Every educator, guardian, counselor, coach, and anyone dedicated to childhood successes are always looking to develop youth skills. From refining our fine motor skills in Pre-K to mastering complex math equations in Middle School, Operation Xcel is dedicated to building and strengthening Youth Skills. During our Afterschool program and our 3 Steps Ahead summer program, the teachers and assistants that come in each day are always finding ways to engage our scholars. With skill development being a huge goal for all educators worldwide, July 15th has been recognized as World Youth Skills Day! Visit the UNESCO International Centre for TVET page on Youth Skills Day to learn more and join in on the conversation!
Some avenues of skill development are more fun than others. One great option to keep things intriguing to the youthful mind while also making sure progress is being made is through STEAM Projects! Below we’ve gathered FIVE different fun summer experiments that can help build a brighter future for the youth of tomorrow.
- Make your very own Cloud In A Bottle using this article. All you’ll need is an empty 1 liter bottle, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, a rubber stopper, and manual air pump with ball inflating needle (optional; matches, water). Learn how clouds form as you watch your own form right before your eyes!
- Want to see how water naturally filters? Make your own At Home Water Filter using this post. Your supplies will include an empty 1 liter bottle, fine sand, coarse sand, gravel, charcoal, cotton balls, craft/popsicle sticks, tape or hot glue, (optional; glass jar or dish for clear water to pour into). Read and follow along with the pictures to make sure you add your layers in the correct order.
- Get a little messy and make OOBLECK! The tried and true, D-I-Y, non-Newtonian fluid that reacts like a solid under pressure but liquifies without it. This article has many different recipes, pick a few and try them out yourself!
- Summertime is perfect for the outdoor explorers to find all the cool bugs! Help keep them on the right course with this Magnetic Compass you can make right at home. Make sure you have a large sewing needle, magnets (stronger is better here), a cork, medium or large bowl, water, and pliers! Once you’re done, go test out your compass and create a list of the coolest critters you see.
- Jump back in time and revive the age old technique of Cyanotype Printing! Use the sun and shadows to create your own piece of physical, cloth art. Use this article to create your own Cyanotype Sun Art you can show off this summer! This can also be a great opportunity to remind your children about the importance of sunscreen and the wonders of UV rays from the Sun!
Learning is a process that never stops, we all learn something every single day. Summertime opens the door to the Summer Slide, which is a setback in learned material during the break from school. Operation Xcel is invested in making sure learning never has to take the back seat. Here's a few opportunities in our community to take advantage of while you can!
- Free Book Friday
- Borrow An Experience
- Shark Teeth Explorers - JULY 11, 10:30AM - 11AM
- Flashback 70s: Family Festival - JULY 11, 11AM - 4PM
