Circuits, Cardboard & Creativity: A STEAM-Powered Summer

By Alex Cathcart, BB2C STEAM Intern

This June, BB2C (Building Bridges to Careers) ignited the spark of innovation and curiosity at our Middle School STEAM Camp. Designed to expose young minds to future career paths in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, our immersive three-day camp transformed everyday objects into tools for creativity and learning.

“It was really awesome to see students be able to use all the different parts of the Makerspace to branch out from a central project into other skill sets,” said Makerspace Director Jared Wittekind. “The process was a perfect example of how student makers can push themselves to expand their talents and innovate when provided the right tools.” 

On the first day, campers were introduced to the basics of circuitry. They explored the fundamental components of a circuit, learning about conductors and insulators in an interactive setting. The kids tested everyday items to check for conductivity, transforming ordinary objects into parts of electronic circuits. This hands-on experiment laid the groundwork for their next challenge—creating custom game controllers from everyday objects. 

Day two took on a musical twist with the creation of cardboard guitars. With guidance, campers wired their instruments to include a ground and frets, enabling them to mimic the experience of playing “Guitar Hero” using a surprisingly affordable setup. This activity not only introduced the principles of sound and music but also demonstrated how unconventional materials could be transformed into functional art.

On the third and final day, the focus shifted to more advanced projects. The kids learned how to wire custom laser-cut controllers and guitars that could be linked to their favorite online games. This culminated in a powerful moment of realization: technology and creativity can merge to create entirely new forms of play and expression.

At BB2C, we break down barriers between traditional classroom learning and hands-on exploration. Our camps provide students with a platform to see firsthand how STEAM subjects converge in exciting ways, paving the way for future careers in these ever-evolving fields. We can’t wait to build more bridges, inspire more innovation, and empower the next generation of creators and problem solvers! To connect with us about STEAM student opportunities through the Makerspace, email makerspace@bb2careers.org.