Shake Things Up engineering camp builds strong

Several fourth- and fifth-grade students turned into earthquake engineers through the weeklong science camp Shake Things Up put on by Washington County Extension at Lincoln Elementary Feb. 9-12.

Throughout the camp, students gained a better definition of science terms like engineering, shake tables, variables, Richter, building codes, shear, and were able to experiment with the building designs. Students worked in groups and individually to design, test and redesign building skeletons with the goal to have it withstand a 7.0 simulated earthquake.

"This camp was a great extension to the elementary science curriculum," said 4-H Youth coordinator, Amy Green. "Our Shake Things Up camp was a success with the fourth- and fifth-grade participants. We look forward to using this material for future camps and classroom extension activities as well."

Green explained that youth seem to have an increased interest in the science areas. ?The last day of camp, participants completed a survey regarding their experience. Eleven of 13 students said they are more interested in science now,? reported Green. ?We have made it a goal through Extension/4-H to work to serve those students.?

Washington County Extension is working to set their summer camps which will include several special STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) camps.