8 Science Camps for Middle School Students
Summer science camps offer middle school students the chance to dive deep into specific scientific fields, providing hands-on experiences that go beyond what you’d find in a typical summer program. Unlike general summer activities, these camps are focused, with structured sessions on topics like biotechnology, engineering, or AI, giving students direct access to expert knowledge and advanced tools. This immersive approach gives students a chance to explore their interests in ways that the regular classroom cannot, sparking curiosity and fostering a passion for science.
Surrounded by peers who share their enthusiasm for science, students are able to collaborate on projects, participate in experiments, and apply their knowledge to practical situations, all while gaining insight into potential STEM career paths. The structured yet fun environment encourages creativity and innovation, helping students gain confidence in their abilities and explore the far-reaching impact of science in everyday life.
For middle schoolers looking to deepen their interest in science, here are 8 science camps for middle school students. Whether they’re building robots, analyzing ecosystems, or conducting chemistry experiments, these camps will ignite students' curiosity and set them on a path toward future success in STEM.
1. STEM camps at Education Unlimited
Education Unlimited offers a variety of STEM camps designed for middle school students, providing hands-on experiences across various scientific disciplines:
Astrophysics: Students explore space science, learning about galaxies, black holes, and the mechanics of the universe.
Cardiology: A focus on human biology, specifically the heart and circulatory system, offering insight into medical science.
Genetics: Campers delve into DNA, genetics, and inheritance, participating in lab-based experiments.
Marine Science: This camp introduces students to marine ecosystems and the environmental science of oceans.
Python Programming: An introduction to coding, with practical projects in Python for real-world application.
Robotics: Students design and build robots, gaining skills in engineering and programming.
The program is available both in-person at prestigious campuses like Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, and online, offering flexibility in participation. The in-person camps range from day camps to extended-day and overnight formats, ensuring a comprehensive experience.
Cost: Tuition varies by format and location (day camps, extended day, or overnight). Fees are yet to be updated for 2025.
Location: University campuses across the U.S. and online.
Application deadline: The deadline typically depends on the specific camp and can vary, but it's advisable to apply early as spots may fill up quickly. Applications for the 2025 summer are scheduled to open soon.
Program dates: The camps run from June to August. Specific dates for the 2025 summer schedule will be available soon.
Eligibility: Designed for rising 6th to 8th graders, with specific requirements or prerequisites depending on the course.
2. Veritas AI
Veritas AI offers online summer programs designed for middle schoolers, with two primary pathways available. The first is the AI Trailblazers boot camp, which introduces participants to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning, along with essential Python programming skills. Students engage in hands-on AI projects across various sectors, including medicine, finance, and autonomous vehicles, all while being mentored by experts from prestigious universities. This boot camp spans 25 hours over ten weekends, making it ideal for beginners.
For those who have either completed the boot camp or already possess some Python knowledge, the AI Junior Fellowship presents an exciting opportunity. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants work closely with a mentor to create their own project or research paper. This pathway allows students to explore AI in diverse fields, showcasing their passion and expertise. Students will conclude the boot camp with a hands-on project in a topic of their choosing, with past projects ranging from developing machine-learning models for music genre classification to creating algorithms that curate tailored educational resources.
Cost: AI Trailblazers - $1,990 | AI Junior Fellowship - $3,900. Need-based financial aid is available.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: The winter cohort deadline for both the programs is December 1, 2024.
Dates: The AI Trailblazers runs for a total of 25 hours over 10 weekends and the AI Junior Fellowship runs for 12 weeks. Check their website for the latest information.
Eligibility: AI Trailblazer - Grades 6-8 | AI Junior Fellowship - High school and Middle school students.
3. Penn GEMS: Engineering, Math, and Science Camp
Penn GEMS is a week-long day camp that provides hands-on exposure to engineering fields such as bioengineering, nanotechnology, materials science, graphics, and computing. The camp is designed to inspire middle school students, particularly girls, to explore STEM fields through interactive activities, teamwork, and problem-solving challenges.
Participants will engage in practical projects that emphasize real-world problem-solving and teamwork. Throughout the week, students will work alongside Penn students, gaining insights into engineering careers while developing skills in critical thinking and collaboration. The camp is designed to introduce students to engineering concepts and encourage continued study in math and science.
Note: Penn GEMS operates as a day camp only, and participants are expected to be picked up and dropped off at the Penn campus.
Cost: $650
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus, Philadelphia, PA
Application deadline: Applications for the 2024 camp closed in March 2024. Applications for the 2025 camp will open soon; please check their website for the latest information.
Program dates: The camp typically runs in June, with specific dates for the 2025 summer to be announced soon.
Eligibility: Middle school students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in the Philadelphia area, within a 60-mile radius of Penn’s campus
4. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week intensive designed to introduce middle school students to academic research in a variety of fields. Students work one-on-one with a mentor who is a scholar from top universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale. Over the first four weeks, students explore four topics within a chosen field before narrowing down to one specific area in the second half of the program.
In the final two weeks, students develop and implement their own projects, which could range from research papers to more hands-on project outcomes, depending on the track they choose. The program was designed for middle school students eager to explore areas like AI, biology, economics, psychology, and more, while also developing critical thinking and research skills in a structured, mentorship-based environment. You can find the application form here.
Cost: $2,400 (Financial Aid is available).
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The upcoming winter cohort application deadline is November 24, 2024.
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The next winter cohort starts December 2024
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 - 8 can apply.
5. Middle School Biotech Camps - Code of Life
HudsonAlpha's Educational Outreach team offers summer Biotechnology Camps designed for middle school students. These half-day camps take place in the educational facilities at HudsonAlpha and feature three distinct options.
One of the primary camps is the Code of Life (Basic Camp), a week-long, hands-on biotech camp that focuses on DNA. Participants engage in hands-on experiments, including DNA extraction and genetic engineering, while exploring how DNA influences physical traits. A highlight of the camp is the opportunity to create glow-in-the-dark bacteria, making learning interactive and enjoyable. Additionally, students learn about enzyme functions and gain practical experience with laboratory tools such as micropipettes and centrifuges.
After completing the basic camp, students can advance to more specialized camps like ‘I Want to Work in a Lab Coat’ and ‘The Secret Lab’, providing an excellent pathway for those interested in enhancing their biotechnology skills.
Cost: $200
Location: Cummings Research Park, Huntsville, AL
Application Deadline: Registration typically opens in March. Application dates for the 2025 camp to be announced soon.
Program dates: The 2024 programs took place in July 2024. Program dates for 2025 to be announced.
Eligibility: Rising 6th through rising 8th graders.
6. UT Dallas Biology Camps for Middle School Students
The UT Dallas Biology Camp is designed for middle and high school students who want to explore biology through hands-on experiences. The camp covers key topics such as genetics, ecology, and microbiology. The curriculum emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, helping participants develop a strong foundation in biology and preparing them for more advanced science courses in the future. Students will conduct experiments, go on field trips, and participate in workshops to learn practical skills in these areas. For those interested in Advanced Placement, the
Fall AP-Biology Virtual Sessions run on Saturdays from October to December. These three-hour classes, conducted via Microsoft Teams, are tailored for students currently enrolled in or planning to take AP Biology. Led by experienced instructors, the sessions cover key topics from the AP syllabus and include dedicated time for test question practice.
Cost: $200 registration fee. Specific tuition information may vary.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Camp registration is currently open. Click here to apply.
Program Dates: The camp runs on Saturdays from October To December 2024, from 2 PM – 5 PM.
Eligibility: Middle school students
7. Intermediate Marine Science Camp Program
The Intermediate Marine Science Camp offered by the Acadia Institute of Oceanography is a two-week hands-on camp designed to immerse students in marine biology and oceanography. Participants get to set up their own saltwater tanks, explore beaches, and study tidal pools, salt marshes, and bogs.
The curriculum includes activities such as whale watching, water testing, and exploring island geology, allowing students to gain practical lab skills while working on real marine science projects. This camp is a great option for those who want an active learning experience in marine science, and many students return in later years to participate in the advanced sessions.
Cost: $3,200 for a two-week session
Location: Seal Harbor, ME
Application Deadline: Applications are closed for Summer 2024 and will reopen for Summer 2025 in October 2024.
Program Dates: June 22 - July 4, 2025 and August 3 - 15, 2025
Eligibility: Students aged 12-15 years.
The NC State offers summer day camps designed for rising 6th to 8th graders interested in engineering. Each day focuses on solving real-world challenges through engineering, and past activities include designing earthquake-proof bridges, creating solar-powered boats, and even making nitrogen ice cream.
The camp also offers AI Play, a unique experience where students explore artificial intelligence technologies and their application in digital game design. The camp encourages teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, offering an immersive, fun, and educational experience. The curriculum is refreshed annually, ensuring a unique learning experience each summer.
Cost: $500 for the week, including lunch and snacks.
Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Application deadline: Applications for the 2024 camp closed in March 2024. Applications for the 2025 camp will open soon; please check their website for the latest information.
Program dates: The camp typically runs in July, with specific dates for the 2025 summer to be announced soon.
Eligibility: Open to all students entering 6th through 8th grade in Fall 2024, including home-schooled and out-of-state students.
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