Camp S.W.A.G.’s STEM-X Discovery Lab introduces students to science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on challenges designed to spark curiosity, strengthen confidence, and make learning memorable.

Over four progressive workshops, students work as investigators, designers, and problem-solvers. They make predictions, test ideas, record results, improve their designs, and communicate what they discovered.

Activities are adapted for three grade-level learning tracks: Grades 2–3: STEM Explorers, Grades 4–5: STEM Investigators, and Grades 6–8: STEM Engineers.

Each session is led by a trained Discovery Lab Navigator who transforms STEM learning into an interactive adventure.

[ ACCESS GRANTED: Learning Is an Adventure ]

✅ Program Snapshot | DATA LOG

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Mission

Inspire curiosity and build confidence through hands-on STEM investigation, experimentation, and engineering.

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Duration & Format

Four 75-minute workshops delivered over four consecutive weeks. A condensed 60-minute format may be available when required by a partner’s schedule.

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Resources & Audience

All core program materials are provided. Designed for youth in Grades 2–8, with activities adapted for each grade-level track.

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Key Focus

Ask • Imagine • Plan • Create • Test • Improve • Communicate

✅ Grade-Level Learning Tracks | MISSION LEVELS

🔎 STEM Explorers

Grades 2–3

Observe and describe.
Make simple predictions.
Compare outcomes.
Use introductory STEM vocabulary.

🧪 STEM Investigators

Grades 4–5

Develop predictions or hypotheses.
Identify variables.
Measure and record results.
Compare designs and outcomes.

⚙️ STEM Engineers

Grades 6–8

Work within design constraints.
Collect and interpret data.
Modify designs using evidence.
Explain scientific and engineering decisions.

✅ What Students Experience | CORE MODULES

STEM-X Discovery Lab features six hands-on core modules. Partners select four modules for their four-week series. Each module is adapted according to the participating grade levels.

🚀 Fizzy Rocket Launch

Propulsion, Pressure, and Motion

Build and launch mini rockets using age-appropriate chemical reactions.
Explore propulsion, pressure, force, and motion.
Test how changes in materials or design affect results.
Connect the activity to aerospace engineering and propulsion science.

🧲 Magnetic Mania

Magnetism and Polarity

Investigate magnetic fields, attraction, and repulsion.
Test how different materials respond to magnetic forces.
Design and improve a simple magnetic creation or challenge.
Connect magnetism to engineering, electronics, and medical technology.

🧪 Slime Lab

Polymers and Viscosity

Create stretchy, bouncy slime while exploring polymers.
Compare texture, elasticity, and viscosity.
Test how changes in ingredients affect the material.
Connect the activity to chemistry and materials science.
Take-home slime is included.

💡 Glow-in-the-Dark Goo

Fluorescence and Light Energy

Create goo that glows under ultraviolet light.
Explore fluorescence, light absorption, and energy transfer.
Compare how materials respond to different light sources.
Connect the activity to chemistry, photonics, and material design.
Take-home goo is included.

🎈 Balloon Power Blasters

Air Pressure, Force, and Motion

Explore how air pressure and force create movement.
Build and test a balloon-powered design.
Measure distance, speed, or performance based on grade level.
Improve the design using evidence from test results.

🫧 Bubble Science Blast

Surface Tension and Geometry

Explore surface tension and bubble formation.
Investigate bubble shapes, structures, and geometric patterns.
Test tools or solutions to improve bubble performance.
Connect the activity to chemistry, architecture, and materials engineering.
Take-home bubble wands may be included.

🚀 Every session is hands-on, interactive, and designed to help students explore STEM with confidence.

✅ The Four-Week STEM-X Journey | PROGRESSIVE LEARNING

STEM-X Discovery Lab is more than four separate science activities. Each workshop contributes to a progressive learning experience.

Week 1

Ask & Investigate

Students make observations, ask questions, and develop predictions.

Week 2

Imagine & Plan

Students explore possible solutions, create designs, and prepare to test their ideas.

Week 3

Create & Test

Students complete hands-on experiments, collect results, and compare outcomes.

Week 4

Improve & Communicate

Students use evidence to improve their work and share what they discovered.

📘 STEM-X Mission Portfolio

Each student receives a STEM-X Mission Portfolio to use throughout the four-week series.

Depending on grade level, students may record:

✅ Predictions or hypotheses
✅ Design sketches
✅ Materials used
✅ Observations and measurements
✅ Test results
✅ Improvements made
✅ STEM vocabulary
✅ Career connections
✅ Final reflections

The portfolio gives students a record of their ideas, discoveries, and progress.

👥 STEM Team Roles

Students work individually and in small teams while rotating through age-appropriate STEM roles.

✅ Lead Investigator
✅ Design Engineer
✅ Materials Manager
✅ Data Recorder
✅ Safety Monitor
✅ STEM Communicator

These roles encourage responsibility, teamwork, communication, and active participation.

✅ How the Program Works | IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE

🗓️ Program Structure

Four consecutive weeks
One 75-minute workshop each week
Designed for groups of 10–30 students
Ideal group size: 15–25 students
Partners choose four of six modules
Activities are adapted for the participating grade levels

🎁 What Camp S.W.A.G. Provides

A trained Discovery Lab Navigator
Four hands-on STEM modules
Age-appropriate instruction and guided investigation
All core activity materials
STEM-X Mission Portfolios
Rotating STEM team roles
Real-world STEM career connections
Setup and cleanup

⏰ Scheduling

During the school day
After school
As part of an existing youth program
Weekly on the same day and time for four weeks

We work with partners throughout Raleigh-Durham, the Piedmont Triad, and Charlotte to select modules and finalize scheduling.

⭐ Final STEM-X Share-Out

During the fourth session, students participate in a brief STEM-X Share-Out.

Students or teams may explain:

✅ What they investigated
✅ What they predicted
✅ What happened
✅ What their results showed
✅ What they improved
✅ What they would test next

The share-out reinforces scientific communication, teamwork, confidence, and pride in learning.

✅ Program Outcomes | RESULTS

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STEM Curiosity & Confidence

Students build confidence asking questions, testing ideas, and exploring unfamiliar concepts.

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Hands-On STEM Experience

Students investigate science and engineering concepts through experimentation and design.

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Data & Scientific Thinking

Students make predictions, observe results, compare outcomes, and use evidence.

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Problem-Solving & Teamwork

Students practice collaboration, communication, responsibility, and improvement.

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Real-World STEM Connections

Modules connect STEM concepts to careers, technologies, and real-world challenges.

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Scientific & Engineering Foundations

Students practice elements of the scientific method and Engineering Design Process.

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STEM Communication

Students explain their ideas, results, discoveries, and design decisions.

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Documented Learning

Mission Portfolios give students a record of their ideas, testing, and progress.

✅ S.W.A.G. Science Station | EVENT BOOTH

🧪 High-Impact STEM Activities for Events

The S.W.A.G. Science Station brings fast-paced, hands-on STEM exploration to fairs, expos, STEM nights, school celebrations, and community events throughout Raleigh-Durham, the Piedmont Triad, and Charlotte.

Science Station Features:

✅ Dynamic hands-on STEM activities
✅ Activities selected according to event size and audience
✅ Guidance from trained Discovery Lab Navigators
✅ Flexible configurations for schools and community events
✅ Optional take-home creations or experiment kits

Ideal for STEM nights, school celebrations, youth expos, fairs, festivals, and community events.

✅ Partnership Rates | ACQUISITION

STEM-X Discovery Lab is offered through partnership packages for schools, youth organizations, and community partners throughout Raleigh-Durham, the Piedmont Triad, and Charlotte.

Partners select a group-size package and four STEM-X modules. Scheduling, grade levels, program setting, and optional additions are confirmed during the partnership process.

View Detailed Pricing 💵

Ready to Launch STEM-X Discovery Lab in Your Community?

Camp S.W.A.G. is committed to creating meaningful, hands-on STEM opportunities for youth. Let’s create a learning experience your students will question, test, build, improve, and remember.

💵 View Pricing 📧 Contact Us 📞 Call: (424) 354-9196

STEM‑X Discovery Lab • Interest Form

A high-voltage, hands-on STEM exploration program for students in Grades 2–8, serving communities across North Carolina from Raleigh-Durham through the Piedmont Triad to Charlotte.

Please complete this brief form to express interest in bringing Camp S.W.A.G.’s STEM-X Discovery Lab or S.W.A.G. Science Station to your school, youth program, organization, or community event.

Non‑Discrimination Policy

Camp S.W.A.G. (Students With Ambitions & Goals) is committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming, and equitable environment for participants, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

Camp S.W.A.G. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, family structure, or any other status protected by applicable law in the provision of its programs, services, activities, volunteer opportunities, or employment opportunities.

Participation remains subject to the stated age, grade-level, program, safety, and eligibility requirements established for each Camp S.W.A.G. program.

Any participant, parent, guardian, staff member, volunteer, or community partner who believes they have experienced discrimination or harassment should report the concern to Camp S.W.A.G. staff. Reports will be reviewed promptly, handled confidentially to the extent reasonably possible, and addressed in accordance with Camp S.W.A.G.’s policies and procedures. Retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith report or participates in the review of a concern is prohibited.

STEM-X, Discovery Lab! 🚀

CAMP S.W.A.G.’S STEM-X DISCOVERY LAB