Dragon’s Lair (STEM-themed breakout room)
- Light Up Chemistry (exploring light absorption in sugar solutions)
- Microbe Safari (germ theory and bacteria collection)
- Elephant Toothpaste (chemical reaction experiments)
- CSI & Forensics (crime scene investigation with DNA and fingerprinting)
- Soil Science (planting Lima beans and testing conditions)
- Computer Coding (hands-on coding lessons)
- Static Electricity & Launch Physics (target-based launch experiments)
- Paper Tower Engineering Challenge
STEAM in the Makerspace (hands-on 3D design and printing)- STEM and Sports (sports performance technology)
- Health Sciences: Technology in Nursing (simulation lab experience)
- STEAM Scavenger Hunt across campus
The camp not only introduces foundational STEM skills but also encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity skills that young students will carry with them long after camp ends.
At MU, STEM Camp is more than just another summer program. It’s a preview of what the future holds and what’s possible when students discover that science, technology, engineering, and math aren’t just subjects but a gateway to their future.