LFA Summer STEAM Camps
LFA’s summer STEAM camps are targeted to rising sixth through eighth graders and encompass a variety of Science and Arts topics. Sessions are fun, interactive, and are intended to provide a deep dive into subjects.
*The classes below ran in June-July 2022.
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Algebra 1 - Foundations ILength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 13–17 (8:30-11:30 a.m.)
Teacher: John Basbagill
This class is the first in a three-part sequence designed for students who would like to reinforce or advance their algebra 1 skills. Topics will include real numbers and operations, equations, inequalities, and functions. Class time will include games and group activities to supplement lessons. Students who would like exposure to a full range of algebra 1 topics should continue with the second and third parts in the series. -
Computer Programming - Mobile App DesignLength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 13–17 (8:30-11:30 a.m.)
Teacher: Joe Ward
No experience necessary! Learn how to make web-based applications that can be run on any device. This class will take you from no experience to having your own application created and installed on your own phone to share with your family and friends. The applications will start off simple but can be expanded into more complex applications as your skills develop! Languages include Dart, Flutter and Javascript. -
Creating Chemical PotionsLength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 13–17 (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
Teacher: Kerry Cedergren
This program will give campers the opportunity to participate in inquiry-based hands-on chemistry experiments. Students will separate dyes, turn copper into silver, determine how much blue dye is in sports drinks, make a potato clock, learn how to make ice cream (and then eat it!), solve a mystery and much more. -
Forensic ArcheologyLength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 13–17 (8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m.)
Teacher: Ruth Smith
Have you ever wanted to solve a forensic mystery? Would you like to go on an archeological dig? In this week-long class, students will learn methods for analyzing evidence. They will learn how archeological and forensic techniques are utilized together while they excavate a burial site and then use deductive reasoning skills to justify their conclusions. By the end of the week they will use forensic investigative techniques to resurrect information about an ancient crime that will culminate with a facial reconstruction. -
Geometry - Foundations ILength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 13–17 (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
Teacher: John Basbagill
This class is the first in a three-part sequence designed for students who would like to reinforce or advance their geometry skills. Topics will include points, lines, planes, and angles. Class time will include games and group activities to supplement lessons. Students who would like exposure to a full range of Geometry topics should continue with the second and third parts in the series. -
Introduction to Computer HardwareLength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 13–17 (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
Teacher: Mikel Seidl
Most computer courses focus on computer coding or on electronics but skip over the most important part - the computer itself! In this week-long series of sessions, campers will learn about the various components of a computer - what they do and how they work together. Campers will learn how to build a computer and troubleshoot potential issues throughout the process. The week will culminate in using the computers they build to run retro games that they can play with their classmates. -
ActingLength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 13–17 (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
Teacher: Matt BoresiFor young performers with stage experience, those looking to try acting for the first time, or those just looking to build confidence, this class will help budding actors work on their voice, movement, character creation and reactions. The camp will feature theatre games and up-beat ensemble activities and is capped off with a brief showcase for parents and friends. -
Film ProductionLength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 20–24 (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
Teacher: Jason Koenig
For those with prior experience in filmmaking or none at all, this program will give campers the opportunity to get hands-on with filmmaking equipment and collaborate with their fellow campers to make a short film. Throughout the week, campers will learn the basics of the production process, from conceptualization to post-production. Campers will explore the core elements of story composition, cinematography, and editing. -
Outdoor Environmental ScienceLength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 20–24 (8:30-11:30 a.m.)
Teacher: Kevin Hagen
Let’s get outside! Come explore the Lake Forest Academy campus and surrounding area through an environmental lens. Each day will focus on a different unit, from aquatics and water quality testing, wildlife ecology and tracking (we’re talking scat identification, campers), forestry and tree identification, soil science, and mapping with GPS. Each half day session will give students time inside the classroom engaging in inquiry-based labs, and time outside of the classroom bringing these concepts to life. -
Ceramics/Wheel Boot CampLength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 27–July 1 (8:30-11:30 a.m.)
Teacher: Yue Chen
This will be an opportunity for students to get an immersive experience in making pottery on the wheel. They’ll learn from a professional how to center, form and finish functional work that they can take home and use. Students with some experience will be able to build on their throwing skills, and beginners will get a thorough introduction to the wheel. -
Printmaking Art – Relief and Screen PrintingLength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 27–July 1 (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
Teacher: Yue Chen
Students will learn two main printmaking techniques---Relief (Linocut) and Screen Printing. They will learn how Relief printmaking works by carving a lino block and then printing it onto paper and/or fabric. Students will also learn basic Screen Printing skills, creating an image and making their own T-shirts or tote bags. -
Algebra 1 - Foundations IILength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 20–24 (8:30-11:30 a.m.)
Teacher: John Basbagill
This class is the second in a three-part sequence designed for students who would like to reinforce or advance their algebra 1 skills. Students should have familiarity with numbers, operations, and equations before enrolling in this course. Topics will include slope, systems of equations, exponents, polynomials, and factoring. Class time will include games and group activities to reinforce lessons. Students who would like exposure to a full range of algebra 1 topics should continue with the third part in the series. -
DNA Technology and GeneticsLength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 20–24 (8:30-11:30 a.m.)
Teacher: Ruth Smith
What does the future of medicine look like? Are X-men possible? In this week-long class, genetics will be explored using various methods including classical Mendelian genetics and some innovative applicative biotechnology. Students will begin to develop mathematical skills that aid in analysis of population genetics and will conduct population studies. DNA technology will be examined and students will begin to develop skills used by genetic engineers. DNA technology is the next great technology and this course will allow students to understand the future direction of this discipline of biology. -
Human Impact - from Home to PlanetLength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 20–24 (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
Teacher: Kevin Hagen
What does it mean to say we are “going green?” How big is your carbon footprint? Is global warming real? Does what we eat and where it was grown make a difference? What can one person do?
If your generation is going to save the world, you’re going to need to understand the impact we have on planet Earth. In this week-long class, students will look at answering these questions and many more through discussion, debate, activities and hands on labs. Learn how you can leave your mark on this environment and leave it in a better place! -
Algebra 1 - Foundations IIILength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 27–July 1 (8:30-11:30 a.m.)
Teacher: John Basbagill
This class is the third in a three-part sequence designed for students who would like to reinforce or advance their algebra 1 skills. Students should have familiarity with basic functions, systems of equations, exponents, and polynomials before enrolling in this course. Topics will include rational expressions, radicals, quadratics, and advanced functions. Class time will include games and group activities to reinforce lessons. -
Forensic Science: Crime Scene InvestigationLength: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 27–July 1 (8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m.)
Teacher: Ruth Smith
Do you like solving riddles and thinking logically through evidence. Campers will be given opportunities to test their analytical powers while comparing evidence to samples. You will learn how to methodically secure, search and investigate a crime scene. Based on the story and the clues, you will learn how to justify any conclusions you draw from handwriting samples, blood splatter, hair, fiber, fingerprint and toxicology evidence. During this class several Science Olympiad concepts will be covered.