Designing an engaging virtual STEM experience from scratch
GEMS knew they wanted to have a virtual camp option for students but had no clear ideas on what that should look like or how to support students successfully. Together with GEMS education experts we set out to answer the following:
- How can we keep students engaged?
- What level of support do they need?
- How can we foster a sense of community?
- What instructional approaches work best in a virtual setting?
- How can we keep parent/guardian involvement minimal?
A multi-format virtual camp blending at-home experiments, live connection, and digital learning
This project allowed us to flex our creativity and knowledge of online learning platforms to develop an engaging virtual camp with both online experiences, live connection, and at-home experiments. Each element below played a key role in the success of the camp.
Mission Guide
We developed a mission guide and mailed it to each student. This Mission Guide contained details on what to do each day and the instructions for nine experiments. Having a physical guide gave the students a deeper connection to the camp, despite it being virtual. With clear experiment background, supply lists, and instructions, participants could easily complete the experiments at home with minimal help from their parents/guardians.
Learning Hub
Participants needed one place to access videos, virtual meeting links, assignment details, and instructor feedback. We used an LMS to create an easy to navigate course with everything they would need.
Videos
For a fun start to the camp, we developed scripted videos filmed at a lab with real scientists. They not only introduced the camp and topics for each day, but discussed key ideas such as the scientific practices and the importance of failure in scientific progress.
Live Speakers
To give participants the chance to learn more about potential scientific careers, we had three speakers come each week to talk about their STEM journey and answer audience questions. This allowed not only for peer connection but a chance for students to learn about varied careers and paths in the field of STEM.
Instructor Support
BLS provided trained instructors who monitored student work, provided feedback, facilitated community, and ensured students stayed on track throughout the week.