Fun, learning at center of materials summer camp

Building a better future starts today. Materials Science and Engineering, part of The Grainger College of Engineering, kept that theme front and center when middle school students came to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus for a summer camp offering opportunities to gain STEM knowledge. Of course, having fun was an important part of the experience, too. 

From June 17-21, a total of 19 students had the chance to think like materials scientists and engineers as they learned more about the materials that make up our world. They discovered self-healing polymers and had opportunities to "make stuff smarter" - or safer, cleaner, stronger, etc. 

Plastics, metals and other materials that make up everyday objects were at the center of student exploration. Campers had the chance to think about why materials are so important, considering they make up the clothes we wear and the batteries that keep our phones running so effortlessly. 

"I think the best things about Mid-GLAM are the cool projects, learning about cool science things that relate to this science, the food, and being able to spend time with my friends," a camper in a previous edition of the summer camp said. 

Multiple members of the materials department faculty were involved in running the camp in 2024, including Associate Professor Chris Evans and Assistant Professors Antonia Statt, Hua Wang and Marie Charpagne. Each person spent time with the students and led at least one activity that helped students learn more about how materials work. 

The Grainger College of Engineering offers plenty of opportunities for the youth to learn all about engineering and computer science. More events are available throughout the calendar year as the part of the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Program.