MEDIA CONTACT
Kim Kleven, Vice President of Play & Learning
507.344.9102
kim.kleven@cmsouthernmn.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota’s Whirlwind Explorations Camp Partners with 3M for a Hands-On STEAM Adventure!
June 6, 2024 – MANKATO, MN – Get ready to be “blown away” as the Museum kicks off summer and “launches” Whirlwind Explorations Camp and an exciting announcement of a new partnership with 3M! This innovative collaboration promises to take campers on an exhilarating journey to explore all things “up in the air.”
From rocket building to pop bottle launches, chemical reactions to sailboat races, parachutes to wind chimes – this camp is designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). With the support of special guests from 3M, campers will dive into hands-on activities that explore the fascinating principles of flight and the power of wind.
Whirlwind Explorations Camp will be offered three different dates: June 12, June 18 and July 11.
Camp Highlights Include:
- Rocket Building: Learn the science behind how rockets fly and build your own model to launch.
- Pop Bottle Launches: Experiment with chemical reactions to create powerful bottle rockets.
- Sailboat Races: Design and race sailboats, understanding how wind propels them.
- Parachutes: Create and test parachutes to see which designs float best.
- Wind Chimes: Construct wind chimes and discover how air currents create sound.
- Loose Parts Exploration: Use various materials to direct wind, build wind tunnels, and determine which items fly best.
In addition to these thrilling activities, the camp offers a comprehensive STEAM-based curriculum that encourages creative thinking and problem-solving. Campers will engage in active play, interactive games, and literacy activities, all set within our awe-inspiring Museum environment.
“We are excited to collaborate with 3M to offer this remarkable experience to our campers,” said Kim Kleven, Vice President of Play and Learning. “Through this partnership, children will have unique opportunities to explore STEAM concepts by building their own rockets and, with the support of 3M staff on site, launch them, inspiring the next generation of innovators”.
In addition to Whirlwind Explorations Camp, the Museum is offering several other exciting camps this summer, including Pollinator, Sew Much Fun, Tech Tinkerers, Innovators in Action and Sproutin’ Up Camp. Camps are geared toward children that have finished kindergarten – 4th grade in the 23-24 school year.
How to Sign Up: To register for Whirlwind Explorations Camp or any of our other summer camps, please visit www.cmsouthernmn.org/curiosity-camps. Spaces are limited, so sign up today to secure your spot in these incredible summer camps.
About the Children’s Museum: The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is a nonprofit organization with a mission to ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment. The Museum engages diverse audiences from across our region and enriches children and families with opportunities for hands-on play.
Since opening its doors in 2015, over 100,000 visitors—young and old—have visited annually. A central draw to the Museum is its interactive exhibits and a wide variety of programs, which focus on play, exploration, and ongoing education; STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs; theater and cultural experiences, as well as many Ag education offerings. The Children’s Museum offers daily opportunities for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to explore and play with their children in its indoor and outdoor spaces. More information at www.cmsouthernmn.org.
About 3M: 3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas, and science to reimagine what’s possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we’re working to improve lives and make what’s next at 3M.com/news.
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