Citizen Funded Science

As if coming up with a great research project and determining the best way to study your subject isn’t challenging enough, scientists also face the sometimes even more difficult task of funding their projects. Writing grants and seeking donors can be just as time intensive as planning the research itself.

Petridish.org hopes to help ease that burden. Think of it like Kickstarter, but instead of raising money for graphic novels, interpretative dances and silk screen shirts, Petridish applicants are looking to study exomoons, analyze algae spores, and decode hyena calls.

Donation minimums vary from project to project, with some starting as low as $5. Like Kickstarter, supporters are charged their chosen amount only if the project reaches its funding goal. Current projects are capped at $15,000, and with the site still in beta, there are a limited number of projects to get behind.   

What’s in it for backers? Souvenirs from expeditions, naming rights, and published acknowledgements are offered. But the best reward surely comes from seeing a project followed through and knowing you played a part in the discoveries that result. This is yet another great way the internet lets ordinary citizens like me to be a part of making science happen!

Minecraft- Less gunshots and more hammers!

It’s not unusual for kids to bond over discussions of their favorite video games, and for older children that often means the latest action-packed shoot’em up adventure. But lately I’ve noticed kids talking less about Call of Duty and Halo, and instead talking a whole lot about the creative game Minecraft.
 
For the uninitiated, Minecraft is a sandbox game without clearly defined goals. Instead, players are dropped into a retro 3D world of Lego- style blocks and free to explore and build to their heart’s content. The game is played by making or destroying over 100 different kinds of blocks- everything from lava and ice to portals and monster spawners- to create buildings, transportation systems, whole communities and anything else the imagination can come up with.
 
In creative mode players have no limitations on resources or restraints on lives and are free to build whatever they want. Those looking for an experience closer aligned to a classic RPG can engage in survivor mode to gather materials, build shelters and escape the evil monsters that come out at night. But don’t confuse it with games like World of War Craft; although survivor mode does require players to build experience and maintain health, there are no sides to join, no alien enemies to vanquish, and no armies to conquer; as long as you survive the night you are free to wander, create and explore.

Even though I don’t play it much, I love this game for changing the way kids are talking about gaming. Instead of talking about weapons and kill hits, they’re talking about design features and construction. Instead of multiplayer modes that having them teaming up to destroy, Minecarft has them teaming up to create. Less gunshots and more hammers! 

From Campers to Counselors

Icamp isn’t just about creating amazing technology projects- it’s also about personal growth and development. Supporting other kids as they bring their ideas to fruition helps campers build skills in teaching, leadership, and team-work that last a lifetime.

Perhaps nothing better exemplifies this personal growth than our CIT program, in which former campers begin to take on more responsibilities at icamp. Jelly Bean Jelins and Laughing Lynne are two stellar examples of this program’s success. Both began as campers, stayed on as CITs, and are now valued member of the icamp staff. Here’s a brief look at what their icamp experience has meant to them.

1. As a camper, what attracted you to icamp and what kept you coming back?

Laughing Lynn: I loved how creative I could be, and was even encouraged to be, at icamp as a camper. The idea that I could build my own house or shoot my own movie without anyone telling me how to do it was enthralling
Jelly Bean Jelins: icamp gave me a place to mix my creativity and scientific sides and create projects that I was proud to take home and show my friends and family. I loved the work I was doing and would always come out with a personal sense of achievement. It made me feel like an adult: having a deadline, the Thursday craze, the Friday group collaboration, where as an older camper I was able to develop early leadership skills.

2. Why did you want to be a CIT? What did you learn from that experience?

Laughing Lynn: I first started out as a CIT really because I was in desperate need of employment, but it quickly became much more than that! Working at icamp has given me the priceless opportunity to work with kids and has shown me how much I truly enjoy it.
Jelly Bean Jelins: I wanted to be a CIT because of two things. One, I loved what I was doing and I never wanted to stop. Two, I idolized (my camp director) and wanted him to pass on his wisdom as an instructor to me. In the beginning the transition was a little difficult, but I learned that I was no longer a camper and that I had responsibilities to uphold.

3. Why did you want to be an icamp counselor? What do you enjoy about working at icamp?

Jelly Bean Jelins:  I love my job and I wanted to take on the full responsibilities of a counselor. The thing I enjoy most is when we get a really bright thinker, and I get to see them express their creativity for the first time in a new way, whether that be animation, architecture, or music.

4. How do you think you help campers recognize their own talents and potential?

Jelly Bean Jelins: I suppose the only way I know is positive encouragement and reinforcement. Let them know that their mind is truly the limit.

5. Looking forward, how has working at icamp helped you develop and/or build skills that will be useful to your future endeavors?   
Laughing Lynn: icamp has really helped me learn how to manage kids and what works in terms of the balance between control and fun. Right now I think I want to be a math teacher someday in the future, so those skills are invaluable. 
Jelly Bean Jelins: I have learned so much working here. I never was much of a team player before icamp, but now I know how to collaborate with my colleagues to get work done most efficiently. I have learned much too much about how to work with people to go into detail!

February icamp and Super Earths

It’s hard to think about February vacation when it’s 50 degrees and sunny outside. Not that we want to be shoveling driveways or chipping ice off windshields, but our sleds and skis haven’t seen much daylight this season.

Fortunately icamp has no weather restrictions. Whether the weather is unseasonably warm or a winter wonderland, campers at February icamp will be rocking out awesome technology projects at the JCC! There’s still time to save your child’s seat- call us at 617-395-7527 or click here to sign up online.

If your kids would like to get their hands on some of the cool equipment we have at camp and meet some of our amazing staff, come visit us at camps fairs in Acton, Brookline, Sudbury and Newton. See our events schedule for dates and locations.

Check It Out!

Westwood Gamemakers: Why just play video games when you can make your own? In this class students learn the fundamentals of object-oriented programming through video game design while creating their own games. Programming challenges make this a great class for both new and more experienced game-makers. Registration is open for classes starting Tuesday, January 31st for kids in grades 3 – 8.  Learn how to register here on our website.

Inspired by Fashion: The fashions of fraternal groups may look overly ornate by today’s style standards, but from a historical perspective, those fancy hats and swords may not be too out of line with the fashions of their times. This exhibit at National Heritage Museum examines fraternal fashions as a reflection of wider cultural changes. Visit the website for more information.

The Life of Super-Earths: Super Earths can’t leap tall buildings with a single bound, but the high mass planets may reveal some interesting insights into the origins of life. This free lecture on February 16th explores the implications of Super Earths, as well as “new efforts in astronomy and biology to peer into the unknown and determine how unique Earth life truly is.” See the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics website for details.

Packing Peanuts vs. Packing Mushrooms: Despite the rise of green products, most people still rely on Styrofoam or plastics to safely ship their packages. One company is looking to replace your bubble wrap with an eco-friendly alternative. Read our blog post to learn how.   

Classes and Workshops

Interested in bringing a CTWBoston class to your town or school this spring? Robotics, Video Game Design, Animation, Engineering, and our new Pre-School classes  are just a few of the exciting programs we offer to extend STEM learning. All classes center on student-led, hands-on learning activities that keep kids pumped!

For more information on scheduling programs in your town, call 617-395-7527 or email info@ctwboston.com