Implementing a Virtual STEM Camp for Middle- and High Schoolers in a Post-COVID Climate Leveraging Prior Experience

This paper discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education and STEM learning, leading to the development and implementation of a virtual STEM camp.It highlights the benefits of virtual camps in providing accessible and inclusive learning experiences, breaking geographical barriers, and promoting equity.The paper also proposes the concept of a hybrid STEM camp for middle and high schoolers, combining the advantages of both virtual and inperson learning formats.Drawing from the experiences of the Nanomaterials group, under the guidance of Professor Shudipto K. Dishari, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which successfully transitioned from in-person to virtual camps at the height of the pandemic, the paper provides an overview of the steps taken to prepare and organize the virtual camp.Feedback obtained from both virtual and in-person summer STEM camp participants is discussed, and key strategies for a successful implementation of a hybrid STEM camp are shared.The proposed hybrid STEM camp aims to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners, fostering their passion for STEM, and preparing them for a successful future in these fields.The inclusion of in-person workshops, enriched with immersive experiments and hands-on projects, will solidify theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, while the virtual components ensure accessibility to a broader audience and promote collaboration between students across various geographical locations.The hybrid STEM camp is envisioned as an innovative and dynamic program, inspired by the experiences of the Nanomaterials group, to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators and problem solvers in the world of STEM.