Spring Break STEM Camp at IMSS
Schedule
Mon, 24 Mar, 2025 at 09:00 am to Fri, 28 Mar, 2025 at 03:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
International Museum of Surgical Science | Chicago, IL

About this Event
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.
Where is it happening?
International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 108.55 to USD 535.38
