What is Science Matters?
Science Matters is a summer STEM enrichment program offered by the College of Sciences and Mathematics Outreach at Auburn University. Designed for students entering grades 1 through 7, the program brings science to life through hands-on activities, themed weekly camps and creative challenges that spark curiosity and confidence in learning.
Science Matters camps are designed and led by experienced educators and university staff and take place on Auburn’s main campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are COSAM Outreach & SCORE?
COSAM Outreach provides science education programs for K–12 students and teachers throughout the year, creating pathways for exploration and discovery at every stage of learning.
Science Matters also includes SCORE Summer Camps, offered through the Southeastern Center of Robotics Education. SCORE camps focus on robotics, coding and engineering and allow students to explore technology through hands-on design and problem solving.
Who Should Attend?
Science Matters is ideal for students who enjoy exploring, building, problem solving and learning how the world works. Camps are designed for rising first through seventh grade students with interests in science, math, technology and engineering.
No prior experience is required.
What Are Science Matters Camps Like?
Students participate in weeklong camps built around engaging themes that may include life sciences, environmental science, weather, engineering, anatomy and robotics. Activities are hands-on and collaborative and are designed to support creativity, teamwork and confidence.
Students may enroll in one or multiple weeks.
When Are Camps Offered?
Science Matters camps are offered across six weeks during the summer. Each week features different themes and age group offerings.
What is the Cost?
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Science Matters camps: $250 per week
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Curious Curators camps: $300 per week
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SCORE Robotics camps: $335 per week
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Non-refundable registration fee: $15 per participant
Registration opens in February and space is limited. Payment plans are available for families registering for multiple weeks.
What About Safety & Supervision?
Still Have Questions?
Camp Descriptions
Curious Curators (Grades 5–7)
Hosted in partnership with the AU Museum of Natural History, this immersive camp introduces students to field biology and museum science. Campers explore local ecosystems, collect specimens and learn how scientists curate and study biodiversity. Best for independent learners who enjoy being outdoors and working alongside museum staff.
Weather Wizards (Grades 1–2)
Young scientists explore clouds, storms and sunshine through hands-on experiments and playful discovery. Campers investigate wind, rain and temperature while learning how weather shapes our world.
Sky Explorers: The Science of Weather (Grades 3–4)
Students dive deeper into weather systems by observing the sky, measuring conditions and exploring how weather affects people, plants and animals. Activities include experiments, games and outdoor exploration.
Curious Curators (Grades 4–5)
Campers investigate local plants, animals and fossils while learning how museums collect, preserve and share scientific knowledge. The experience emphasizes fieldwork, journaling and hands-on discovery in natural settings.
Weather Wonders (Grades 5–6)
Older campers explore the science behind storms, clouds and climate through experiments and problem-solving challenges. This camp encourages curiosity and critical thinking while getting a little messy along the way.
Camp will take place on the Juneteenth holiday
Wild About STEM: Animal Science (Grades 1–2)
Animal lovers explore how animals move, eat and survive through hands-on experiments and engineering challenges. Campers build early STEM skills while investigating life science concepts.
Amazing Animal Explorers (Grades 3–4)
Students explore animal habitats, life cycles and food chains through observation, discussion and creative activities. The camp highlights how animals depend on their environments and one another.
Into the Wild (Grades 5–6)
Campers investigate animal adaptations, habitats and survival strategies through hands-on science and interactive games. This camp is ideal for curious students who enjoy exploring the natural world.
SCORE Robotics: VEX IQ Competition Camp (Grades 7–9)
Students work in teams to design, build and program robots for the upcoming VEX IQ competition. Campers use engineering notebooks, test mechanisms and develop strategies for friendly competition.
Storybook STEM (Grades 1–2)
Stories inspire hands-on STEM challenges as campers design, build and test solutions for favorite characters. This camp blends literacy, creativity and science through playful exploration.
Storybook STEM (Grades 3–4)
Campers turn stories into science adventures by building, experimenting and inventing solutions. The focus is on creativity, teamwork and curiosity-driven learning.
Anatomy Adventures: Inside the Human Body (Grades 1–2)
Students explore major body systems through hands-on activities and simple experiments. Campers build models and discover how bodies move, grow and stay healthy.
Body Builders: Junior Human Biologists (Grades 3–4)
An energetic camp where students investigate how body systems work together through games, building challenges and movement-based activities. Learning is active, collaborative and engaging.
Medical Microbiology (Grades 5–6)
This advanced camp introduces students to microorganisms and their role in human health. Campers explore anatomy and microbiology labs, practice basic lab techniques and investigate real specimens.
This camp is taught by a university lecturer.
