Full STEAM ahead for Genesis Lab Middle School Summer Camp

Every day, college students flock to Pepperdine University’s Genesis Lab to experiment with 3D printing or don virtual reality headsets as they explore other worlds. This June and July, younger students will also be able to share in the fun of technological innovation, as Genesis Lab opens its doors to five middle school summer camp sessions.

Over the course of each five-day session, campers will get a chance to use the latest technology to solve puzzles and take on challenges in an active-learning environment, with small groups that allow individual attention and learning. "Our goal is to blend child-like imagination with learning about technology,” says Anna Speth, the Librarian for Emerging Technology and Digital Projects at Pepperdine University. “We plan to do this by using a thematic adventure to connect the various tasks and challenges the campers will face."

Whereas many tech-oriented summer camps for students focus on only on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Genesis Lab Camp will also incorporate humanities and the arts into the curriculum. As a result, it will be a STEAM camp (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) that encourages interdisciplinary thinking and exploration.

The organizers hope to expose middle school students to emerging technology while building important interpersonal and critical thinking skills. “We hope that our campers leave with newfound curiosity, inspiration, independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills to prepare them for the future,” says Landon Phillips, the Co-Director of the Genesis Lab and Lead Instructional Designer at Pepperdine.

Weekly camp sessions will run from 9 am-2 pm throughout June and July. For more information, visit https://www.pepperdine.edu/genesislab/.