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Four young girls in matching orange shirts examine specimens through microscopes at a science camp, focusing intently on their observations.

Campers visit the 35-foot mobile science lab, Auburn Geo Explorer bus.

It was a summer of discovery, curiosity and hands-on STEM learning as Science Matters Camp returned to Auburn’s campus with exciting week-long enrichment programs for students entering grades one through seven. The camp is hosted by the College of Sciences and Mathematics Outreach office and featuring collaborations with the AU Museum of Natural History (AUMNH).

Running weekly from June 2-July 18, Science Matters 2025 featured themed sessions ranging from prehistoric creatures and ocean exploration to space travel and the physics of amusement parks. Each week, students dove into age-appropriate programs that blend learning with creativity and exploration.

Camper highlights include dolphin Olympics during the ocean-themed camps, visiting the Geo Explorer Auburn mobile science lab during the prehistoric camp week and creating and testing roller coasters using basic physics principles during the theme park camp week. 

A group of children crouch together outside Helen Keller Hall, closely examining the ground as part of a nature-based STEM activity at Science Matters Camp.

Exploring nature is an important part of Science Matters camps. These campers hunt for different rocks and fossils during the I Dig Dinosaurs camp.

“It’s a beautiful thing to see children thrive in an environment where they’re given the time and space to explore creatively through hands-on learning,” said Sarah Barker, a 13-year teaching veteran and longtime Science Matters instructor. “School settings are valuable, but experiences like this build confident, curious learners who aren’t afraid to experiment and solve problems.”

One of the camp’s most popular sessions, Curious Curators, gave students the rare opportunity to participate in real biodiversity fieldwork. Campers collected and curated specimens from swamps, forests and fields — working alongside museum scientists to learn how natural history collections are built and preserved.

“Curious Curators made a big impact on me and what I hope to do for a career one day,” said Claire Jackson, a rising seventh grader and four-time camp attendee. “I got to be part of preserving nature, which I am passionate about. We were doing the work of real curators.”

Several young campers gather around a sensory bin activity, smiling and curious as one boy places his hands in a sealed plastic bag submerged in ice water.

Campers are not afraid to dive in and get dirty to learn about STEM.

Campers across grade levels shared that Science Matters is unlike anything they experience during the school year.

“Science is my favorite subject,” said Michelle Shin, a rising third grader at Creekside Elementary. “I got to look at cool things, ask questions and learn new things. I can’t wait to come back next year!”

“The STEM challenges were so much more fun than regular class,” added Crawford Reef, a rising fifth grader from Wrights Mill Road Elementary. “We got to build and test things ourselves. I liked that a lot.”

Whether campers dream of becoming an astronaut, a marine biologist or a museum curator, Science Matters Camp 2025 offered transformative experiences that will shape futures for years to come.

Science Matters is Auburn’s signature STEM summer program designed to inspire first through seventh grade students through engaging, interactive learning experiences. Led by certified teachers, the program emphasizes creativity, critical thinking and scientific exploration.