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Acton Academy Columbus

Acton Academy is a private, learner-driven K-8 school. The curriculum emphasizes deep learning through Montessori and Socratic methods, play, mixed age groups, STEAM, and hands-on projects. Programs open to non-Acton students include half-day and full-day STEAM Summer Camp, Spring Nature Groups, and an annual Children’s Business Fair for young entrepreneurs to present their products and services to real customers. Find program details and fees online. 5762 Wilcox Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016 (614) 603-7227 actonacademycolumbus.com

Africentric Personal Development Shop (APDS)

Non-profit behavioral healthcare agency providing alcohol and drug treatment, licensed counseling, domestic violence education and intervention programs, and support services for families affected by addiction. They also offer a summer camp, UCANN Serve and UCANN Lead programs for ages 11-17 to experience mentorship and civic engagement, Urban GEMS science and gardening after-school program for ages 12-19, and awards two scholarships per year for youth ages 17-22 pursuing higher education. The organization was founded by and centers the African community but serves all regardless of race, gender, disability, or economic status. 1409 East Livingstone Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205 (614) 253-4448 apdsinc.org

Archaeology, Can You Dig It?

Mobile outreach program educating students about anthropology, archaeology, and STEM topics through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Organizations request and pay for outreach services from a local, experienced educator and archeologist. Programs vary in cost and age ranges and include Chemistry, Castles & Catapults, Mummy Rap, Puzzle of Pots, Dig Pits, and more. They often host programs at Columbus Metropolitan Library locations. Go online for program details and to see if there is a program happening near you. (614) 530-9678 archaeologydigs.wixsite.com/acydi facebook.com/JeffWhiteArchaeologist

Be WISE Camp

A STEM camp designed to develop excitement, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence in middle school girls through real-life, hands-on experiences in STEM. They host a day camp at Philo Junior High School in Philo, Ohio for girls grades 5-6, and a residential camp at Muskingum University for girls grades 7-8. Scholarships are available with proof of financial need. Visit the website for contact information. bewisecamp.org

Beyond the Classroom

A day summer program for students grades 6-9 to experience recreational mathematics, movies, puzzles, and problem-solving with OSU Mathematics students and faculty. The program is free of charge. The Ohio State University, Department of Mathematics 231 West Eighteenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210 u.osu.edu/mathoutreach/btc

Buckeye Vet Camp

A five-day summer residential camp for rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to learn more about veterinary school and the profession at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Students participate in mock classes and labs, career exploration, community service, and social activities. Program fees cover lodging, meals, instruction, and social activities. Students must apply in the spring, students from educationally underrepresented backgrounds are given priority. Go online for program and application details. The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine (614) 292-1171 vet.osu.edu/prospectivestudent/buckeye-vet-camp

Camp CAR (Center for Automotive Research) at The Ohio State University

A free week-long summer camp for students 14-18 years old. Students learn various aspects of automotive engineering, research, and manufacturing. Participants learn from CAR researchers, complete hands-on projects, and take field trips. Application with essay is required. Go online for details. 930 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212 car.osu.edu/camp-car

Center for Architecture & Design

Non-profit promoting accessible architecture and design in Central Ohio. Youth Design Programs include one-week summer camps for Grades 3-8 to experience design through hands-on activities, tours, field trips, presentations, and imaginative games. The High School Design Studio is an immersive two-week experience for  Grades 9-12 in a collegiate-level studio environment to learn from design educators and professionals in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, interior design, graphic design, industrial design, and engineering. Financial scholarships are available. Find details and apply online. 50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 (614) 469-1973 columbuscfad.org

Classroom Antics

Educational enrichment provider offering fun, educational STEAM-focused programs to kids ages 6-14 at various locations in Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton, Ohio. They offer week-long, half-day STEAM activity summer camps at various schools, churches, and community organizations. Go online for a full list of locations, program details, and fees. (800) 595-3776 classroomantics.com/columbus-summer-camps

Columbus School for Girls (CSG) Summer Programs

Columbus School for Girls hosts IDEAS Camps, a summer camp for boys and girls ages 3-12 years old. Campers experience art, science, athletics, technology, and more fun activities centered around a weekly theme. Extended care and snack are included. 65 South Drexel Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209 (844) 516-2267 summercampatideas.com/

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium & The Wilds

The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium offers several educational opportunities for youth. They offer week-long day camps for Grades 1-7, with optional extended care for an additional fee. The 4-day and 4-week summer camps are for ages 3-entering Kindergarten. youth participate in a variety of activities designed to have fun and promote environmental awareness, including hands-on animal experiences. ZooKids is a preschool program for ages 3-5 multiples days per week during the school year. They also offer Dayventures and Summer Camps at The Wilds conservation center in Cumberland, Ohio. Scholarships are available.

• Columbus Zoo & Aquarium : 4850 West Powell Road, Powell, Ohio 43065 (614) 645-3400 columbuszoo.org
• The Wilds : 14000 International Road, Cumberland, Ohio 43732 (740) 638-5030, ext. 2286 thewilds.org
• Scholarships : columbuszoo.org/home/discover/learn-at-the-zoo/scholarships

Data Science Summer Camp

A free, week-long summer camp that introduces young women entering grades 7-9 to the field of data science and analytics. Students gain hands-on experience and work with mentors to learn how to analyze data from a wide variety of fields, discuss biases in data, explore career opportunities, learn problem-solving skills, and more. Find program details and contact information online. The Ohio State University, Pomerene Hall tdai.osu.edu/education/data-science-women-summer-camp

Dawes Arboretum

Arboretum enriching lives through the conservation of trees, nature and history in Newark, Ohio. They offer regular programs and events for families including Home School Investigations, Preschool Storybook Science, and Camp Dawes summer day camp for ages 5-14. Scholarships are available for family programming. The campus has nearly 2,000 acres of plant collections, gardens, hiking trails and natural areas for anyone to learn and explore. 7770 Jacksontown Road, Newark, Ohio 43056 (740) 323-2355 dawesarb.org

Delaware Area Career Center (DACC)

Technical career center offering career readiness for school-aged kids, summer camp, and unique electives for high school students such as welding, computer programming, cosmetology, and more. They offer a GED program and classes for adults, such as Microsoft 365, ESOL, and Firefighting. They also offer Disabilities Support for individuals with disabilities under 22 years old. 4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015 (740) 548-0708 delawareareacc.org

Dublin Medical Academy

A free, 4-day summer camp for high school juniors and seniors in Central Ohio to explore careers in healthcare at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Dublin, Ohio. Selected students engage in hands-on, experiential learning activities, build confidence, and work directly with health professionals. Go online for application details. 6775 Bobcat Way, Dublin, Ohio 43016 (614) 793-5556 ohio.edu/medicine/about/campuses/dublin/reach

Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools

Offers tuition-free programs for high school juniors and seniors in Franklin, Fairfield, and Pickaway counties with programs like automotive, cosmetology, graphic design, pre-nursing and more. Programs for adults include GED, ESOL, STNA, Welding, HVAC, and help finding a job. They offer a free summer camp for students grades 6-8 to explore career options. The Employability Prep program for students ages 16-21 with learning differences offers hands-on job experience and soft skills training.

• Eastland Career Center: 4465 South Hamilton Road, Groveport, Ohio 43125 (614) 836-5725
• Fairfield Career Center: 3985 Coonpath Road Northwest, Carroll, Ohio 43112 (740) 756-9243
• Adult Workforce Development : 4300 Amalgamated Place, Groveport, Ohio 43125 (614) 836-4541
• District Office: 4300 Amalgamated Place, Groveport, Ohio 43125 (614) 836-4530

eastlandfairfield.com

Explorations in Neuroscience Summer Camp

A one-week camp for rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in learning about Neuroscience, brain health and disease. Students learn through a variety of approaches including lecture, discussion, debate, games, laboratory visits, and hands-on experiments. Financial need scholarships are available upon request, contact for more information. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Department of Neuroscience 460 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210 (614) 688-5501 medicine.osu.edu/departments/neuroscience/outreach-and-events/summer-camp

Family Adolescent & Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES)

Family Adolescent and Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES)  is a non-profit providing support for families on the South side of Columbus. Programs include a free fresh market, urban gardening, cooking classes, family fitness classes, access to healthcare through OSU Wexner Medical Center Community Care Coach and family gatherings. FACCES Life Ready Urban Gardening Class is a free, weekly program for youth to learn about how to grow their own food, careers in agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Go online to register for programs and find upcoming events. 2515 Lockbourne Road, Columbus, OH  43207 (614) 319-6070 or (800) 464-0920 thefacces.org

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Offers family-friendly exhibits, classes, workshops, and summer camps in gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness. Check the website Calendar for upcoming events and classes, which are sometimes free. General admission is free on the first Sunday of the month for Community Day. Active or Retired service members get $1 off each ticket. SNAP, EBT, WIC and Medicaid recipients get tickets for $3 each with ID and proof of participation. 1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203 (614) 715-8000 fpconservatory.org

Geosciences Bridge Program

Offers a 6-week paid internship for graduating high school seniors planning to pursue a career in geoscience/Earth sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The program includes lectures, field trips, hands-on activities, two for-credit college courses, housing, meals, travel expenses, and a stipend. Go online for application instructions. University of Maryland Eastern Shore 30665 Student Services Center, Princess Anne, Maryland 21853 (410) 651-7747 cp.umes.edu/geosciences

Girls Who Code

Offers free coding clubs from beginner to advanced at various elementary and middle schools, libraries, and colleges for girls, women, and non-binary people. Check online for a full list of club Locations. Their website also has free, downloadable activities from beginner to advanced for anyone to learn coding at home. Their Summer Programs are free, virtual opportunities for high school students to learn coding as part of a virtual group or self-paced. girlswhocode.com

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

Nature center providing vital education services in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The center is pet-friendly, public space and admission is always free. They host regular STEAM programming and events for all ages, including bird walks, preschool story time, and art shows. They offer day summer camps for grades PreK-6, with limited scholarships available. 505 West Whittier Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 (614) 545-5475 grange.audubon.org

Heart of Unlimited Boundaries (HUB)

Provides therapeutic, recreational, and employment programs for children and adults with disabilities or critical illnesses. They are known for their adapted Go-Karting program (therapeutic karting), which enables severely disabled individuals to drive a vehicle on an outdoor course. They also offer 3-D printing classes and an adaptive equipment lab for development of inclusive technology. 308 Reynolds Street, West Liberty, Ohio 43357 (614) 800-3310 unlimitedboundaries.org

I-DOC (Improving Diversity in Optometric Careers) Summer Program

A four-day residential summer program to help underrepresented students explore the career of optometry. Travel, room and board, and most meals are provided for successful applicants. Students experience living on a college campus, network with faculty and staff, participate in mock interviews, and shadow real optometrists.  Go online for application details and contact information. 338 West Tenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210 u.osu.edu/idoc

Offers summer camps, immersive Teen Experiences, virtual STEM camps, and private lessons across the country for youth ages 7-19. Programs include coding, game development, robotics, design, and more. Columbus programs are held at Ohio State University. Program fees are significant but scholarships are available. (888) 709-8324 iD at Ohio State: idtech.com/locations/ohio-summer-camps/ohio-state-university Scholarships: idtech.com/scholarships

Leaders Emerging & Developing (LEAD)

Organization bringing STEM education to underserved youth. Programs include STEM mentorship, leadership development, and tutoring for students K-12. The ACT Advantage Academy provides affordable ACT prep for 8th-12th graders. Some services are free. Scholarships are available. PO Box 361061, Columbus, Ohio 43236 (614) 407-6049 leademerging.org

An intensive, three-week summer day camp for rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers in medicine, including biomedical research. Students participate in lectures, hear from guest speakers, get clinical exposure, and participate in a community project at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Applicants are awarded full and partial scholarships based on financial need and quality of application. Visit the website for application details. 370 West Ninth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210 (614) 688-8489 medicine.osu.edu/diversity/initiatives/md-camp

Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES)

A free, six-week residential academic enrichment program for high school juniors with a strong academic record and desire for rigorous science education. Students’ housing, meals and activity costs covered by the program. Selected participants receive college admissions counseling, high-level coursework, social events and exploration of the Boston area, and a written evaluation to use for college applications. Underrepresented students are encouraged to apply. Find applications details online. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 oeop.mit.edu/programs/mites

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Athletic Training Workshop

Summer workshop for high school students interested in athletic training, emergency medicine, nursing, physical therapy or other allied health and medical professions. Participants will also have the option of becoming certified in CPR. The 3-day workshop is held in Westerville, Ohio at the Nationwide Children’s Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center, and at Otterbein University. There is a fee. Go online to register. nationwidechildrens.org/athletic-training-workshop

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Mechanisms of Human Health & Disease

This summer program offers college-level experiences in medicine and research to motivated and high-achieving high school students. Students explore career options, attend lectures, and complete projects investigating diseases. The top student from the program is given the opportunity to participate in an internship at Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Students must apply for the program and there is a program fee, find details online. 575 South Eighteenth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205 (614) 355-0662 nationwidechildrens.org/mechanisms-of-human-health-and-disease

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Summer Scientist Education Series

This free program exposes high school students to the scientific method and careers in medical research during the summer. Students can register to attend free in-person or virtual classes exploring careers in medical research. 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205 (614) 355-0589 nationwidechildrens.org/young-scientist-series

Ohio State University (OSU) Extension

OSU College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences works with families, farmers, business owners, and community leaders to build better communities in Ohio. They offer soil testing kits, 4-H Youth Development Clubs, community courses on Urban Agriculture, Beginner’s Grant Writing, and Food Safety. Their Family & Consumer Sciences office offers nutrition and lifestyle resources including SNAP education, Dining with Diabetes, Food Preservation, and more. 2548 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210 (614) 866-6900 franklin.osu.edu/home

Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC) Summer Institute

Offers several summer programs for students and educators to gain hands-on experience in computer science and STEM. The Summer Institute is a two-week residential program for academically-gifted high school freshman, sophomores, and juniors. The Youth Watershed Summer Institute is a week-long residential program for Ohio students in 6th or 7th grade. They also have a Summer Institute for K-12 teachers. Participants experience project-based learning, explore topics and problems in science, and enjoy recreation at The Ohio State university campus. No scholarships are available for these programs. Go online for program and registration details. 1224 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212 (614) 292-9248 osc.edu/education/summer_programs

Ohio Wesleyan University Junior League (OWjL) Camp

A residential summer camp program for academically-gifted students in grades 6-8. Campers select four courses from an academic program that includes mathematics, logic, computing, science, humanities and creative development. Students stay on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus and enjoy cultural and recreational activities. They also offer a day camp for grades 4-6. Scholarships are available. (740) 368-3939 61 South Sandusky Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015 owu.edu/about/offices-services/owjl-camp

Ohio Wildlife Center (OWC)

The Ohio Wildlife Center is a non-profit offering educational and community programming, in addition to the animal services offered at the Ohio Wildlife Hospital. They offer wildlife-based, nature summer camps for ages 3-16 with programs that include outdoor adventuring, arts and crafts, helping with animal care, and more. Scholarships are available. They also offer summer internships in education, environmental & veterinary sciences. Anyone can visit the center in-person to learn about wildlife, enjoy free events, or rent the facility for birthday parties. Ohio Wildlife Center: 6131 Cook Road, Powell, Ohio 43065 Ohio Wildlife Hospital: 2661 Billingsley Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235 (614) 734-9453 ohiowildlifecenter.org

OSU Manufacturing & Materials Joining Innovation Center (Ma2JIC) Summer Internship Program

A paid summer internship program for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring welding engineering. High-school students are matched with graduate students and assist with an ongoing research project in an engineering laboratory, and give a capstone presentation at the end of the program. Interns are expect to work up to 24 hours per week with a flexible schedule. Applications are generally available in winter and due in February. 1248 Arthur E. Adams Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43221 (614) 292-1182 ma2jic.osu.edu/resources/osu-summer-internship-program

PAST Foundation

Educational non-profit offering experiential programs for students based in Anthropology, STEM, and problem-solving. They offer a variety of summer day programs, community events, and professional opportunities for educators. 1003 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212 (614) 340-1208 pastfoundation.org

Pills, Potions, & Poisons

A week-long summer program for high school students with an interest in biomedical sciences who have completed a high-school level Biology or Chemistry course. Students learn through experiments, field trips, projects, and explore careers in pharmaceuticals. The program cost includes supplies, meals, field trip expenses, and a T-shirt. Financial assistance is available, contact the program for details. Ohio State University College of Pharmacy 500 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210 (614) 292-2266 pharmacy.osu.edu/practice-teaching-engagement/public-professional-education/pills-potions-and-poisons

Ross Mathematics Program

An intensive six-week summer course for high school students to explore higher-level mathematics. Programs are held at Otterbein University in Columbus, Ohio and Rose-Hulman Institute in Indiana.  Students must apply to participate. Program fees are significant but financial aid is available. Go online for program details and contact information. rossprogram.org

Science Near Me STEM Resources

This project through the National Science Foundation provides a database of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs and opportunities near you. Search by name, location, or activity type to find after school programs, community events, citizen science projects, and more. sciencenearme.org

Stratford Ecological Center

This non-profit educational organic farm and nature preserve offers workshops and classes for children, farm tours, and family programs. Programs include Farm School, which qualifies as an Alternative Learning Experience credit in Ohio. They offer a variety of summer camps for youth and families which include learning the rhythms of nature and a farm, fun activities, and leadership opportunities for high schoolers. Their internships for adults provide opportunities in sustainable agriculture, non-profit administration, family programming, and more. 3083 Liberty Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015 (740) 363-2548 stratfordecologicalcenter.org

Summer Academy for Mathematics & Science (SAMS)

A 6-week immersive, residential program for students from communities underrepresented in STEM to receive STEM education and mentorship at Carnegie Mellon University. Students must be a junior in high school to apply. Selected students participate in the program for free, including housing and dining. Visit the website for full eligibility and application details. 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213 (412) 268-5914 cmu.edu/pre-college/academic-programs/sams.html

Summer Institute for Future Nurses

A free, three-day program for high school students to explore nursing careers through hands-on activities, tours, and engagement with faculty, staff and students. The program is open to incoming high school students grades 9-12 who meet eligibility requirements. The Ohio State University College of Nursing 1577 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210 nursing.osu.edu/offices-and-initiatives/office-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/summer-institute-future-nurses

Summer Linguistics Institute for Youth Scholars (SLIYS)

SLIYS (pronounced “SLICE”) is a one- or two-week online summer program for high school students grades 9-12 organized by the Department of Linguistics at The Ohio State University. Participants explore linguistic sciences and learn from native-language speakers. There is tuition for the program but financial aid is available, and a student’s inability to pay should not prohibit them from attending the program. Go online to apply. 1712 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210 (614) 688-3109 linguistics.osu.edu/sliys

Non-profit providing high-quality computer science and IT learning experience for students K-12 at multiple locations across the country. Students explore math, science, and technology through hands-on activities at their Techie Camps, Clubs, and Workshops. They also provide workshops and opportunities for professionals. Their website also has free activities and lesson plans for students or teachers to print and complete at home. 6600 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229 (614) 583-9211 techcorps.org

The College of Wooster’s B-WISER Science Camp for Girls

A week-long residential camp for 7th and 8th grade girls interested in STEM in Ohio. Students take a full daily curriculum with classes in physics, chemistry, biology, geology, robotics, and other advanced topics. Students experience cooperative learning, develop self-confidence, and hear from professional women in science about their journeys. Students use campus science labs and stay in Wooster’s college dorms. Inability to pay should not be a barrier to attending camp, the program offers subsidized camp rates and financial aid scholarships. 308 East University Street, Wooster, Ohio 44691 (330) 263-2105 bwiser.spaces.wooster.edu

The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology

Center located in Newark, Ohio with interactive STEM learning labs, planetarium, art gallery, and history exhibits. Admission rates are low and they offer many discounts for veterans, teachers, SNAP recipients, and more. They offer free programming for families and adults year-round, including a STEMfest for high schoolers during spring break. Summer Camps are available for ages 3-12 and financial assistance is available for camp fees. They also provide teacher professional development across east central Ohio. Go online for program details and to plan your visit. 55 South First Street, Newark, Ohio 43055 (740) 349-9277 attheworks.org

Wellington School Summer Program

Independent school for Pre-K through 12th grade. They offer after school programs and their Summer Program is open to all families. The Summer Program offers half-day or full-day experiences, with after-care options. Camp offerings include creative and performing arts, athletics, STEM, and more. Participants do not have to be Wellington School students. Fees vary by camp and are due at time of registration. 3650 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220 (614) 457-7883 wellington.org/summer

• BOARD OF TRUSTEES
• GIRLS IN STEM ADVISORY BOARD
• iSPACE FACILITY TOUR
• SUMMER CAMPS
• PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS
• 1st GRADE PROGRAMS
• 2rd GRADE PROGRAMS
• 3rd GRADE PROGRAMS
• 4th GRADE PROGRAMS
• 5th GRADE PROGRAMS
• 6th GRADE PROGRAMS
• 7th GRADE PROGRAMS
• 8th GRADE PROGRAMS
• 9th GRADE PROGRAMS
• HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS 
• SPRING KIDS PROGRAMS
• GIRLS IN STEM
• WINTER ROBOTICS PROGRAMS
• GIRLS WHO CODE PROGRAM
• HOME SCHOOL PROGRAMS
• SCOUT PROGRAMS
• iSPACE EDUCATOR ACADEMY
• PRE-ECLIPSE FAMILY NIGHT
• TEEN SCIENCE CAFE
• FIRST LEGO LEAGUE
• CAREER EXPLORATION SATURDAYS
• SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
• PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Ispace provides the resources for educators to inspire a love of stem learning in their students. each of our uniquely designed programs are interactive, engaging, and designed to align with stem curriculum standards across grade levels. choose from field trips at our new ispace facility or have us come to your school, now booking field trips for the 2023 - 2024 school year, program features.

• Aligned to State Standards
• Low Student/Teacher Ratio
• Wide Range of STEAM topics
• Instills problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills
• Curricula Efficacy Independently Certified by University of Cincinnati ESC 
• Hands-on, experiential programming
• Quality Instruction
• All inclusive -- no need for schools to provide volunteers or chaperones 
• Reduced Student Downtime -- Instructions/STEM concepts are incorporated into activities
• Convenient - iSPACE Staff takes care of everything from Program Set-up and Clean-up 

RESERVATION & CANCELLATION POLICY:  -  Purchase Order or payment in full is due four weeks prior to program.  -  Purchase Order balances must be paid in full within ten days of program delivery. -  If you must cancel a reservation, please call (513) 554-0425. -  Refunds will not be issued for programs cancelled less than four weeks prior to program.

 iSPACE program offerings can also be scheduled for After School programming.

iSPACE PROGRAMS BY GRADE 

Program descriptions  (a-z), blast off rocketry, grades pre k - 9    .

Blast off with Sir Isaac Newton and explore his three laws of motion through rocketry activities! Investigate the aerodynamics of launch vehicles while building and launching your own rocket with our special high-powered air launchers. Guaranteed to be a BLAST! In this program, students can build either Paper or Straw Rockets: PAPER ROCKETS: require a large space (outdoors or indoors) for spectacular launches that are always a hit and have wide appeal to a range of grade levels. We start with our Force and Motion presentation with demonstrations to illustrate how and why rockets fly, and explain Newton’s Laws of Motion. All the children will then make their own paper rocket and shoot it up to 100 ft. high with our high powered air launchers! The rocket they make is their take-home souvenir from this fun and educational experience. STRAW ROCKETS:  The small-venue alternative to Paper Rockets, where students will be equally engaged in making smaller rockets from straws.

• Subjects: States of Matter, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Physics of Earth & Space, Engineering design process
• Grades Pre K – 9, with program elements tailored to grade level
• For groups of up to 30 students per session (can accommodate large groups)
• Single Session (90 min) allows students to build and test their rocket, and compare their results with their peers
• Extended Session (90+ min) allows students to build, test, record data, measure & change variables, and more
• Programs can be held at iSPACE or your location.

BLUE-BOT PROGRAMMING

Grades pre k - 1    .

Designed for the younger robotic enthusiast, Blue-bots will send students on an exciting journey exploring science. Stories, science experiences, and programming their Blue-bot add up to a ton of STEM fun!

• Subjects: Programming and coding, Directions (positional words: forward, back), Scientific Measurement & Observation
• Grades Pre K – 1, with program elements tailored to grade level
• For groups up to 20 students per session (larger class sizes may be split in half)
• Single Session (60-90 min)

CHEMISTRY CONCOCTIONS

Grades 4 - 6   .

Don your lab coats and safety goggles! It’s time to investigate the fun, freaky, reactions that occur when chemicals combine. Assumptions will be challenged with observations when experimenting with unknown materials. Along with cool chemistry, students will be introduced to changing states of matter while observing unique characteristics.

• Subjects: Material Properties, Matter, Scientific process, Mathematics practices
• Grades 4 - 6, with program elements tailored to grade level
• For groups up to 30 students per session 
• Single Session (90 min) recommended for students in Grades 4-5
• Extended Session (120 min) recommended for students in Grade 6

ENGINEERING DESIGN CHALLENGE

Grades 4 - 8    .

Channel your inner engineer as you inquire, design, build, and redesign to solve an array of problems and challenges! Students will become critical thinkers and problem-solvers in this program, which encourages innovation and creativity!

• Subjects: Engineering Process, Design Requirements & Constraints
• Grades 4 - 8, with program elements tailored to grade level
• For groups up to 30 students per session
• Single Session (90 - 120 min)

Grades 2 - 4   

Attention all STEM Enthusiasts (and curious minds). Have you ever wondered what its really like working the STEM field? Join our Mars crew in this NEW immersive experience that will have students become engineers and scientists, while they explore their way through various STEM challenges. Discover how teamwork and imagination are key requirements for pioneering the future on planet Mars. (Not available for outreach)

• Subjects: Problem-solving & reasoning, Hypothesizing & Scientific Method, Engineering design process, Properties on Earth & in Space, Space Travel, Simple Machines, Robotics.
• Grades 2 - 4, with program elements tailored to grade level
• Minimum 2 session requirement
• ONLY available at the iSPACE facility

iMISSION: SPACE BASE SIMULATION 

Grades 4 - 9   .

Be advised: this is not your ordinary field trip! Students are immersed into the various roles of living and working on a lunar research base and will be challenged to apply STEM skills in this fun and unique learning experience. Problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills become key elements as students work to keep their space base running. iMISSION programs are educational simulations used as dynamic models of workplace activity allowing students to face authentic conditions and problem-solve just as their professional counterparts must. Students apply for their position based on their interests and skills, and perform tasks simulating experiments related to their assigned job. Students will be immersed into the role of scientist/astronaut where they must rely on their fellow crew members to ensure the success of the mission. Depending on their position, students may be tasked with operating a robotic arm, conducting experiments in a glove box, facilitating mission timeline activities, recording and transferring data, navigating, and much more!

• Subjects: Problem-solving & reasoning, Hypothesizing & Scientific Method, Engineering design process, Rocks & Minerals, Properties on Earth & in Space
• Grades 4 - 9
• For groups up to 64 students per session 
• 3 hour program includes simulation and concluding debrief

Check out our  NEW iMISSION Video!

The art of lego engineering with (duplo) simple machines.

Let the creative juices flow! Students will combine engineering and art by constructing LEGO machines that they will use to craft their own work of art! Students get in gear and build machines using gears, pulleys, levers, wheels/axles and much more. They investigate the principles of simple machines, mechanisms and structures as they work in teams to build simple and compound machines using LEGO Educational kits. 

• Subjects: Engineering design, Observation of objects & materials
• For groups up to 20 students per session 
• Single Session (60 min)
• LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site.

LEGO Engineering:  Power

Grades 4 - 5    .

Power Up some fun as students use LEGO’s Motorized Mechanism kits to build and test vehicles that harness wind energy for power.

• Subjects: Power, Renewable Energy, Engineering design
• Grades 4 - 5
• For groups up to 30 students per session (larger class sizes may be split in half)
• Single Session (90 min)

LEGO MINDSTORMS: Robotics or Roboart

Grades 4 - 9  .

Robotics Theme: Will robots replace astronauts in space? What about jobs here on Earth? See what types of robots NASA is using in space exploration as well as robots that impact our everyday lives. Students program autonomous robots and teach them to make decisions using sensors in order to master a variety of robotic challenges. Art Theme: Can a robot create art? Robots are beginning to take their place in both visual and performing arts. Explore how they are making their artistic impressions and program a LEGO MINDSTORMS robots to create a patterned masterpiece!

• Subjects: Programming, Engineering design, Sensors
• Grades 4 - 9, with program elements tailored to grade level
• After School Series (multiple weeks, 60- 90 min each day) any combination of activities, completed in up to 4 weeks

LEGO WeDO 2.0 Robotics

Grades 2 - 5    .

Get ready to bring the world of LEGO to life! Students will learn about robotics and what it means to be engineers and programmers as they use team work to build and program LEGO models.  

• Subjects: Programming, robotics, sensors, schematics
• Grades 2 - 5, with program elements tailored to grade level
• Single Session (90 – 120 min)
• After School Series (multiple weeks, 90 min each day) a selection of WeDo 2.0 builds, completed over several weeks

LIVING AND WORKING IN SPACE: ASSEMBLY PRESENTATIONS

Grades pre k - 5   .

Climb aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and discover what it takes to be an astronaut! Students will explore the engineering ingenuity used to design the ISS and understand just what astronauts need to live and work in space. An iSPACE speaker will explain how our astronauts are transported to the science laboratory in the sky and carry out NASA’s missions, along with a video presentation created by Joe Tanner, an astronaut formerly on the ISS. Further demonstrations may be requested, including an Alka-Seltzer rocket and Bernoulli bags. We can also dress an attendee, teacher, or principal in our space suit costume to explain each function of a suit during a spacewalk!  Students enjoy seeing someone they know in the space suit and it makes for a great photo opportunity for school newsletters. Often paired with programs such as Space Stations, Blast Off Rocketry, Engineering Design Challenge, and more.

• Subjects: Engineering design, Properties on Earth and in Space, Rocketry and space travel, Motion of Fluids (Air)
• Grades Pre K – 5, with program elements tailored to grade level
• For one large group (limited by venue space)
• Recommended for assemblies, family nights, or large groups
• Programs are held at  your location.

Science Investigations (Fun with Fizz)

Grades pre k - 3    .

Young scientists will learn about the three states of matter and then experiment with reactions between acids and bases. 

• Subjects: States of Matter, Properties of Gases, Chemical Reactions, Density, Scientific Measurement
• Grades Pre K – 3, with program elements tailored to grade level
• Single Session (60-90 min) recommended for students in Grades PreK-1
• Extended Session (90 min) recommended for students in Grades 2 - 3.

PROGRAMMING INGENUITY with SCRATCH 

Grades 5 - 8    .

Students will learn about NASA's current Mars exploration programs and practice their coding skills as they animate the first flights of the Mars helicopter Ingenuity using the Scratch Programming language. Students will adapt their initial animations to simulate potential future capabilities of the helicopter such as sample collection and real-time control. Their Scratch scripts can be "gamified" by adding counters, timers and random number generators, if time permits.

• Subjects: Programming, Computer Skills
•  Grades 5 – 8
• After School Series

SHEEP IN A JEEP

• Grades 1 - 3

This program uses the silly rhyming story Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw to teach students about forces and motion. Students will build a LEGO car and test its ability to “go the distance” on our specially designed ramps – testing the effects of weight, tire size, and surface material as they rotate through stations.

• Subjects: Force & Motion, Scientific Method, Measurement

SIMPLE MACHINES

Grades 2 - 3    .

Students will use their engineering skills as they build with the LEGO Simple Machine kits. Young LEGO maniacs will use gears, levers, pulleys and wheels/axles to build and design models such as a carnival ride, go-cart, catapult and more. As they test their models, students will have fun with the challenges and learn basic engineering design principles!

• Grades 2-3, with program elements tailored to grade level

SOUNDS LIKE FUN TO ME

Grades pre k - 5    .

Get ready to enjoy some “good vibrations” when experimenting with the science of sound. Use your senses to explore vibrations that allow us to hear, feel, and even see the effects of sound. Students will develop some “sound” science principles using hands-on activities to learn about waves, frequency, volume, or pitch. A variety of “make and take” items complement this program.

• Subjects: Sound, Properties of Materials, Matter, Forms of Energy
• Extended Session (90 min) recommended for students in Grades 2-5
• Single Session (60 min) recommended for students in Grades Pre K-1

SPACE STATIONS

Climb aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and discover what it takes to be an astronaut! Students will explore the engineering ingenuity used to design the ISS and understand just what astronauts need to live and work in space. In our Space Stations activity, students participate in a number of hands-on activities to explore different aspects of living and working in space.  Smaller groups engage in the stations together, while larger groups will be split to rotate through stations. Stations explore a range of space-related topics, such as food in space, the design of the ISS Canada Arm, how space suits work, and more.  iSPACE staff will help you select stations based on age and location size. This program can be paired with the Living and Working in Space Assembly Presentation.

• Station activities (between 60 and 90 minutes))

STORYBOOK SCIENCE

Engage even the youngest scientists through experiments and hands-on activities, while exploring the science in children’s literature by beloved author Eric Carle. Topic & Book choices include: >Sound: The Very Quiet Cricket > Light: The Mixed-Up Chameleon > Insects: The Very Lonely Firefly

• Extended Session (up to 2 hours) allows students to cover multiple subject areas
• After School Series (multiple weeks, 60 min each day) any combination of books, completed over several weeks

THERE’S MORE TO LIGHT THAN MEETS THE EYE

Grades pre k - 6    .

Join in the fun as we shed some “light” on the science of light! Students’ learning will be illuminated as they discover the critical role light plays in the exploration of our universe. Students will investigate properties of light and participate in engaging activities where they can “see and hear” evidence of light beyond the visible spectrum.

• Subjects: Light and its relation to Elements, Sun and Weather, Energy, Cycles and Patterns in the Solar System, Forms of Energy
• Grades Pre K – 6, with program elements tailored to grade level
• Single Session (60 min) recommended for students in Grades Pre K - 3
• Extended Session (90 min) recommended for students in Grades 4 - 6

Summer Camp Registration is Now Open!

Fun, Safe & Scientific! | (614) 977-1207

Welcome to Club SciKidz Columbus! The Top Choice for STEM Summer Camps in Columbus, Ohio

Check Out Our Exciting New Camps For This Summer!

Fun! Lots of fun and kind, caring staff! My son came home happy and well entertained.

I really loved getting to know the teachers and the director. Everyone was incredibly thoughtful and caring.

My daughter learned so much and had a blast.

The teenagers/young adults that facilitated the activities were GREAT!

My boys loved Club SciKidz! They loved the variety of activities, the fun experiments, and the interaction with the other kids and counselors.

It was their favorite camp of the summer.

Safe environment, fun activities, great hours

My daughter said she had a lot of fun

I was really impressed on our first time with you all.

Lots of unique activities, organized and well run.

This was our first experience and thought everything was great!

Our kids went to five different camps last summer and this was our favorite.

Club SciKidz Columbus Summer Camps Locations

• 2291 Clark-Shaw Rd, Powell, OH 43065
• St Patrick's Episcopal Church

Explore Our STEM Summer Camps Program for Kids

We believe in the power of education to shape the future, and our mission is to inspire and educate the next generation of innovators. At Club SciKidz Columbus, we're dedicated to fostering a love for learning in your child. Our STEM summer camps in Columbus, Ohio, are designed to ignite your child's passion for learning. We offer a world of educational opportunities that captivate the imagination and expand knowledge. Our programs cover a wide range of fascinating subjects, including veterinary medicine, robotics, forensics, video game creation, paleontology, engineering, chemistry, emergency medicine, and special effects. With a diverse curriculum designed to ignite curiosity, we aim to provide a nurturing space where children can explore their interests and gain invaluable skills. Our summer camps in Columbus, Ohio are a perfect blend of fun and learning.

Featured STEM Camps

Mini medical school, register now, 2024 summer, junior robot engineer, nintendo labo, american doll adventures (1-3), marvel movie maker, pokémon professors, beginning minecraft, great masters, why choose club scikidz columbus for academic summer camps.

Our commitment to delivering top-notch science and technology education sets us apart from the rest. We are recognized as one of the top Columbus summer camps and offer programs that prioritize both safety & creativity. As parents, you want the best for your child, and we're here to provide that. We take this responsibility seriously and believe in providing compelling reasons why you should choose us for your child's enriching science & technology summer camp in Columbus, Ohio:

• Expertly Crafted Curriculum: Our programs are meticulously designed by a team of expert educators who understand the importance of hands-on learning. We prioritize the latest research and educational best practices to create a curriculum that not only educates but also inspires.
• Safety is Paramount: We take the safety of your child as our top priority. Our facilities, materials, and activities are all closely monitored and designed to provide a secure environment for every participant. You can trust us to provide a safe and nurturing space for your child's exploration.
• Creativity and Critical Thinking: We believe in nurturing not just knowledge but also creativity and critical thinking. Our programs encourage students to think outside the box, solve real-world problems, and develop skills that will serve them well in any academic or professional setting.
• Inspirational Instructors: Our dedicated team of instructors are not just educators; they are passionate about science and technology. They are committed to making learning fun, engaging, and memorable for your child. They serve as mentors, encouraging curiosity and a love for knowledge.
• Comprehensive Learning: We offer a wide range of programs to cater to various interests within the field of science and technology. Whether your child dreams of becoming a future biologist, engineer, or astronomer, we have a program that can spark their passion.
• Proven Success: Club SciKidz Columbus has a track record of success. Many of our past participants have gone on to excel in STEM fields and credit their early experiences with us as a crucial factor in their success.
• Lifelong Learning: Our programs are not just about the summer; they instill a lifelong love for learning. We aim to create a foundation of knowledge and curiosity that will stay with your child well beyond their time with us.”

JOIN OUR TEAM! A GREAT SUMMER EXPERIENCE BEGINS HERE!

Apply Today and Secure Summer Employment

Club SciKidz Columbus School Programs

After School Enrichment

*This programming is not available at all locations. Please contact Club SciKidz for after-school enrichment locations.

In-School Field Trips

Science Assemblies

Columbus Field Trip Ideas for Remote Learning

The start of the school year in 2020 is unlike anything we've ever seen before. Most kids are getting up and dressed for first day of school photos by their front door, then heading back inside the house to take on a new year remotely, from the comfort of their own homes. While it may feel like the whole family is stuck inside for the foreseeable future, we're lucky to live in Columbus, named the most intelligent city on earth in 2015.

This intelligence manifests itself in many ways, including starts-ups, testing of technological advances, major research and development breakthroughs and more. Most importantly for families, there are a significant amount of attractions and places to take field trips to help enhance their children's remote learning and spend some time out of the house. We've rounded up a number of options for consideration below, including some lesser-known hidden gems in our community.

Pick a subject and get started!

Science and Nature | History | Creative Arts | Physical Education | Recess

Please be sure to check all websites before arriving as ticketing and entry procedures are regularly in flux. We will continue to add more attractions as opening dates are announced, so be sure to check back.

Science and Nature

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Home to more than 9,000 animals representing 650 species from around the globe.

Franklin Park Conservatory

Become one with nature with world-class horticulture, exhibitions and educational programs for all ages.

Have an unforgettable safari experience in the heart of Ohio where conservation comes to life.

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

Learn about the natural world, including birds, wildlife and native plants at Columbus' urban nature center.

Dawes Arboretum

Soak up the sights and sounds of nature among acres of trees, gardens and natural areas.

Chadwick Arboretum

62 acres of greenery on Ohio State's main campus is open daily with no charge.

Ohio Herb Center

Get hands-on and learn how to incorporate herbs into gardening, cooking, aromatics, health and wellness.

Ohio School of Falconry

Makes falconry accessible to all with a variety of hands-on programming in historic Camp Mary Orton.

Waterman Dairy Farm

Learn the function of a dairy farm including how calves are raised, how cows are milked and more.

National Veterans Memorial and...

The country's only facility that honors all veterans, from all branches of service and eras of conflict.

Ohio Statehouse

Learn about state government in one of the oldest working statehouses in the country.

Motts Military Museum

Understand the importance of America’s military past through carefully preserved tangible items.

Kelton House Museum & Garden

Learn about the Underground Railroad in Columbus as well as 19th-century life customs, and decorative arts.

German Village Tours

Trace the footsteps of proud German immigrants who built our city's most charming neighborhood 175 years ago.

Central Ohio Fire Museum

Authentically restored 1908 engine house featuring fire-fighting equipment through the ages.

Jack Nicklaus Museum

An educational facility dedicated to the life of Columbus' Jack Nicklaus, offering more than 2,000 artifacts.

Early Television Museum

Check out the largest collection of televisions in the United States, dating back to 1920.

Supreme Court of Ohio

Learn the inner workings of the Ohio Supreme Court and the Ohio judicial system.

Creative Arts

Columbus Museum of Art

Manifest your creativity among outstanding late 19th- and early 20th-century American and European art.

Topiary Park

Draw inspiration from a topiary recreation of "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte."

Short North Arts District Art Trail

Take a self-guided tour of one of Columbus' most distinguished art neighborhoods - the Short North.

Pizzuti Collection

Explore contemporary art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures & films.

Wexner Center for the Arts

A lab and public gallery featuring multidisciplinary, contemporary works from around the world.

Columbus Children's Theatre

Training for children and teens in acting, singing, dancing and all elements of theater production.

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library

Discover the world's largest collection of materials related to cartoons and comics.

Ohio Craft Museum

Discover the art of fine crafts through high quality exhibitions and educational programming.

Get hands-on with canvas painting, candle making, DIY crafts and more creative activities.

Physical Education

Vertical Adventures

Indoor facility offering 16,000 sq. ft. of rock-climbing terrain for all skill levels, plus classes.

Take a zip line tour, traverse a tree top obstacle course or explore a ground level kids park.

Practice your swing and hone your technique at this unique covered range.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

The ultimate indoor LEGO playground with rides, build-and-play zones, a 4D cinema and more!

Outdoor Activities

From Metro Parks, waterways, trails and more, Columbus is full of outdoor adventure activities.

Grand Prix Karting

Year-round go-karting plus tactical laser tag and next gen escape rooms.

Lazer Kraze

Combines the exhilarating competition of laser tag with the physical fun of a trampoline park.

Rockin' Jump

Soar in open jump arenas, dive into pools of soft foam cubes, play trampoline dodgeball, do flips and more.

Indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs and more.

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Insights on What to See and Do in Columbus, Plus a Seasonal Calendar of Events

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Columbus, Ohio

Challenge Island

Award-Winning Onsite Field Trips

Send your k-12 students on an action-packed, standard-aligned, steam-based island adventure without ever leaving school grounds, choose from 100’s of field trips including these spotlighted “destinations”, our range of field trip options is vast and comprehensive. our field trip specialist will help design a perfect challenge island experience for your school’s unique curricular goals and personality..

Monster Truck Arena

Rev up your students’ engineering engines for an unforgettable ride through forces and motion, speed and energy, and marvelous monster truck design.

Ring of Fire Restaurant

Shake, rattle and sushi roll into steam learning in this one of a kind earthquake adventure set along the pacific ring of fire. steam teams are challenged to open their own japanese restaurants and design furniture that can withstand a major shake up.

Courageous Cave Rescue

This action-packed challenge is based on the real life cave rescue of a thai boys soccer team that became trapped inside a cave by a monsoon. steam teams recreate the famous rescue of the wild boars soccer team learning about extreme weather, caves and rocks, buoyancy and viscosity, world cultures and geography, and of course all design and engineering during this unbelievable and inspiring steam adventure..

STEAM Tank Entrepreneur

A perfect swirling of engineering and entrepreneurship, this popular field trip has steam teams innovating, strategizing and designing as they open their own businesses. choose which kind of business your students will create (options include a pizza parlor, a candy store, a pet salon and a haunted house) and your students will take it from there. can they convince the island sharks to let them open their business at challenge island mall don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind entrepreneurial experience.

Emperor Penguin Pop

During this colossally cool field trip, students take an imaginary trip to antarctic where they learn about the marvelous emperor penguin and the incredible adaptations that allow the adorable species to survive living in extreme cold and surrounded by hungry predators. students then engineer a popping penguin game that incorporates all that they’ve learned during this icy steam adventure..

Mount Vesuvius Eruption

During this red-hot field trip that combines engineering with states of matter, your students will time travel back to pompeii, italy in 79 ad where they will “experience” the historical eruption of mount vesuvius. they will collaborate, communicate, problem solve and create with their steam teams as they design volcano-safe houses for the residents of pompeii. can your class keep the people of pompeii lava-free when vesuvius blows its top.

Bigfoot Treetop Trek

Steam teams delve into the intriguing north american myth of bigfoot and use engineering and measuring skills to get their steam team safely through the forest. they use evidence-based judgement and critical thinking skills to assess whether bigfoot is real or not real as they roll full speed ahead into the unknown.

Simple Machine Treehouse

During this groovy simple machines-focused field trip, students time travel back to the 1970’s – a simpler time filled with pet rocks and treehouses. these concepts swirl together into an unforgettable adventure where designing pet rock treehouses is powered by all six types of simple machines..

Mechanical Engineer Orange Grove

During this juicy field trip, students learn about the farm to table process and what happens in an orange packing factory. your steam teams will take on the role of mechanical engineers as they design and build a complex orange sorting machine using various simple machines and their infinite creativity. this field trip culminates with a refreshing treat celebrating the fruits of their efforts.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

This adventurous field trip combines engineering, geography, climate zones, biomes and animal habitats as students embark on an extreme expedition to the the “roof of africa.” can they keep their steam team safe as they descend down the mountain through five different animal-filled biomes including arctic ice, alpine desert, moorlands, rainforest and finally, civilization.

Super STEAMio Jump

During this bouncing physics-focused field trip, students jump into potential and kinetic energy and elasticity their steam team’s challenge to create a super steamio game course through hot lava that will send a marble plumber bouncing his way through hot lava and evil turtles toward rescuing challenge island’s pineapple princess. this popular field trip choice is so much fun that students don’t even notice how much they are learning..

Hydra Head Launch

Hercules needs your students’ help to defeat the horrific greek mythological monster hydra steam teams must follow the challenge island steambuilding steps to design a hydra head launching machine that uses hydra’s poisonous breath (also known as air power) to rocket her snaky heads as far away as possible. the only problem is that every time one hydra head is launched, 2 grow back in its place.

Dracula's Blood Drive

A monstrous mashup of history, biology, circulatory systems and slime, this popular field trip introduces students to the legend of dracula while teaching them about red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. students will learn about blood types and the role of each part of blood in keeping people healthy and create challenge island’s trademark “blood” slime .

Jukebox Spin

Get ready to rock around the clock with us on the 50th day or any day this fifties-themed steam adventure revolves around forces and motion, potential and kinetic energy, and a good old fashioned sock hop.

Challenge Island Book Series Field Trips

During our signature book series adventures, steam teams work together to build a bridge over shark-infested waters or race across the amazon rainforest, just like the characters do in our bestselling challenge island books.

STEAMwarts Academy

During this spellbinding adventure at steamwarts academy, our steam teams explore states of matter, chemical and physical change and other marvelous sciency magic.

Wonderful Galaxy

This one-of-a-kind field trip integrates themes of kindness, empathy and compassion with space science and rocket-building. our proprietary steambuilding experience is at the heart of this very special challenge island adventure..

We Offer Year Round Onsite Field Trip Adventures

Challenge Island Offers 100’s of Standard-Aligned Field Trip Options Including These STEAMtastic Monthly Adventures!

Learn About Title 1, Title 4 and ESSER 2 Field Trip Funding

STEAM + Reading = STREAM!

Combine the magic of challenge island programs with the magic of reading with our bestselling book series.

Our STREAMy Onsite, Standard-Aligned Book Series Field Trips bring the story to life in your classroom!

Our Book Series Add-On Packages are a STREAMy Addition to Any Challenge Island Field Trip!

Add on to our signature bridge to sharktooth island adventure or to any of our 100’s of field trip themes., treasure chest package.

This gem of a schoolwide STEAM adventure is our most exquisite option: A 1.5-hour field trip, individual books for every child, book companion guides for every teacher and a schoolwide virtual author visit!

Palm Tree Package

This breezy schoolwide or grade level STEAM adventure includes a 1.5-hour field trip, a book and book companion guide for each participating classroom + a book purchase option for individual students!

Pineapple Package

This sweet STEAM adventure includes a 1.5-hour field trip, a book for the school library, teacher companion guides for participating classrooms + a book purchase option for individual students.

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School Field Trips

Located on the west bank of the Scioto River at Griggs Reservoir, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department offers environmental education and outdoor skills programs at the McKnight Outdoor Education Center. Nature trails, caves, creeks, and the Scioto River form the backdrop for your students to explore and discover the many wonders of nature.

Information

Check out our list of programs below for descriptions and Ohio Science Standards that are covered.

When you schedule a program, let us know what you are hoping to learn in the program and what you are studying in the classroom so that we can be sure to fit your needs.

Don’t see what you’re looking for?  We offer additional programs and can customize programs to fit the needs of your group.  Please call to discuss with our staff. 

Book for Fall 2024 today!

• Programs are offered for kindergarten to eighth-grade students from Sept. 15 through May 15.
• Programs must be booked a minimum of two weeks in advance.
• Reservations can be made up to 12 months prior to your event.
• Full payment is due within two weeks from booking. A signed contract is due before the time of attendance.
• Complete the field trip request form to schedule your visit.

All pricing is per one-hour class.

At McKnight Outdoor Education Center

At Your School

Program Descriptions

Explore the characteristics that make birds unique and how they differ from each other. Students will go on a hike to look for birds and bird nests, gather nest-building materials, and construct a bird’s nest of their own.

(Weather Permitting)

Beavers are truly the most amazing architects around! Students will discover the remarkable adaptations of this busy rodent then go out to the stream and attempt to create a dam just like a beaver. Students will get wet during this program!

What is a fossil? How was it made? Students will make their own “fossil” and then search outside and in the stream bed to find ancient fossils.

Getting Ready for Winter

(Winter Only)

How do animals survive the long cold winters in Ohio? Students will discover what animals do to get ready for winter and how they spend the winter months. Find out which animals migrate and which animals truly hibernate! 

Many mammals call Ohio their home. There are many ways mammals adapt to survive in their environment, come investigate what makes mammals unique. Students will learn about the fur, skulls, and tracks and then head out on a hike to search for mammals. 

Pollinators

Join us as we learn about pollination and the importance of our native pollinators. Discover how pollinators can be beneficial to humans and in nature! Students will go outside to explore our pollinator gardens.

Come meet our resident reptile ambassadors and discover what characteristics make reptiles unique and different. Students will go outside to learn firsthand what it takes to be an ectotherm!

Stream Study

Grab your nets and buckets and prepare to get your feet wet as we discover what lives in a water habitat. What can these critters tell us about the water? Believe it or not, they can tell us if it’s healthy! Students will get wet during this program!

Trees are so important to wildlife and humans! Join us to discover what makes a tree, tree and then head outside to investigate trees up close and personal. This will include hand-on-activities dependent on the season. 

Wildlife Tracking

If there are animals in the forest why don’t we always see them? Students will learn about the signs animals leave behind and how to use their observational skills during a hike to discover what animals live in our forest.

Fun and Educational Field Trip Ideas for Students in Central Ohio

By: Author Julie Miller

Posted on Published: August 31, 2020

Round out your child’s homeschool or virtual school education with these fun and educational  field trip ideas around Central Ohio!

No doubt school looks different for many of us this year! Many Central Ohio school districts are starting out the year virtually or in a hybrid model. Many families have chosen to homeschool for the first time or to enroll in a fully digital academy! Our family has enrolled in a digital academy for the first semester and while it’s not what I anticipated for this year, I’m hoping to make the most of it by supplementing our screen time with some fun activities and local field trips!

I’ve put together this list of field trip ideas for the upcoming school year! Please make sure to check with each location before visiting as their guidelines and activities will most likely vary throughout the year.

Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers and Virtual Schoolers in Columbus

These Central Ohio locations would make perfect field trips for kids who are homeschooling, doing virtual school or a hybrid model during the 2020/21 school year!

Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm

Slate Run Metro Park in Canal Winchester, Ohio offers visitors the opportunity to step back into the 1880's on a working farm! This Columbus and Franklin County Metro Park also features a unique playground, fishing and a wetlands wildlife refuge!

Olentangy Indian Caverns

Olentangy Indian Caverns provides a fun day out for families! With cave tours, mini golf, a petting zoo, gem mining, a large maze and more, kids will have fun and learn something, too!

The caverns are naturally made tunnels and caves that were, at one time, used by Native Americans for hiding, meetings, shelter, etc. In 2020, you can do a self-guided tour of the caverns!

Ohio Bird Sanctuary

See bald eagles, feed the birds and take a hike at this awesome bird sanctuary in Mansfield, Ohio! This place is a hidden gem that provides education and a unique experience for kids!

The Ohio Bird Sanctuary includes live bird displays, a song bird aviary, a Naturescape playground, and hiking trails!

Everything about the visit is self paced. There are picnic tables outside if you want to pack a lunch. You can extend your visit by taking longer hikes or spending more time on the playground.

Franklin Park Conservatory's Children's Garden

Franklin Park Conservatory would make a great field trip this year! When you visit, make sure to visit the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden!

The Children’s Garden is practically a full-fledged attraction in itself, but it comes at no additional cost to visitors of the Franklin Park Conservatory!

Access to the Children’s Garden is included with admission or membership and can only be entered through the Conservatory. On Community Days, the first Sunday of each month, residents of Franklin County and the City of Columbus can enter the Conservatory for free with your valid ID from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM! (Get your timed ticket in advance this year!)

Take an Open-Air Safari tour through the almost 10,000 acre park where animals are free to come up close to your safari (but no touching)! The tours are 2 – 2.5 hours long and take place in an open air bus.

There are two stops on the tour where you can get out of the vehicle. At the first stop, you can take a short hike down to the lake to feed catfish and to feed birds in an enclosed aviary.

The second stop on the tour is the Carnivore Center where you can see wild African dogs, cheetahs and more!

The tour guides are very knowledgeable and share a wealth of information about how The Wilds came to be, how animals have been saved through their conservation efforts and even little tid bits of information about the individual animals you may come across on your journey!

Continue reading for more of what to expect at The Wilds and more fun things to do with kids in Guernsey County!

Ohio Caverns

Ohio Caverns is about 40 minutes north of Springfield and 1 hour from Columbus. Ohio.

Ohio Caverns is the largest of all the caves in Ohio. There are several tour options available to see the caverns. My family took the Natural Wonder Tour which took about an hour. Afterwards we did gem mining! The caverns are so fascinating!

Continue reading for more about Ohio Caverns and more kid-friendly things to do in nearby Springfield, Ohio!

Apple Picking

Apple picking is the quintessential fall field trip!

Check out this list of 5 Farms Where You Can Pick Your Own Apples Near Columbus, Ohio!

Visit a Pumpkin Farm

September and October is Fall Festival Season! 2020 will most likely include changes at the pumpkin farms and fall festivals on this list, but many plan to be open in some form or fashion!

Pick your own pumpkin, take a hayride or visit a local farm stand for this fun learning opportunity!

Stratford Ecological Center

This year, Stratford Ecological Center is offering Self-Guided Learning Pod Experiences for groups of 10 or less. You can explore the land, hike the trails, visit the livestock, tour the gardens and more with your group!

You must register in advance and the sessions are $100 and last for 3 hours.

Ohio Wildlife Center

Ohio Wildlife Center is home to animals who have become injured and are not able to be released into the wild. While regular visitation hours are not available to the general public at this time, small private tours for up to 15 guests can be scheduled.

Keep an eye on their website for virtual education programming that is in the works!

Click on the link to read about our visit a couple of years ago to get an idea of what there is to see and learn!

Ohio History Center

In 2020, Ohio History Center is offering Family Field Trip Days! Advanced, timed tickets are required. There will be 2 field trip dates each month and each month will have a different theme. Admission is $5 for children and $7 for adults. Kids 3 and under and members are free!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Of course the Zoo is a great field trip idea! There are lots of learning opportunities at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Adventure Cove is now open featuring 10 California sea lions and 4 harbor seals!  

The Zoo is currently open from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM during the weekdays and open until 7:00 PM on weekends. You must have a timed ticket to visit. Members can visit any day after 2:00 PM without a reservation. 

Continue reading for more about the Zoo and the Top 10 Things to do with Kids in Columbus, Ohio!

Logan County History Center

Housed in an impressive mansion, the Logan County History Center is filled with a surprising amount of displays and things to see!

The museum is filled with rooms that rotate displays. Some of the displays we enjoyed were communication devices through the years, the civil war and old toys!

The Logan County Transportation Museum was added in 2014 and includes examples of transportation throughout history from Conestoga to railroads to planes. My kids enjoyed seeing the many vehicles on display! This is a definite stop for kids who love vehicles!

Go Bird Watching at Blendon Woods Metro Park

Blendon Woods Metro Park in Westerville, Ohio has a fun Nature Center, trails for hiking, a Natural Play Area and great birdwatching opportunities!

Take a hike to two bird blinds. Inside each of the two shelters, there are viewing windows, a telescope and some open-air slots for viewing wildlife and birds.

Click the link to read all about birdwatching plus the other fun things to do at Blendon Woods. (The Nature Center is still closed at this time.)

Look for Wildlife at Scioto Audubon

Take a walk on the boardwalk or view the river from a scenic over look! We've seen frogs, herons, turtles and geese!

The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is currently open with limited capacity. Beginning September 15 activities will begin to be offered.

Click the link for more things to do at Scioto Audubon! While activities are currently limited, outdoor activities are definitely available like rock climbing, hiking and bird watching!

Visit the Bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park is home to a herd of bison!

There are a couple of different pasture areas - a winter pasture and a summer pasture. There is a bison observation area about a 1/2 mile walk from the Nature Center. You can park at the Nature Center and walk south to find them!

Click the link to read more about the bison and 4 other cool things to do outdoors at the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks!

Visit the Whetstone Prairie

The prairie area at Whetstone Park in Clintonville is a peaceful place to walk, look for butterflies and other wildlife! I did not expect to come upon a deer in the middle of Whetstone Park!

There are large clear paths for walking and enjoying solace in the middle of the city! You can learn about the prairie and and there is an educational sign where you can learn about the pollinators who live in the prairie!

Click the link for more info about the Whetstone Prairie plus 4 other ideas for outdoor activities for kids!

Make sure to check out Amazing Online Learning Opportunities for Kids When School is Closed  and How to Access Books, Magazines, Movies and More for Free Online with Your Central Ohio Library Card  for more educational activities for school at home!

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10 Family Friendly Things to do at Olentangy Caverns

Wednesday 12th of July 2023

[…] Related: Fun and Educational Field Trip Ideas for Students in Central Ohio […]

Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland plan $16-million facility to attract women to STEM careers

Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland announced plans Tuesday for a $16-million facility geared toward attracting more women to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. 

The STEM Leadership Center & Maker Space will be at Camp Ken-Jockety in Galloway and is part of Girl Scouts of the USA's goal of putting 2.5 million girls in the STEM pipeline by 2025.

More: High school girls grow interest in STEM careers through clubs, classes and robotics

“These programs will have a tremendous impact on the growth of the central Ohio workforce for generations and this campus is going to be the epicenter of the community jewel for STEM learning and activity,” Tammy Wharton, president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council said during a news conference.

About $9.45 million of the $16 million needed for the project has been raised so far.

The proposed facility would have science and technology labs, and a space to learn in-demand trade skills like welding, mechanics, and carpentry. There also would be a new greenhouse for gardening programs and a commercial kitchen for farm-to-table programming.

In addition, existing buildings and outdoor learning spaces at the Girl Scout campus would be renovated. 

Renovations are expected to start by the end of the year and groundbreaking for the new STEM Leadership Center will begin in spring 2023, with a projected opening date of fall 2024.

The STEM facility won’t be limited to just the Girl Scouts. Central Ohio school districts will be able to use the facility for field trips.

Local investment in STEM

This announcement comes at a time when Ohio is being hailed by some as the “Silicon Valley of the Midwest” with Intel announcing in January it will create 3,000 jobs and invest $20 billion to build two plants in Licking County that will make semiconductors .

“This is about the future, and with Intel here, with Battelle, we are going to be the technology hub of the country," said Yvette McGee Brown, a former Girl Scout and now a lawyer at Jones Day. "We are going to have our girls having high-paying jobs, leading teams, and setting the path for the world."

More: What we know about Intel factory coming to Columbus area

Many Greater Columbus businesses are collaborating with the Girls Scouts to create the STEM facility. 

Battelle has invested $3 million, AEP has invested $2 million and Nationwide Foundation has invested $1.5 million. Other local corporations that have invested include Bath and Body Works, Cardinal Health and M/I Homes Foundation.

Male-dominated field

STEM has traditionally been a male-dominated field.

Women make up 34% of the STEM workforce, according to National Girls Collaborative Project. And the numbers are even lower when it comes to certain fields in STEM. Women make up 26% of computer and math sciences and 16% of engineering.

“There is a serious need for robust STEM programing to help girls learn about the jobs of the future and spark their interest and curiosity,” Wharton said. “Gender diversity is vital to having a sustainable and strong STEM in-demand workforce.”

More: Intel's Ohio project is happening, company says, as state officials finalize negotiations

There has been a slight uptick of women pursuing degrees in STEM fields at Ohio State University, but men remain the overwhelming majority. 

There were about 2,130 female students representing 24% of the total enrollment, in Ohio State's College of Engineering at the undergraduate level last fall, up from 23.5% or 2,062 from fall 2016 semester. 

The number of female students at the undergraduate level majoring in computer science and engineering jumped from 180 (13.5%) in 2016 to 328 (16%) last fall semester.

Physic majors, however, only saw a minor increase to 41 total female students (17%) last fall from 39 (14%) in 2017. 

School districts seeing STEM increase

Greater Columbus school districts are finding more and more females interested in STEM careers.

Bexley started a Women in STEM club this past fall. Dublin has an engineering academy. Grandview Heights High School has a robotics team that caters to students who are interested in STEM. STEM has traditionally been a male-dominated field.

Akiilah Whitfield, a freshman at Columbus Alternative High School, is excited about the new campus and the opportunities it will provide to get more females exposed to STEM. 

“I’m looking forward to new experiences and helping other kids find their passion in STEM,” the 14-year-old said Tuesday morning at the news conference.

Filling a need

A lack of representation of women in STEM careers is a big barrier to young women seeing themselves as scientists, engineers or computer scientists. 

It’s important to get more diversity in STEM and eliminate barriers that prevent people from pursuing STEM careers, said Lou Von Thaer, president and CEO of Battelle.

More: Greater Columbus nearly landed $4.2 billion Foxconn project, former executive says

“I just can’t wait to see what this beautiful facility is going to do and attract, excite and build that curiosity in our future generation and after they have that curiosity, give them the tools to do something with it over time,” Thaer said.

Lori Gillett, CEO of Corna Kokosing Construction Company, hopes the facility will help young girls feel more confident with STEM by connecting them to role models.

“We will be able to provide robust, unique training and focus on in-demand stem-related jobs and engage girls in stem and leadership learning in the stem environment," she said.

River Explorer is an innovative, inquiry-based, outdoor learning lab that provides experiential, environmental-focused STEM education about the Ohio River and its watershed, in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Thousands of students participate each year.

River Explorer is offered in Greater Cincinnati to grades four through 12 and meets state curriculum requirements for Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

Using nets, live specimens and field-grade equipment, students are junior scientists for the day during this exciting learning experience. This hands-on education program is designed to help children learn about the ecology and importance of the Ohio River, its tributaries and its watershed. Classes are taught in and along the rivers, streams and creeks in the watershed in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.  Every year, thousands of students are River Explorers!

Learning station activities connect the concept of watersheds to school STEM core content, teach students about Ohio River watershed ecology, and involve students in water quality and ecology projects to foster development of environmental stewardship ethics. Students learn about the differences, structures, and interactions between and in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and how they function in a watershed. The experience is guaranteed to make students look at the world in a new light!

Activities incorporate discussions of the relationship between food web, habitat and chemistry concepts.  Classes rotate through three learning stations:

Seining and Fish Study  (all grades) – Working in small teams, students help pull the seine net out of the river and retrieve whatever they’ve caught. Depending upon the students’ height and site location, they may get wet up to their knees or waist. Students examine fish adaptations using aquariums stocked with “the catch of the day” collected by the children during the seining activity.

Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Study (all grades) – Students collect macroinvertebrates, which they then identify to determine the number of species present in the habitat. That information will help them make assessments about the health of the river or stream they’re exploring.

The third station varies depending on the students’ grade level.

River Chemistry ( grades 6-12 ): Students test samples of river water for oxygen, temperature and other characteristics. In doing so, they learn why these parameters are so important to river health and species longevity and vitality.

Water Use and Water Cycle ( grades 4-5 ): Through interactive demonstrations and group activities (such as a “bucket brigade”), students learn the Ohio River hydrologic cycle and the impact human activities have on the health of the river.

To help students more fully understand the relationships between chemistry, macroinvertebrate and fish samplings and their related findings, we use habitat assessment tools for student in grades six-12.

Greater Cincinnati

• (Loveland, OH) Nisbet Park – Little Miami River
• (Loveland, OH) Lake Isabella Park – Little Miami River
• (Batavia, OH) Sycamore Park – Little Miami River
• (Sharonville, OH) Sharon Woods Park – Sharon Creek (60 student max limit)
• (Guilford, IN) Guilford Bridge Park -Tanners Creek .
• (Covington, KY) Pioneer Park – Banklick Creek

( We are constantly considering new locations that are proximate to schools that register for a field trip. If you would like a field trip and can suggest a new location for consideration please let us know! )

$6 per student. Minimum fee is $200.

A limited number of reduced-fee trips are offered to qualified schools. Please contact us for more information. Bussing is not included nor reimbursed.

Sign up for a Trip:

To schedule a field trip, please complete the online application . Instructions for completing the application, including group sizes, minimum age and pricing information, are available on this website. Submit Application here . Trip dates are limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Don’t delay … reserve your date today!

Let’s talk and find out how we can help you! Please contact us or call 513-460-3365 .

Other Education Programs

Summer Student Course

Summer program.

Mussels in the Classroom

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Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

2024 Summer Camps in Columbus, Ohio

It may seem too early to think about Summer Camps for your kids, but registration for Summer camps in Columbus begins in late January – early March for most programs.

There are many summer camps in Columbus that cater to a variety of interests, including athletics, STEM, day camp, outdoor exploration, nature and animals, and so much more.

deposit photos

Summer camps can help working parents fill in childcare needs while school is out, or to prevent boredom throughout the summer. Camps provide engaging and enriching activities to keep children active and entertained. Summer camps offer the perfect solution, providing a blend of fun, education, and social interaction.

Summer camps, especially the more popular and more affordable options, book up extremely fast, so be sure to register as soon as they open. It helps to have a back up plan in case you don’t get in your first choice as well. 

Many camps have scholarship or financial assistance available, so be sure to check if camp is out of your price range. 

Traditional Day Camps

Parks and organizations around the city host a camps throughout the summer with a variety of activities to choose from that fit your kids’ interests. 

Columbus Parks and Rec Summer Camps

Columbus Community centers offer themed, week-long camps for youth ages 6-12. This is some of the more affordable options for all-day summer camps. Campers experience many activities including, but not limited to, arts, crafts, sports, games, science experiments and nature exploration. 

Registration begins in mid-February. Full-day weekly sessions begin at $80.

columbusrecparks.com/community/summer-camps/

YMCA of Central Ohio

Summer Day Camps ensure that school-age children have a great summer full of experiences that are centered around relationship building, creating belonging, having success with achieving new things, stemming any summer learning loss and spending quality time outdoors and getting to know the environment around us.

Offering traditional day camps as well as specialty camps based around themes.

Over 15 locations around the city. Online Registration for YMCA of Central Ohio Day Camps opens February 1 at 7 a.m. In Person registration at your location of choice will open March 1. Full-day weekly sessions start at $230; scholarships and financial assistance is available. 

ymcacolumbus.org/school-age/daycamp

Buckeye Valley Family YMCA

Summer Day Camps in Newark, Pataskala, and Zanesville allow kids to explore new activities, forge lasting friendships, and embrace the possibilities each new day brings! 

Offering Traditional Day Camp, Specialty-themed Camps, and Leaders-In-Training (for ages 13-15)

Located in Newark, Pataskala, and Zanesville. MEMBER REGISTRATION opens Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 8am. Registration opens to the community on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 8am. Full-day, weekly sessions start at $143.

bvfymca.org/youth-development/day-camp

Columbus Academy Summer Experience

Offers week-long summer day camp programs in academics, arts and sciences, and athletics for youth grades pre-K through 12.  They also have a “Family” division that includes programs for parents/caregivers and their children ages birth and up. Participants do not have to be Columbus Academy students.

Registration begins Feb 6-8. Full and half-day sessions available weekly, starting at $145/week.

4300 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230

columbusacademy.org/summer

JCamps with Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Columbus

A summer camp guided by Jewish values, JCamps puts safety first and does so while creating a welcoming environment where campers can be silly, laugh, and discover new interests.

Traditional day camp options are available, as well as specialty camps for theatre, basketball, soccer, ninja training, and swimming.

Registration start on January 15 (members) and January 22 (community and pending members). Full-day, weekly camps start at $300.

1125 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209

columbusjcc.org

Other Traditional day camps

IDEAS Summer Camps for Boys & Girls

Themed Summer Camps

Safety town camps.

These camps are geared towards ages 5-7 to teach them how to stay safe in the community. Read more about Safety Town Camps in Columbus . 

Safety Camps in Columbus for Elementary Students

STEM and Learning Camps

For budding scientists, engineers, and tech enthusiasts, Columbus offers a plethora of STEM-focused summer camps. STEM camps combine hands-on experiments, interactive workshops, and field trips to inspire curiosity and a love for learning in young minds.

source: Deposit Photos

Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools

Career Exploration Summer Camp at Eastland-Fairfield is a fun and engaging way for your middle school student to make new friends, get out of the house, and learn about careers. 

FREE! Open to middle school students in grades 6-8.

Eastland Career Center, 4465 S. Hamilton Road, Groveport, OH 43125

eastlandfairfield.com/page/summer-camp

St. Stephen’s Community House Summer STEAM Camp

Summer STEAM Camp is a free eight-week summer camp for students entering first-eighth grades. The STEAM-focused program is divided into two-week units centered on science, technology, engineering, and math aligned with Common Core standards. The program is open to income-eligible families in Franklin County.

1500 E 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219

saintstephensch.org/youth-services/

Camp CAR (Center for Automotive Research) at The Ohio State University

A free week-long summer camp for students 14-18 years old. Students learn various aspects of engineering, including automotive, simulation and manufacturing. They will have the opportunity to hear from CAR researchers, complete hands-on projects and take field trips.

930 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212

FREE! Applications open on February 1, 2024; limited spots available. 

car.osu.edu/camp-car

Ohio Wesleyan University Junior League (OWjL) Camp

A residential summer camp program for gifted and talented students in grades 6-8. Campers select four courses from an academic program that includes mathematics, logic, computing, science, humanities and creative development. Cultural, recreational and social activities round out the experience. 

Now offering a daycamp for students in grades 4-6 as well.

Application deadline is January 31. $745 for residential camp and $395 for day camp. 

61 South Sandusky Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015

owu.edu/about/offices-services/owjl-camp

Center for Architecture & Design Camp Architecture

A summer camp for central Ohio youth grades 3-12, that introduces them to the world of architecture and design through hands-on activities, field trips, walking tours, presentations by professionals and imaginative games.

$365/week; Scholarships are available for eligible students as funds allow. Need-based scholarships are available.

50 West Town Street, Suite 110, Columbus, Ohio 43215

columbuscfad.org/camp-architecture

More STEAM and Learning Camps

HER Academy Computer Science All-Girl Summer Camps

OSU Precollege Programs

Columbus State Stem Summer Camps

Outdoor Adventure Camps

Ohio’s natural beauty provides an excellent backdrop for outdoor adventure camps. Campers can explore hiking trails, learn survival skills, and participate in activities like rock climbing and zip-lining. 

Columbus Parks and Rec Outdoor Recreation Camp

Give your children the opportunity to reconnect with nature this summer! Campers will spend the day outdoors playing games, building forts, creeking, hiking, fishing, getting dirty and having a BLAST!

Various locations based on theme.

Registration opens on Feb 22 at 7pm; info will be available online in January.

columbusrecparks.com/camp-categories/outdoorrecreationcamps/

Camp Mary Orton 

Offering 2 types of camps. Registration starts in mid-January. Registration starts at $375/week.

Discovery Day Camp

A traditional outdoor camp for children aged 6 – 12. Different themed activities provide a unique experience each session. Regardless of which session campers attend, their days will be filled with organized games, arts and crafts, swimming, and hiking and exploring our 167 wooded acres. Back to Nature and Career Exploration options available. 

Adventure Academy

Ages 7 to 14, is a week-long day camp filled with high-energy outdoor activities that help campers learn teamwork, leadership skills, self-confidence, and most importantly, have fun! All meals and snacks are provided. 

Camp Mary Orton, 7925 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43235

campmaryorton.org/camps/

Camp Otonwe 

At Camp Otonwe, campers are given the opportunity to connect with nature through hands-on experiences, without distractions of video games, televisions, and computers. Connecting with nature enhances creativity, coordination, and concentration and it relieves stress!

Outdoor adventure activities are central, but free play, crafts and tools are frequent and age-specific. There are sessions available for ages K-5. Registration now open.

4834 Harlem Rd, Galena, Ohio 43021

campwyandot.org/camp-otonwe-westerville/

Sports Camps

With a passion for sports, Columbus offers a variety of sports camps catering to different skill levels. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, tennis, or swimming, children can develop their athletic abilities while having fun. Local sports clubs and community centers often organize these camps, providing expert coaching and a supportive environment.

Summer Camp Recky at Ohio State

Campers participate in 2 sports per week in the mornings, enjoy an afternoon of a variety of recreational options, including games, arts/crafts, swimming, kitchen time, and more.

This popular camp fills up quickly, starting in mid-February.

May 28, 2024- August 2, 2024, full-day  Ages: 6-13 Years of Age Cost (Per week): $280.00

Have an older teen looking for service hours and resume experience? The Buckeyes in Training Program is for Ages 15-17, and includes helping to lead camp, as well as personal development experiences. 

recsports.osu.edu/programs/summer-camp

OSU LiFEsports Summer Camps

Fosters social competence among youth through their involvement in sport, fitness, and educational activities

2024 details not yet available

Locations vary based on camp.

lifesports.osu.edu/what-we-do/outreach/elementary-middle-school-programs/ 

Integrity Athletics

Facility offers indoor and outdoor activities, aimed at enhancing your child’s development through recreational sports while fostering their creativity through crafts, experiments, and collaborative group activities.

Register before mid-march for early bird pricing. Half day and Full day camps available.

Integrity Athletics, 8185 Business Way, Plain City, Ohio 43064

integritygym.com/activities/summer-camps/

Capital University Sports Camps

Want to learn from college coaches and interact with student-athletes? Check out the sports camps and clinics at Capital University.

athletics.capital.edu/sports/2020/3/16/camps.aspx

Chiller Ice Rinks Camps and Clinics

The OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks offer a wide variety of hockey and skating camps and clinics throughout the year.

Specialty camps and clinics are offered focusing on specific skills including skating, stick handling, passing, shooting and positional play.

thechiller.com/classes/camps-clinics.cfm

Other Sports and Recreation Camps

KSM Youth Sports Summer Camp

The Little Gym Indoor Active Camps and Gymnastics Camps

Bally Sports Group Youth Summer Camps

The Columbus Foundation Community Youth Camp

Buckeye Gymnastics Summer Camp

Animal and Nature Camps

Ohio’s zoos, nature reserves, and wildlife centers offer fantastic opportunities for children to connect with nature and animals. Summer camps with a focus on wildlife education provide hands-on experiences, including animal encounters, nature walks, and environmental awareness activities. 

image: cotc

Summer Camp at the Columbus Zoo

Campers will participate in a variety of fun activities through the week designed to promote awareness of our environment and enhance our mission by empowering people and saving wildlife.

Some of the activities the campers will enjoy include hands-on educational activities, art projects, special animal experiences, songs, games, and a lot of time outside enjoying the Zoo. All campers will visit the Rides at Adventure Cove, the train, carousel and boat ride as well as have special hands-on experiences.

ZOOKIDS AGES 3-ENTERING K : Summer ZooKids is specially designed to offer your 3-year to entering kindergarten-aged child a stimulating opportunity to learn about the wonders of the animal kingdom in a socially interactive environment. Each day your child will engage in hands-on activity centers, create an art project, have snack, take a walk in the Zoo, and have a unique Zoo experience.

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd. Powell, Ohio 43065

reservations.columbuszoo.org/

Franklin Park Conservatory

From cultivating and harvesting a garden to creating a colorful masterpiece inspired by pollinators, summer camp at Franklin Park is anything but ordinary. In addition to themed activities, campers will explore the Conservatory and its many gardens, including The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden.

There are 1/2 day programs for ages 3-4, and full day programs for ages 5-8.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203

fpconservatory.org/education-programs/camps/

Ohio Wildlife Center

Wildlife-based, summer nature camps offer unique experiences for getting up-close to wildlife and back to nature. Our rustic, climate controlled Bonner Barn is the base camp for daily hands-on nature and wildlife adventures.

Half-day camps for ages 3-5, and full-day camps for older youth. Camp themes change, but some programming remains the same, so it is suggested to only plan for kids to attend one session only (registering for multiple is permitted).

Ohio Wildlife Center, 6131 Cook Rd, Powell, Ohio 43065

ohiowildlifecenter.org/learn-with-us/camps/

Other Animal and Nature Camps

Stratford Ecological Center Summer Farm Camp

Ecocamp at Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center

Bookmark Farms Horse Lovers Day Camp

Field of Dreams Summer Horse Camp

Marmon Valley Horse Camp

Otterbein Equestrian Camp

Arts and Creativity Camps

For the artistically inclined, Columbus boasts a vibrant arts scene. Summer camps focusing on arts and creativity provide a platform for children to explore their artistic talents. 

Columbus Museum of Art Summer Art Workshops

Play, experiment and create with us! Summer Art Workshops in the CMA Center for Creativity encourage the exploration of ideas through imaginative play, exploration of art materials, and lively gallery games.

columbusmuseum.org/

Columbus College of Art & Design Creative Summer Workshops

Kids, teens, and adults can explore their creativity this summer. Classes include art and design for young artists, botanical art, printmaking, fashion design, animation, 3D illustration, digital comics, painting, puppetry, game development, and much more.

Camps are 1/2 day sessions and are $225 per session (Includes tuition, registration, and all materials for five-day session.). Register here . 

Columbus College of Art & Design, 60 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215 

Other Art and Creativity Camps

Purple Dog Art Studio

Summer Arts Camp with Hilliard Arts Council

Busy Bees Pottery & Art Studio

Ohio Craft Museum Summer Art Camp

Music and Performing Arts Camps

Columbus’s vibrant arts community extends to music and performing arts camps. These camps cater to children interested in music, dance, theater, and more. Professional instructors guide participants through various artistic expressions, fostering creativity and confidence.

Ohio State University Youth Summer Music Programs

The School of Music at Ohio State offers a diverse series of summer programs specifically designed to further students’ understanding of — and love for — music. Our dedicated faculty craft rich experiences to engage each student in a meaningful musical experience. 

music.osu.edu/outreach/ysmp2024

Columbus Children’s Theatre

Each week of camp will provide students with both onstage performance experience as well as backstage production experience in theatrical disciplines like scenic design, costuming, and more.

Also offer winter break and spring break camps. Camps have a performance-based theme.

Columbus Children’s Theatre, 177 Naghten Street, Columbus OH 43215 (Downtown) 

columbuschildrenstheatre.org/camps/

Actors’ Theatre of Columbus (ATC)

Offers a variety of summer camps for children and teens. They provide actors of all experience levels a place to grow and strengthen their acting and performing skills.

1000 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206. Performance Location: Schiller Park, Columbus, Ohio 43206

theactorstheatre.org

Patternz Summer Camp

Offers 7 one-week camps for children ages 6-13 designed to spark creativity and a passion for the arts through experience with multiple art forms, including dance, theater, music and visual arts.

Lincoln Theatre, 769 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203

lincolntheatrecolumbus.com/patternz

More performing arts camp

Jazz Arts Group Columbus Youth Jazz Summer Workshop

Otterbein Summer Music Experience

Ohio Wesleyan Summer Music Camp

Bach to Rock Powell

School of Rock Columbus

Broadway2LA Acting Studio Summer Acting Camps

CATCO (now The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio) Summer Camps

The Nest Theatre IMPROV4Kids

Culinary Camps

Young aspiring chefs can embark on a culinary adventure through summer camps focused on cooking and baking. These camps not only teach kids valuable kitchen skills but also promote a healthy appreciation for food. 

Our CupCakery Annual Summer Kids Future Pastry Chef Camp

Desserts from Around the World is our newest summer camp theme. 4 day sessions are offered Monday-Thursday. Details here . 

New this year ! Tween camp ! June 24-27th will be for 12-15 year olds only

Follow on Eventbrite to be notified when camps go live. 

Our CupCakery, 54 S. High St. Dublin OH 43017

Other Culinary Camps

Sur La Table Kids and Teens Summer Series

Young Chefs® Academy Culinary Camp

Overnight Camps in Central Ohio

Is your child ready for more of an immersive camp experience? Overnight/stay away camps can be SO MUCH FUN for youth! For many, it’s the first time they are “on their own” without parents, though there are plenty of counselors to take care of your loves.

See overnight summer camp options in Columbus. 

Overnight Summer Camps create lasting memories

Recreation programs and Community Centers

Many community centers around Central Ohio offer Summer Camps and programming throughout the summer for all ages. 

Bexley Recreation & Parks bexley.org/recreation

Columbus Recreation & Parks columbusrecparks.com

Dublin Community Recreation Center dublinohiousa.gov/recreation-services

Gahanna Parks & Recreation grovecityohio.gov

Grandview Heights Parks & Recreation grandviewheights.gov/88/parks-recreation

Granville Recreation District granvillerec.org/programs-sports/

Grove City Parks & Recreation grovecityohio.gov/379/Parks-Recreation

Groveport Parks & Recreation groveportrec.com

Hilliard Recreation & Parks hilliardohio.gov/recreation-parks

Licking Parks District lickingparkdistrict.com

Marysville Parks & Recreation marysvilleohio.org/345/recreation-programs

New Albany Parks & Recreation naparks.org

Pataskala Parks & Recreation pataskalaparksandrecreation.com

Pickerington Parks & Recreation ci.pickerington.oh.us/departments/parks-recreation

Powell Parks & Recreation cityofpowell.us/residents/parks-recreation

Prairie Township Community Center prairietownship.org/131/community-center

Reynoldsburg Parks & Recreation reynoldsburg.gov/195/parks-recreation

Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation upperarlingtonoh.gov/parks-recreation

Village of Obetz Parks & Recreation obetz.oh.us/parks-and-recreation

Westerville Parks & Recreation parks.westerville.org

Whitehall Parks & Recreation whitehall-oh.us/183/parks-and-amenities

Worthington Community Center worthington.org/208/parks-recreation

Do you know of other camps that should be added to our list? Email [email protected]. Post sponsorship and featured spots are available as well. 

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8 Top STEM Destinations

STEM , Where to Go

In the past decade, an insufficient number of American students have been pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math, otherwise known as STEM fields. Occupations in STEM are crucial for our nation in continuing its path to innovation and economic success. President Obama implemented a plan to increase the number of students and teachers proficient in these fields. The plan aims to educate students about STEM at a young age and sustain engagement as they grow older.

Houston, Huntsville, Seattle, Tampa, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco and Columbus have earned special recognition due to their outstanding STEM attractions and programs. Student travel groups will find much to discover in each of these eight cities.

Huntsville, Alabama

Northern Alabama is home to fun summer camps and to programs tailored toward female students. Huntsville was named “The STEM capital of the South” by financial website SmartAsset.com. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center attracts students to Huntsville because it is home to one of the greatest collections of rockets and space memorabilia in the world. The center contains interactive exhibits, hosts events and engages with children during space camps. It also has a variety of group field trip options (typically weekend-long programs) such as “The Ultimate Field Trip,” “Daily Space Adventure” and a “Youth Leadership Retreat.” Cummings Research Park is a science and technology business park with a mixture of Fortune 500 companies, local and international high-tech enterprises and higher-education institutions. The park is spread over five acres, and tech trolley tours are offered for visitors to gain awareness of the park’s main functions and recent additions of outdoor amenities and greenways. Girls Incorporated of Huntsville is an organization that empowers young women to become bold and successful in technical areas of study that tend to be dominated by men. Female students travel to Huntsville specifically for its internship program as well as shorter one-day briefing sessions, which provide life-skills training that will prepare them for STEM-related careers.

Visiting students like Huntsville Botanical Gardens , consisting of an open-air butterfly house, a bamboo garden and a space garden. This 112-acre greenhouse filled with ferns, vegetables and aquatic plants provides a peaceful retreat.

U.S Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama

Miami, Florida

Miami attracts students with its Cuban influence, flashy restaurants, shops and beautiful beaches. Besides being a popular tourist destination, Miami is also home to summer programs that encourage underserved communities to explore their career options in STEM-related fields. The Overtown Youth Center is revamping its curriculum to open up doors for all students interested in science, mathematics, technology or engineering. The center has two annual youth summits (one for boys and one for girls) that national students who wish to attend can plan for accordingly. These summits will create an encouraging and supportive environment while high school students engage in learning modules and leadership conferences.

A popular attraction among STEM student groups is the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science , conveniently located adjacent to the Perez Art Museum Miami . The science museum opened its new complex in 2017, which includes engaging exhibits like the “MeLab” and “Feathers to the Stars.” The latter exhibit carries its visitors through the evolution of animal flight to the process with which humans used engineering to go airborne. The museum also houses a unique three-level Aquarium and a state-of-the-art 8K planetarium.

INTERESTED IN MIAMI? CHECK OUT THESE ARTICLES FOR MORE GREAT STUDENT TRAVEL IDEAS:

• Miami’s Tropical Attractions Await Student Travelers
• 7 Free Things to do in Miami

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.

Seattle, Washington

Like Huntsville, Seattle has programs focused on attracting young women into STEM-related field. The Burke Museum has free programs that offer real-world experiences for middle school and high school girls interested in technology and math. For example, by having students view preserved specimens, they learn about how the natural world has changed and can therefore better predict the future. Students can volunteer with the Techbridge organization to gain leadership experience and set a good example for the next generation of innovators. Seattle offers a variety of shortened programs for students on brief visits: The Summer Odyssey of Science and Arts has one-day commuter programs and the MIT Spark Program is only a weekend-long commitment. The Spark program covers everything from leadership and communications skills to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Students enjoy the Odyssey program because of their access to specialized labs and university resources. Seattle’s Digital Media Academy has one-week tech camps broken down by age groups. These camps have computer science tutorials to help guide students through individual projects assigned.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park appeals to student tourists with its interactive exhibits, gold panning demonstrations and display of gold bars and other mining artifacts. Students visiting Seattle may also wish to visit the Kubota Garden , a peaceful Japanese garden. Students can travel about an hour north of Seattle and take the Future of Flight Aviation Center Boeing Tour . This fully-guided tour of the largest factory in the world shows students how aircrafts are made and allows them to participate in flight simulations.

Participants of the week-long Seattle Digital Media Camp

Tampa, Florida

A favorite with student tour groups in Tampa is the children’s science center at MOSI (The Museum of Science and Industry). Exhibits in this section of the museum feature activities such as making a movie or operating a lunar colony. The museum also hosts annual events like “Rocket’s Red Glare Festival,” which would be a great event to build a trip around. The Florida Aquarium , a leader in conservation and education, hosts field trips for students and families visiting the area.  They’ll enter interactive rooms with simulations that stimulate hands-on learning and exploration.

An appealing destination for visiting students is the Dali Museum , containing the largest collection of Salvador Dali art pieces outside of Europe. Just looking at this breathtaking piece of architecture from the outside will activate students’ brainpower and leave them asking themselves what mechanics, physics and/or mathematical skills were needed to build such a structure. Busch Gardens is another attraction for STEM students; in fact, this African-themed animal park is one of the largest in North America. Students are able to dive right into this culturally rich environment and feed into their science-hungry mentality.

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa

Chicago, Illinois

The Museum of Science and Industry may be the largest Chicago attraction for STEM students, providing engaging science experiences for both students and teachers. Adler Planetarium is a popular place that opens students’ eyes to the wonders of astronomy and the universe. Students can undergo Adler’s newest exhibition, “Chasing Eclipses,” where they’ll be immersed in a spine-tingling experience of a solar eclipse. The planetarium is part of Chicago’s Museum Campus , which includes the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum . This exposure to astronomy, aquatics and natural history guarantees that some aspects of these museums will spark students’ interest. Along with these attractions are great student programs that encourage young leaders of the future from across the nation to come check out what Chicago has to offer. Chicago’s Loyola University has paired up with the iD Tech company to offer overnight field trips for STEM students interested in experiencing the college lifestyle early on. They’ll eat at the dining halls and sleep overnight in dorms all while their daily activities consist of coding, apps, game design and more.

Adler Planetarium in on the Chicago lakefront

Houston, Texas

Houston provides an abundance of STEM programs focusing on youth development and leadership. Along with local programs such as STEM Scouts, the assortment of museums and observatories make the city a popular destination for student tour groups. Among the attractions is the Houston Museum of Natural Science , which contains a variety of exhibits from the basics of chemistry to ancient Egypt. The museum also contains one of the largest collections of gems and minerals in the U.S. as well as North America’s largest dinosaur hall with skeletons and fossils throughout. NASA Johnson Space Center encompasses America’s space flight program through live presentations and behind-the-scenes tours. The space center has a replica of a shuttle where students can climb aboard. They can also view historical artifacts and touch a real-life moon rock. Houston’s DeBakey High School for Health Professions is ranked the ninth best institution in the country for its implementation of STEM programs, making Houston a hit for visiting student groups who wish to interact with local students enrolled in these programs.

Visiting students who wish to explore the city’s history can take a driving or walking tour through Memorial Park and Old Market Square . For students intrigued by nature and wildlife, the Arboretum and Nature Center is a 155-acre nature sanctuary containing forest trails, ponds and prairie habitats.

STEM Scouts participants in Houston

San Francisco/Silicon Valley, California

San Francisco has a thriving culture built on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Autodesk Inc. is a corporation for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing and media industries. The company’s Autodesk Gallery in San Francisco features its customers’ work, a display of pioneering design and inventive engineering from around the world. The gallery was named a top museum destination by Wired Magazine and the San Francisco Chronicle . Students are attracted by the gallery’s vibrant, interactive exhibits, as well as its free admission and guided tours. The Silicon Valley also offers one-day programs consisting of science festivals and fairs with a goal of expanding students’ horizons. These programs are perfect for accommodating STEM students who are briefly visiting this city – they’ll gain fresh perspectives by interacting with local students and teaching staff. Students visiting the University of California’s Lick Observatory in San Jose to will learn about the largest telescope in the world and can engage in a star-gazing program.

Among San Francisco’s biggest tourist attractions is Alcatraz Island , a previous federal penitentiary. Tour groups will see the guard tower, power plant and cells that once housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone. Students traveling to the Bay Area also can marvel at attractions like Muir Woods National Monument and Golden Gate Bridge .

INTERESTED IN SAN FRANCISCO? CHECK OUT THESE ARTICLES FOR MORE GREAT STUDENT TRAVEL IDEAS:

• Top 5 Sights and Activities in San Francisco for Students
• Top 5 Authentic Eateries for Students in San Francisco

Lick Observatory in San Jose

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus has been named a top city for STEM grads and ranked 21 st in the nation for best areas for STEM professionals by finance website Wallethub. Because of such accolades, STEM teaching staffs promote Columbus as a top destination for student tour groups. Field trips to Columbus allow students to connect science, technology, engineering and mathematical concepts to fun everyday adventures, including hands-on activities. The Ohio STEM Learning Network hosts an annual event in Battelle showcasing opioid abuse crisis and prevention. This regional event has over 100 student participants (mostly local, but some national) who present their research findings in an open house forum. This opportunity allows for students to interact among professionals and give them confidence to pursue an occupation in a STEM field. Among the largest STEM outreach programs in the U.S. is the COSI Museum , an acronym for the Center of Science and Industry. COSI offers lab field trips, video conferencing programs and camp-in overnight programs popular with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Some of COSI’s classic exhibits include “Energy Explorers” and “Progress.” “Energy Explorers” teaches students about how energy powers the world around us, while “Progress” takes visitors back in time and allows them to interact with technology from 1898 and 1962.

STEM programs are becoming a necessity with the drop in students entering fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics. If jobs continue to stay unfilled due to lack of qualifications, our nation’s global competitiveness will suffer. Our future leaders are dependent on these STEM programs to increase their awareness, spark curiosity and encourage them to follow through with ambitious goals.

COSI Museum in Columbus

RECENT STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE ARTICLES

Plan a visit

Things to know before you roll., we're excited to have you come and skate with us.

 To make sure you have the best experience while you’re here, we have a couple important things you should know so you can plan ahead. 

We are open for blocks of time that vary. Make sure you plan to be at the rink at the start of a session. Take a look at the schedule and find the session time that works the best for you. All customers are asked to leave at the end of each session. 

All adults (18+) who will be skating need to fill out our online waiver which can be found at the link below. You will have to show the signed waiver to the admission associate so please have it ready to make check in as quick as possible.

If you will be renting a Skatemate, it’s best to do so as you purchase your admission. Lockers are coin-operated and available on a first-come-first-served basis.

We will check bags at all sessions, so please be prepared and have all pockets on bags unzipped as you come up to security when you enter the building.

No outside food or drink is permitted, this includes personal water bottles. We do have a full-service cafe for snacks and beverages during your visit.

Have Questions?

Check out our FAQ page for even more detailed information about our house rules, skating, birthdays, groups, events, and other general information.

3362 Refugee Rd. Columbus, OH 43232 614-239-7202

Check out our family of roller rinks across the United States!

UC expands popular STEM program across Ohio

Biology meets engineering starts high school students off on path toward science .

A University of Cincinnati program is so successful at recruiting high schoolers to pursue education in STEM that the National Science Foundation will spend $3.4 million to expand the program in collaboration with three other universities.

The grant will allow UC to share its Biology Meets Engineering curriculum on animal-inspired robotics with more high schools in the Tristate and expand its internship program in collaboration with Bowling Green State University, Ohio University, and the University of Akron.

UC’s novel program brings high school students to UC’s campus for three weeks each summer to learn about the unique ways animals sense the world and integrates that curriculum into high schools across the Tristate. Students apply what they learn about animal senses to building custom robots that use similar sensory information to navigate.

UC also offers high school students a chance to work in labs as paid summer interns. The other universities likewise will adopt this internship program.

Since it started in 2018, students from 19 schools have participated in UC’s program, UC Professor Stephanie Rollmann said.

“With this grant, UC becomes an innovation hub for STEM transdisciplinary education,” said Rollmann, who teaches biological sciences in UC’s College of Arts and Sciences.

A high school student examines a snake from UC Professor Bruce Jayne's lab to learn about animal movement as part of the Biology Meets Engineering program. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand

Students take part in exercises about how animals perceive the world. For example, for an exercise on color vision, students wear glasses with different colored lenses and must work together to complete a simple color flashcard exercise.

In another exercise, students wear virtual-reality goggles to learn how vision affects spatial orientation. After learning about animal senses, the students build and program robots that can navigate autonomously using sensors that can follow a lined path, recognize lights of different colors, or avoid obstacles by touch or sound.

The three-week UC summer program often includes a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. And in some classes, the UC Police Department’s K9 team demonstrates the amazing ability of their dog to find a well-hidden toy using scent alone.

A lot of disciplines come together in animal senses and robotics.

Dieter Vanderelst, UC Associate Professor

Likewise, robotics draws from virtually every discipline in engineering, Associate Professor Dieter Vanderelst said.

“A lot of disciplines come together in animal senses and robotics,” he said. “That gives faculty a lot of freedom to come up with a novel lesson plan and for their students to buy into the subject.”

Vanderelst has studied a variety of topics, including the fascinating way bats can bounce sound off leaves to find hidden prey.

He holds joint appointments in biological sciences in UC’s College of Arts and Sciences and mechanical and electrical engineering in UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science. Also leading the project are Associate Professors Anna DeJarnette in UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services and John Layne in biology. 

Among his other projects, Layne studies the vision and behavior of fiddler crabs, which can see in three colors like us. The crabs are especially sensitive to movement above the horizon line where predators such as gulls are most likely to strike. And they have the extraordinary ability to map out every step and turn they make to find their way back to the same hole in the sand in a hurry.

The Biology Meets Engineering course teaches students to think about scientific and societal questions rather than subjects, Vanderelst said.

“We need multiple disciplines to help solve big problems,” he said. “We tell students to find problems that interest them. If it doesn’t fit in a narrow field that exists today, you could invent a field to meet that problem.”

Rollmann said the NSF grant award is a gratifying recognition of the program’s success. Vanderelst credited his colleague for the work she did coordinating with schools and refining the curriculum in keeping with state educational standards.

A high school student wins a gift card during a competition as part of the Biology Meets Engineering program. Photo/Ravenna Rutledge/UC Marketing + Brand

Impact Lives Here

The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction.  Next Lives Here .

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