Camp Ondessonk Partners with NASA GLOBE for Innovative STEM Education Programs
By Chris Bretscher, Program Director
Camp Ondessonk is proud to announce our new and exciting partnership with NASA GLOBE through the NASA GLOBE Goes to Camp initiative. This collaboration makes Camp Ondessonk the first camp in Illinois, and one of only a couple dozen camps nationwide, to participate in this program. The initiative aims to bridge citizen science, school curriculum, and outdoor education utilizing lesson plans and techniques developed within the NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative (NESEC).
This new program aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and provides a valuable opportunity for schools to work with experiential education professionals and NASA subject matter experts to integrate authentic, real-world scientific experiences into their curriculum through a multi-modal approach. Students will cultivate their curiosity and expertise firsthand on how scientific inquiry progresses from the initial question through background research, hypothesis creation, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and conclusions. All while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that will serve them in science and beyond.
Schools will be able to choose from various participation options, ranging from day trips to weeklong, monthly, and even yearlong programs. This flexibility allows schools to tailor the experience to their specific needs and schedule. By combining the existing school curriculum with Camp Ondessonk’s extensive facilities and resources, students will have a rich and immersive learning experience that brings science to life in a dynamic outdoor setting.
We are thrilled to partner with NASA GLOBE to begin offering this innovative STEM education program to schools in the 2023-24 academic year. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning that connects them to the natural world and inspires a passion for science. We are confident that this unique partnership will provide unforgettable educational experiences for students and teachers alike.
Schools interested in learning more about the NASA GLOBE Goes to Camp program or how to integrate this into their next Camp Ondessonk experience can contact Chris Bretscher, Program Director, at [email protected] or (618) 695-2489 x 104. We look forward to welcoming schools from both near and far to participate in this groundbreaking STEM education initiative and inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers.
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s Outdoor Education Programs.
Click here to learn more about the NASA GLOBE Goes to Camp initiative.