It's probably safe to assume that lots of kids have dreamed of getting their hands on their parents' old stereo or DVD player and taking it apart to see the device's inner-workings.
The 110 children participating in Camp Invention this week have had the chance to do just that, using the items salvaged from the electronics to build something new.
Each day, the children cycle through five science- and math-based classes, like Magnetropolis, I Can Invent: Balloon Burst and Inventeureka. The classes, which are being held at , were designed by Camp Invention, which is a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation.
"There's always a challenge (that is) very scientific," said Cheryl Crenshaw, Rockland School teacher and one of the coordinators of this year's camp. "It all builds up to the end of the week."
Children use a variety of items to complete those challenges. The "base camp," which is housed in the school cafeteria, features the "recycle pile" — items like boxes and milk cartons that were donated by the children's families.
In one of the classes, for example, children must create a device that will pop a balloon, Crenshaw said. One group of students created a miniature golf course using recycled materials.
On Friday, the children will hold an Inventors Showcase, where they will show off their final projects.
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