Students invent fun at Velocity Jr. camp

What do you get when cross an old keyboard, a coffee making machine and "lots and lots of duct tape."

According to students at Camp Invention, a catapult that allows you to launch rubber ducks into the air.

Not to mention a whole lot of fun.

The rubber ducky liftoff machine is one of many inventions coming from the minds of Utica Community Schools students participating at Camp Invention, held at the Velocity Jr. Center. 

Camp Invention, now in its second year for first through sixth-grade students, promotes interest in science by creating real-world challenges in units led by professional educators. 

This summer’s Camp Invention program – Geo-Quest – combines both physical activity and creativity. Geo-Games activities embody the concept that all games can be modified with nontraditional approaches and made more exciting. 

"The goal of the camp is to have students learn how to problem solve by working together," said Marjorie Stevens, director of Camp Invention. 

For instance, several groups of students are creating rubber duck launch devices that will be tested in a competition at the end of the week. Students bring old items from home to create a launcher and receiving tower.

The nearly 40 students learn trajectory, velocity, gravity, recycling and engineering.

But most important....

"Every piece of this project promotes creativity," said camp invention teacher Justin Bigelow. 

In another area of Velocity, students are using string to recreate the "Cave of the Crystals" in Mexico. The students made a timed maze of string after learning about the natural wonder, located 980 feet below the surface and containing giant selenite crystals.

For future scientist Dallas Price, of Oakbrook, the camp is a way to explore new ways to use old items.

"I like how we learn how to make inventions and it keep us always doing something," she said.

Said her friend Lizmari Dedi, of West Utica: "I like how we get to make things using things we have around our house."

Camp Invention is one 20 camps offered this summer through Velocity Jr., a partnership of Utica Community Schools, the City of Sterling Heights and Macomb Community College. 

The partnership is a complement to the economic development efforts housed at the Velocity Collaboration Center in Sterling Heights, a new center for business incubation and economic development, targeting defense, homeland security and advanced manufacturing. 

To register for Velocity Jr. camps, call 586-797-6900. Camp listings are available at this link.