inerde Camp
We’ve Got the Power
Colonie de Vacances STEM Week Five Recap & Preview of Week Six
We had an energy-filled week five at iNERDE’s Colonie de Vacances STEM. Our students learned all about alternative energy methods, built their own solar-powered vehicles, and went on a field trip to the hydroelectricity plant at Énergie du Mali. We also spent some time on the physics of soccer in recognition of the World Cup.
“The kids have been absolutely incredible to say the least. They are extremely bright, motivated to learn, and energetic. A specific instance that stands out for me was when one of our students, Mohamed, walked to the house that we have been staying at, specifically so that he could learn more about the solar cars that we built in class the previous day. We were so inspired by Mohamed’s motivation and desire to learn that we got together some materials for him to take home and build his own solar powered car over the weekend. Seeing the smile on his face was priceless.“
– Joey Orlando, Director of Nerdy Finances
Thanks again to all of our week five activity sponsors!
Nerd Spotlight
Allaye
Age 10 years old
What I Want to be When I Grow Up Supreme Court Judge
If I had a Robot… I would want it to do everything I ask it to
Favorite Activity So Far I really liked building catapults and planes
Favorite Color Blue
What I Like Most About Mali The National Museum
Rocket Science!
Sponsored by Charles S. Phillips & Fatoumata Dembele
The week kicked off with everyone using their knowledge of the design process to build air-powered rockets. Here, Diaw shows off the design of his balloon launcher to the rest of the class.
Can a raw egg survive a fall from two stories high? The class was ecstatic upon discovering that their egg remained intact during Monday’s egg-drop challenge. Hurrah!
Energy & Solar-Powered Cars
Sponsored by Klein Gauthier & Franco Famularo
We introduced our nerds to alternative energy sources this week. After learning how solar panels convert energy from the sun – first into electrical energy and then into mechanical energy – Lassana was able to successfully build a solar-powered fan.
Who knew you could build a working compass out of water, styrofoam, a small piece of metal, and a magnet? The class got to use these homemade devices as part of a lesson on world geography.
Energy & Solar-Powered Cars
Sponsored by Klein Gauthier & Franco Famularo
We challenged our students to design their own solar-powered vehicles. Here’s our Chief Nerd, Mohamed Kante, showing the class how the gears on the car’s drive shaft are powered by a solar panel.
While learning about combustion engines, the nerds watched an episode of Le Bus Magique (The Magic School Bus) to better understand how cars function.
The Physics of Soccer & Énergie du Mali
Sponsored by Brooke Schwartz, Aishwarya Sarma & Habi Coulibaly
During our Physics of Soccer lesson, Méry calculated how fast he kicked the ball by timing how long it took for the ball to travel a set distance and using the distance = rate * time equation
On their visit to Énergie du Mali, the nerds learned all about how electricity is generated and distributed at the hydro power plant located on the Niger River in Bamako.
What’s in Store for Week Six?
Week Six Activity Sponsors
Discovering the Needs Around Me
Syamala Akella
How Can STEM Help?
Ishita Deb Majumdar
Project Design
Prem Ranjan
Basics of Public Speaking
Kenneth Cardwell
Field Trip
Lizzane Tracy
This is the Week 5 Newsletter. Click here to go to the Week 6 Newsletter
Week Six Activity Sponsors
Discovering the Needs Around Me
Syamala Akella
How Can STEM Help?
Ishita Deb Majumdar
Project Design
Prem Ranjan
Basics of Public Speaking
Kenneth Cardwell
Field Trip
Lizzane Tracy