UofL space camp excites kids about STEM careers

Building paper rockets, eating like astronauts and creating “rocket fuel” were some of the activities kids got to enjoy at UofL’s Space Adventure Camp.

The space summer camp, held at UofL’s Rauch Planetarium, is one of several on-campus education camps for kids. The week-long program focused on the mysteries of outer space and what it takes to be an astronaut through fun, hands-on activities. For one activity, campers sent film capsules soaring into the air by combining Alka Seltzer and water to create "rocket fuel," for example. 

According to Space Camp Director Breanna Ausbrooks, the goal of the camp goes beyond space to get kids excited about any STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) field. “It doesn’t have to be space, but I really want to plant the seeds for them to want to learn more,” said Ausbrooks.

And what did the kids learn about spaceships? “That they are actually bigger and harder to drive than you think,” said camper Thomas Clayton.

Check out the video below to learn more: