The Lawrence Hall of Science

The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.

Home // Past Camps and Classes



Online Science Discovery Camps for Grades 7 – 8 – 9

Registration is closed for this program. Please view our Teen Research Programs page for current offerings.

Building Bridges ONLINE for Grades 7 – 8 – 9

Two week ONLINE camp

The Bay Area is known for its many iconic bridges. In this online program, you will learn about different types of bridges, including truss bridges like the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge and suspension bridges like the Golden Gate Bridge. Using provided materials, you will practice using the engineering design cycle to design, build, and test a variety of bridges. Finally, you will take the role of a lead engineer and develop your own design using the principles you have learned and skills you have gained. 

What You Will Need at Home:

  • Materials that will be delivered directly to your home
  • A large flat surface with newspaper or covering to work on near an electrical outlet for using the glue gun
  • Access to water and a safe place to test bridges, using a bucket of water that can hang from a 50 cm bridge placed between two tables or chairs (bucket provided by The Lawrence) and a towel or blanket to put under a bucket of water
  • Please have at least 4 heavy objects such as textbooks

Member: $850 / Non-Member: $900

July 12 – July 23   2-4:30PM

Registration Closed

Coding for Space Exploration ONLINE for Grades 7 – 8 – 9

Two week ONLINE camp

Have you ever wondered how scientists on Earth can use coding to discover the secrets of space? In this online program, you will learn the basics of block-based programming. Together we will engage in design and engineering practices, including identifying and solving problems. You will build a model space station using a robotics kit and recycled materials, then program your model to do things that real-life space stations do, like responding to light, objects, and motion. 

What You Will Need at Home:

  • Materials that will be delivered directly to your home including a Hummingbird™ Kit valued at $210 that is yours to keep for future use
  • A Windows or Mac computer with a USB-A port to transfer data to the Hummingbird™ Kit. Note that a Chromebook will not work for this program.
  • A collection of recycled materials for crafting with; it’s best to start collecting now!

Member: $940 / Non-Member: $990

June 21 – July 2   10AM-12:30PM

Registration Closed

Storytelling with Data ONLINE for Grades 7 – 8 – 9

One week ONLINE camp

Fact is, with good data you can always tell a more convincing story. Data can tell us a lot about what’s going on in our world, whether it be our climate, our economy, or even our school community. But what can you do if some people just don’t understand, trust, or feel as if data are relevant to them? In this online program, you will learn to critically analyze and use data, along with multimedia strategies—including visualization, storytelling, and scientific argument—to communicate about issues important to you. Using tools from statistics and persuasive writing, you will learn to find the data you need to answer personally relevant questions, create visualizations and arguments, and build your own Data Stories about important issues that help others understand how these issues affect us and our world.

What You Will Need at Home:

  • Materials that will be delivered directly to your home
  • A laptop or desktop computer and access to stable Internet service

Member: $425 / Non-Member: $450

July 5 – July 9     10AM-12:30PM

Registration Closed