Spring Break Camp at IMSS

Unleash your creativity in our Science Lab! Master essential medical skills that blend art, engineering, and innovation. From robotic surgical simulators to scientific medicine tools and models, we have everything you need to kick-start an exciting spring of discovery and creation.

Monday, March 24 – Friday, March 28, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$500 per camper ($450 for IMSS members)

After Camp (3–4 p.m.) available: +$100 per camper

Grades 2 – 7

Lunch not provided / Snacks provided

Goals

Encourage Curiosity and Creativity

~Spark children’s innate curiosity in science, anatomy, and technology.

~Inspire creative problem-solving through hands-on experiments and activities.

Introduce Foundational Medical and Engineering Concepts

~Provide interactive experiences with surgical tools, models, and medical instruments.

~Offer an accessible introduction to emerging fields such as robotics and biomedical engineering.

Foster Collaboration and Teamwork

~Engage children in group projects where they can learn from each other.

~Develop communication and interpersonal skills in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Promote Awareness of Health and Wellness

~Teach the importance of basic health practices and personal well-being.

~Connect medical science to everyday life and healthy habits.

Age Range

Designed for students age 7-13 (flexible based on maturity and interest level)

Duration and Schedule

One-week camp (Monday–Friday) during spring break.

Each day runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm, with breaks for lunch and snacks.

Class Size and Staffing

Target group size of 15–20 participants to ensure individualized attention.

Camp activities led by museum educators, assisted by volunteers and medical/engineering student mentors.

Activities and Resources

Hands-on labs with models of organs, robotic surgical simulators, 3D printing demonstrations, and more.

Safety-focused environment with child-friendly medical kits, protective equipment, and supervised tool usage.

Take-home materials (e.g., small models or DIY kits) to reinforce learning beyond camp hours.

Facilities

Access to a well-ventilated, safe classroom space within the museum.

Additional classroom space for group discussions, project setups, and presentations.

Easy-to-use audio/visual equipment for interactive lessons and demonstrations.

Milestones

Day 1 – Orientation and Exploration

Welcome & Icebreakers: Introduce participants and set group expectations.

Museum Tour: Explore surgical exhibits to provide historical context and spark initial excitement.

Basic Medical Skills: Learn about hygiene, basic anatomy, and the concept of sterile environments.

Day 2 – Hands-On Anatomy & Model Building

Anatomical Explorations: Use models and diagrams to identify major organs.

Interactive Workshop: Assemble or paint anatomical models (e.g., skeletal hand, organ puzzle).

Project Setup: Form small groups for the week’s core project (e.g., designing a prototype surgical tool).

Day 3 – Robotics and Engineering Concepts

Introduction to Robotics in Medicine: Demonstrate robotic surgical simulators and discuss how they’re used.

Engineering Challenge: Start building simple robotic arms or “prototype instruments” using basic mechanics.

Idea Sharing: Groups present initial progress and brainstorm improvements.

Day 4 – Innovation in Action

3D Printing Demos: Show how biomedical engineers design tools and implants.

Creative Lab Time: Continue working on robotic/engineering prototypes with museum educators’ guidance.

Kid-Friendly Medical Simulation: Practice safe, simulated “surgeries” or procedures to understand teamwork, precision, and focus.

Day 5 – Showcase and Celebration

Final Project Presentations: Each group demonstrates their prototype or shares key learnings.

Reflection & Awards: Highlight individual and team achievements, distribute participation certificates, and celebrate new skills.

Closing Ceremony: Encourage kids to pursue future interests in STEM and medicine.