Camp GoldieBlox Takes Experiential Learning for Kids to a Whole New Level
Free Virtual Camp Includes a Web Series, Social Videos and DIY At-Home Activities Around a Different Science Theme Each Week
LOS ANGELES, June 25, 2021 (Newswire.com) - Camp GoldieBlox: Adventures at Eureka Point premieres today as a free and open-to-all camp experience for kids 6-12. This multi-platform digital experience includes weekly "campisodes" featuring peer-aged social media influencers, real-life STEM trailblazers, surprise guests, activities, badges, prizes & curriculum. Developed in partnership with IF/THEN, an initiative of Lyda Hill Philanthropies, and Amy Poehler's Smart Girls, the camp aims to spark kids' curiosity in STEM and showcase the ways that science, technology, education and math are an integral part of everyday problem-solving.
Camp GoldieBlox offers a safe space for kids and their parents to explore and engage their intellect and curiosity individually, with friends or as a family. Check out all that Camp GoldieBlox has to offer here and join the adventure of the summer. Using puppets, props and even a miniature forest and camp, the series takes a unique and creative approach to educational learning.
Every Friday, Camp Goldieblox will premiere a new 'campisode' of 'Adventures at Eureka Point', a 10-part STEM adventure series featuring a cast of curious campers. Each episode's storyline explores a different science-related topic, such as space junk or climate change, and features real-life experts in that field, all of whom are AAAS IF/THEN ambassadors, female role models in STEM dedicated to inspiring the next generation of STEM pioneers. The episodes also include related social videos and hands-on activities to do at home.
Episode 1 of Camp GoldieBlox follows the campers on a scavenger hunt when a bridge collapses and they get stranded in the forest. Thankfully, the camp's genius mad scientist, Kitty, knows just what to do and enlists some old friends to get the campers to the finish line. Mechanical Engineer and Toy Maker Debbie Sterling, STEM Educator and Media Entrepreneur Vanessa Hill and Statistician and Author Davina Durgana come to the rescue to help them rebuild the bridge and make it to the finish line. The DIY activity explores how to make structures stronger through experimenting with toothpicks and gummy candies.
"We are thrilled to team up with Amy Poehler's Smart Girls and Lyda Hill Philanthropies to create this original series and virtual learning experience that focuses on solving everyday problems using STEM solutions," said Debbie Sterling, GoldieBlox CEO. "We wanted to provide the camp experience free to the public to support the democratization of learning for all kids. Our partnership and curriculum development with Million Girls Moonshot has the potential to reach an additional ten million kids through their afterschool network."
"We want to engage kids who are already active with videos and DIY. We have created an interactive experience that explores topics from a fresh angle in a medium they understand with Camp GoldieBlox," said Meredith Walker, Co-Founder, and Executive Director, Amy Poehler's Smart Girls.
The Camp GoldieBlox campisodes were developed and produced jointly by GoldieBlox and Amy Poehler's Smart Girls, with predominantly female creatives and crew. Co-directors are Maggie Chieffo and David Richardson. Chieffo also served as the series producer and Richardson as the series editor. Jia Patel, Kiarra Beasley, and Malachi Crockett star in the series. A few of the featured experts include polymer chemist Helen Tran, paleontologist Myria Perez, and aerospace engineer Sydney Hamilton.
Rachel Kessler, Learning Design Specialist with Oregon Statewide Afterschool Network, who served as the STEAM equity and education consultant for the show stated, "The creators behind Camp GoldieBlox: Adventures at Eureka Point have taken the time to use fun STEAM practices while developing everything from the episodes to the activities and extras that come with them. It has been great to see an emphasis on engineering design, creativity and teamwork at all stages. We have partnered to make sure that everything about the show and its contents gives kids a chance to build their STEM identity alongside real STEM role models to meet real challenges."
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Source: GoldieBlox