Camp Astra 2026: Camp Overview!
- Lawrence Chao
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Through months of preparation, advertisement, and planning, Astra Summer Camp 2026 officially kicked off on June 22!
Over 5 days, students were immersed through the various parts of STEM. Using interactive labs, hands-on dissections, and friendly competitions, campers were shown the world of biology, chemistry, physics, optics, and even AI. At the end of the week, students were given the chance to show off all the knowledge they learned!
To kick off the week, campers dove into the world of physics by exploring the fundamentals of electromagnetism. From learning about electric charge to discovering how electromagnets work in everyday life, students were eager to uncover the science behind electricity and magnetism. They wrapped up the lesson by building their very own electromagnets-a solenoid-bringing the concepts they learned to life.
In the afternoon, students explored the forces of mechanics, delving into the basics of Newton's three laws of motion and discovering how scientists utilize these laws to create innovative technology. Armed with this knowledge, students applied their understanding of mechanics in an egg drop challenge.
On day 2, students dove into chemistry lessons, exploring topics like atoms, bonds, crystallization, and macromolecules. At the end of the lecture, students applied their knowledge of crystallization to create their own crystal rock candy.
After a brief break, students learned about energy transfer, radiation, and convection to assist them in eventually constructing a solar oven. Following the lecture, students started to prepare the materials needed for their solar oven.
Many groups had different ideas about how to assemble their solar oven, some suggested using bigger boxes to get more heat, while others tried using smaller ovens with more reflective paper on the walls.
Regardless, the students were very enthusiastic to try and roast marshmallows using their solar ovens to make s'mores!
After a quick lunch break, students went back to check in on their marshmallows to find a nice toasty surprise waiting for them!
Starting with day 3, students were taught biology learning about how cells were created and their functions.
Having a little fun, students were able to create their own jell-o cells using candy to represent the different organelles found in the cell.
Continuing the bio themed activities, students learned about plants and how they work. The mentors briefed them about the various parts of a plant emphasizing structure and function.
Students then would have the chance to make their own leaf vein bookmarks starting from boiling leaves in a strong base and ending up with a laminated and completed leaf vein bookmark!
Students were proud to show off their creations!
Finally closing up the day, students were immersed in AI image generation and how it works.
On Day 4, Students learned about how light is affected by different molecules, taught the fundamentals about how atoms and molecules are bonded and created, students then had a chance to use their knowledge to figure out a detective mystery.
Using the color of a flame to identify unknown elements, the students quickly caught on and solved the mystery identifying the mystery substances and figuring out who the killer was.
Students then learned about optics, learning about how the brain processes images, how different color receptors in the brain work and how you can trick your brain to see things that shouldn't exist.
The students then were shown 3D images, at first, they merely looked like blurry, red and blue videos, but when the students were given 3D glasses, the atmosphere totally changed, with students noticing a powerful hypnotic effect occurring where images would appear to pop out of the screen.
Students then had the opportunity to try out their own experiments to trick their own brains!
By superimposing red images next to blue images, students were able to trick their brains by combining two images into one. 3D glasses helped enhance the effect by polarizing red in one eye and blue in the other eye.
Wanting to make the last day feel more special, students started off with a fun balloon pop challenge where the objective of the game is to pop everyone else's balloon while keeping yours intact.
Students tied the balloon to their shoes and began having an epic pop-off. The winner was awarded with candy.
Then starting with a hands-on activity, students got the chance to dissect a tilapia. Although some students were too scared or disgusted by the fish, for the most part, the dissection went very smoothly with students identifying gills, swim bladder, intestine, and other internal organs.
After a much needed lunch break, students took one last chance to prepare any content needed before the final jeopardy challenge. Students were enthusiastic and felt confident in answering any questions that may appear.
Prior to the start of jeopardy, students formed their own teams and were provided with a computer to use as a buzzer once jeopardy commenced.
Once jeopardy started, students took turns fighting for questions, knocking out the easy questions before digging into the harder more point-valued questions.
Regardless of the subject, the students showed proficiency in anything and everything across the board answering questions confidently and precisely.
Finally, when all the questions were answered and the students were worn and tired out, candy was given as a final award and parting gift to all the exceptional and hardworking students.
The winners split candy amongst themselves.
Concluding the camp, both students and mentors had a fantastic experience this year, engaging in learning, helping, teaching, and most importantly, enjoying themselves. During this brief yet memorable event, the students were enthusiastic about learning and delving into new areas. Even though the camp has concluded, these students will carry the memory of this unforgettable experience with them wherever they go.
Biggest thanks to all the mentors, parents, and camp organizers that made Camp Astra possible.