Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and more—they’ve all changed life on our planet over and over again. Discover how people and ecosystems have responded to extreme events throughout geologic time. Construct model lava flows, asteroid impacts, and volcanoes. Build a model city and put it to the test with a mega-quake-tsunami challenge.
Learn more about Extreme Events.
Calling all explorers! Build your nature skills to have fun while staying safe in the great outdoors. Get prepared and find out what to bring on your outdoor adventures. Learn first aid, how to recognize when someone needs help, and what you can do to assist right away. Practice filtering water, learn how to safely start a fire, and build a shelter in nature. Hike the Powdermill trails to play out wilderness survival scenarios and build your safety skills.
Learn more about Outdoor Skills.
Get out in nature and learn how to protect it as you become an environmental champion. Learn about land stewardship, why it’s important, and ways you can practice it. Trek through the forest to identify and safely remove invasive species. Explore the benefits of native plants and gain hands-on experience maintaining Powdermill’s native gardens. Discover ways to preserve natural areas while keeping them accessible for exploration.
Learn more about Living with the Land.
Visit the habitats of animals big and small as you learn about the types of places different creatures call home. Learn how human architects gain inspiration from nature’s structures and animal dwellings. Design insect homes and observe bugs up close using magnifying glasses and microscopes. Explore how beavers make dams and bees make hives, plus learn how leftover chipmunk holes become homes for snakes. Bring your favorite toy animal to camp and create a model of its very own dream house!
Learn more about Animal Architecture.
From anthills to wasp nests, animals have unique ways to create shelter. Throughout the week, you’ll undertake a habitat design challenge using naturally available resources to replicate nature’s designs and see if your creations can withstand the same elements of their natural counterparts. Explore different cultures to discover how they are inspired by the natural world. Take a hike for inspiration as you explore nearby Schenley Park to scope out example structures in nature.
Learn more about Build It & Break It.