STEM Kids Camp
Ignite or fuel your child's passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by registering them for these fun, hands-on learning camps. Students in grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 are invited to the NDSU College of Engineering for a variety of summer kids camps focused on topics in STEM.
2025 Camps will be offered July 14-17 and 21-24 for kids in grades K-8. Morning sessions will run from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., and afternoon sessions will run from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
The Explore Engineering High School Camp will be offered July 28-31 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. This week-long camp introduces students to the different disciplines of engineering. Mornings will be spent on campus working with NDSU faculty in the labs and in the afternoons students will be going out on engineering industry visits. Lunch is included.
Note: Since the camps are offered in the summer, the school grade of your child is typically based on the grade your child will enter in Fall 2025.
Camp Cost
- K-8 Camps - $130 per course through Monday, May 12; $160 per course May 13 through close of registration on June 6
- Explore Engineering High School Camp - $325 through Monday, May 12; $350 May 13 through close of registration on June 6
Registration for our 2025 STEM Kids Camp will open on Friday, March 21 at 12:00 p.m.
You will have to sign and upload a 
Participation Waiver to complete camp registration.
For more information, to be added to a waitlist for a class marked FULL, or to inquire about scholarship availability contact Angela Gross, College of Engineering Outreach Coordinator at angela.gross@ndsu.edu or (701) 231-5798.
Registration
Session 1: Monday, July 14 - Thursday, July 17
Morning: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Grades K-2
Creative Computer Coding
Students will be engaged and have fun learning to code with the Code.org program. This is a hands-on interactive class with immediate results on how to learn the basics behind computer coding with game-like formats. Instruction will be given and often be individualized throughout the camp to help each child feel confident and capable.
Storybook STEM
Students will work on STEM projects related to stories read in class. Some stories will be old favorites, and others will be new stories about kids that are making a difference in the world of STEM. Each day will start with story time and then the students will do an activity related to the book.
Chemistry Chaos
This STEM course will introduce students to relevant chemistry-based concepts through a series of experiments and activities. These scientists will find that chemistry experiments build friendships while working together and make for fun stories to tell in the future
Grades 3-5
Coding with Scratch
In this course, students will be learning about computer science using Scratch. They will learn the basics of coding and will design and create their own interactive game. Scratch helps young people think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively - essential skills for life in the 21st century.
Meet Dash
Come explore coding using the fun-loving, interactive Dash Robot. It will take creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills as you collaborate to program Dash through playful puzzles and projects.
Disaster Strikes
Tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes are some of the most destructive forces on our planet. Learn how engineers are using STEM to understand these phenomena so we can predict and protect ourselves from the damage they can cause.
Crime Scene Science
Help solve a mystery by analyzing a crime scene using various forensic science techniques. Learn how to spot the most important evidence then use those clues to identify a primary suspect.
STEM GOATs
Learn about the Greatest Of All Time (GOATs) in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and conduct hands-on activities and experiments related to each GOAT’s area of expertise. The GOATs will come from a wide variety of STEM fields and backgrounds to showcase the many opportunities available in STEM.
Grades 6-8
RxPlore: A Hands-On Pharmacy Experience
Explore the world of pharmacy through lotion, lip balm, and hand sanitizer compounding, plus experiments on how pills dissolve and how to protect them. Participants will test their problem-solving skills in a pharmacy-themed escape room and compete in the Pharmacy Olympics, where teamwork and knowledge take center stage. Whether you're passionate about science or curious about a career in healthcare, this session is your prescription for adventure!
Mini-golf Course Design
In this session, your child will be challenged with creating their own unique mini-golf course hole. Students will explore physics, math, and the engineering-design process to bring their dream mini-golf hole to life. At the end of this session, each hole design will be compiled into one big mini-golf course for parents and children to play.
Advanced Roller Coasters
Students will learn more physics concepts associated with creating their own paper roller coasters. They will review the concepts of energy and motion and then put advanced theories into practice resulting in paper roller coasters with intricate pieces and complex designs. Previous paper roller coaster building is helpful, but NOT required. This class is similar to the More Roller Coasters class offered last summer.
Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grades K-2
Creative Computer Coding
Students will be engaged and have fun learning to code with the Code.org program. This is a hands-on interactive class with immediate results on how to learn the basics behind computer coding with game-like formats. Instruction will be given and often be individualized throughout the camp to help each child feel confident and capable.
Storybook STEM
Students will work on STEM projects related to stories read in class. Some stories will be old favorites, and others will be new stories about kids that are making a difference in the world of STEM. Each day will start with story time and then the students will do an activity related to the book.
Chemistry Chaos
This STEM course will introduce students to relevant chemistry-based concepts through a series of experiments and activities. These scientists will find that chemistry experiments build friendships while working together and make for fun stories to tell in the future.
Grades 3-5
Rockin’ Robots
Dive into the world of robotics using the LEGO Spike Prime kits! Students will use their creativity to design, build, and code robots to solve a variety real-world problems from simple life hacks to complicated human movements.
Coding with Scratch
In this course, students will be learning about computer science using Scratch. They will learn the basics of coding and will design and create their own interactive game. Scratch helps young people think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively - essential skills for life in the 21st century.
Meet Dash
Come explore coding using the fun-loving, interactive Dash Robot. It will take creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills as you collaborate to program Dash through playful puzzles and projects.
Intro to Roller Coasters
Students will learn physics concepts by creating their own paper roller coasters. Not only will they be introduced to concepts such as energy and motion, but they will also get to practice their planning, design, and creation skills to implement their unique ideas.
STEM Adventure by ND Gateway to Science
Students will explore different activities and careers relating to STEM concepts through structured activities and experimentation in an interactive and engaging environment. Each camp day is a new STEM adventure, filled with exciting projects and activities that guarantee fun and learning.
Grades 6-8
RxPlore: A Hands-On Pharmacy Experience
Explore the world of pharmacy through lotion, lip balm, and hand sanitizer compounding, plus experiments on how pills dissolve and how to protect them. Participants will test their problem-solving skills in a pharmacy-themed escape room and compete in the Pharmacy Olympics, where teamwork and knowledge take center stage. Whether you're passionate about science or curious about a career in healthcare, this session is your prescription for adventure!
Mini-golf Course Design
In this session, your child will be challenged with creating their own unique mini-golf course hole. Students will explore physics, math, and the engineering-design process to bring their dream mini-golf hole to life. At the end of this session, each hole design will be compiled into one big mini-golf course for parents and children to play.
Computer Creations
Students will be using CAD software and working with a team to solve problems in all areas of engineering. 3D printing will bring these design solutions to life!
Session 2: Monday, July 21 - Thursday, July 24
Morning: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Grades K-2
Creative Computer Coding
Students will be engaged and have fun learning to code with the Code.org program. This is a hands-on interactive class with immediate results on how to learn the basics behind computer coding with game-like formats. Instruction will be given and often be individualized throughout the camp to help each child feel confident and capable.
Shoot for the Stars
Come explore the many wonders of space! Our travel will take us throughout the Milky Way galaxy with stops at the moon, the sun, the stars, and beyond.
Engineering Adventures
This course will allow students to explore the fundamentals of mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. This class will consist of many hands-on activities to help students learn more about engineering, building, and creating.
Grades 3-5
Intro to Roller Coasters
Students will learn physics concepts by creating their own paper roller coasters. Not only will they be introduced to concepts such as energy and motion, but they will also get to practice their planning, design, and creation skills to implement their unique ideas.
Coding with Scratch
In this course, students will be learning about computer science using Scratch. They will learn the basics of coding and will design and create their own interactive game. Scratch helps young people think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively - essential skills for life in the 21st century.
Budding Biologist
Are you fascinated by the world of living things? Expand your knowledge and have some fun by exploring organisms both large and small. Students will build critical thinking skills as they study and observe animals, life cycles, and so much more.
Crime Scene Science
Help solve a mystery by analyzing a crime scene using various forensic science techniques. Learn how to spot the most important evidence then use those clues to identify a primary suspect.
How to Become a Math Spy
Shapes and numbers are invisibly intertwined in our modern lives. Through hands-on activities and interactive games, students will learn how to decipher images and numbers by playing the roles of artists, explorers, and traders using concepts from arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. By the end of the week, your child will be a True Math Spy.
Grades 6-8
Disaster Strikes Back
What does it take to recover from a natural disaster like a flood or tornado? Learn how engineers use science and technology to not only restore our roads, bridges, and buildings after an event, but also improve these structures in case a disaster strikes back.
Exploring the Cosmos
Life on space stations, rocket paths and missions, planetary bodies, extraterrestrials, and even unmanned rovers on Mars…it seems like everywhere you turn people are talking about space. Come find out what the big deal is in this interactive session full of hands-on activities about our modern-day exploration of space.
DNA Detective
In this session, your child will explore the fascinating world of DNA and biotechnology. DNA is the genetic blueprint of all living organisms. Children will learn about the structure of DNA by creating 3-D models, extracting DNA from living cells, and using biotechnology to better understand how each person’s DNA is like a fingerprint. By the end of this session, your child will use their knowledge of DNA and biotechnology to complete a crime scene investigation.
Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grades K-2
Creative Computer Coding
Students will be engaged and have fun learning to code with the Code.org program. This is a hands-on interactive class with immediate results on how to learn the basics behind computer coding with game-like formats. Instruction will be given and often be individualized throughout the camp to help each child feel confident and capable.
Nature Navigators: Journey through Biology
Dive into the wonders of biology as you explore the world around you. Little scientists will observe and study a variety of fascinating creatures that will surely satisfy and grow their curiosity of living things.
Engineering Adventures
This course will allow students to explore the fundamentals of mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. This class will consist of many hands-on activities to help students learn more about engineering, building, and creating.
Grades 3-5
Rockin’ Robots
Dive into the world of robotics using the LEGO Spike Prime kits! Students will use their creativity to design, build, and code robots to solve a variety real-world problems from simple life hacks to complicated human movements.
Budding Biologist
Are you fascinated by the world of living things? Expand your knowledge and have some fun by exploring organisms both large and small. Students will build critical thinking skills as they study and observe animals, life cycles, and so much more.
Coding with Scratch
In this course, students will be learning about computer science using Scratch. They will learn the basics of coding and will design and create their own interactive game. Scratch helps young people think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively - essential skills for life in the 21st century.
Crime Scene Science
Help solve a crime by analyzing a crime scene and learning about forensic science techniques. Learn how to do fingerprint analysis, blood spatter analysis, blood typing, bite mark analysis, powder analysis, and more.
How to Become a Math Spy
Shapes and numbers are invisibly intertwined in our modern lives. Through hands-on activities and interactive games, students will learn how to decipher images and numbers by playing the roles of artists, explorers, and traders using concepts from arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. By the end of the week, your child will be a True Math Spy.
Grades 6-8
Advanced Roller Coasters
Students will learn more physics concepts associated with creating their own paper roller coasters. They will review the concepts of energy and motion and then put advanced theories into practice resulting in paper roller coasters with intricate pieces and complex designs. Previous paper roller coaster building is helpful, but NOT required. This class is similar to the More Roller Coasters class offered last summer.
Computer Creations
Students will be using CAD software and working with a team to solve problems in all areas of engineering. 3D printing will bring these design solutions to life!
DNA Detective
In this session, your child will explore the fascinating world of DNA and biotechnology. DNA is the genetic blueprint of all living organisms. Children will learn about the structure of DNA by creating 3-D models, extracting DNA from living cells, and using biotechnology to better understand how each person’s DNA is like a fingerprint. By the end of this session, your child will use their knowledge of DNA and biotechnology to complete a crime scene investigation.
High School Camp: Monday, July 28 - Thursday, July 31
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grades 9-12
Exploring Engineering
This week-long camp introduces students to the different disciplines of engineering. Mornings will be spent on campus working with NDSU faculty in the labs and in the afternoons students will be going out on engineering industry visits. Each day goes from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and lunch is included.