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CORTLAND -- Creating small boats that float and passing a water-filled sponge around in a relay race were among the hands-on science activities children took part in at the 4-H STEM Summer Sizzle Camp.
The two-day camp at the Trumbull Agriculture and Family Education Center, hosted by the Trumbull 4-H Program, allows kindergarteners to fifth-graders to experience science through fun activities.
Ashlee Meardith, 4-H educator at the Ohio State University Extension office, said the "Summer Sizzle" activities had children making nature suncatchers, small boat or pool floats, and a lifeguard tower from pool noodles and toothpicks.
"We incorporated critical thinking skills and using your imagination with hands-on learning activities. The children are very excited with creating and using their imagination to build and construct," Meardith said.
She said there are educational lessons provided to the children before they take part in the activities.
"They learned about the importance of sunscreen and sun safety. There was also a nature hike and children learned about different parts of the garden," Meardith said.
Noelle Barnes, a 4-H program assistant, said the activities are something that any child can learn from. She said children formed short lines and used a sponge soaked in water to fill up a bucket with water as quickly as possible.
"We want to present as many educational programs as we can," Noelle Barnes said.
Wendy Lambert, a 4-H program assistant, said she hopes what the children learned will be able to be taken home with activities they can show their family and friends.
This is the seventh year for the program.
Kathryn Meckley, 7, of Masury, said she liked making a boat and a flower container during the three-hour camp. She said she learned how a boat floats and how to add water to a container.
Kipton Brainard, 6, of Cortland, said he liked creating a pool float that would stay on top of the water and a small lighthouse.
"I liked being able to make stuff," he said.