Summer Springboard
Middle School Fundamentals of Engineering
ON THE CAMPUS OF UC SAN DIEGO
THIS PROGRAM COMBINES ACADEMIC COURSES, INTERACTIVE LABS, AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO GIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS A SUPPORTIVE, FUN, AND ENRICHING SUMMER EXPERIENCE.
THIS IS A ONE-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Middle School Fundamentals of Engineering
- Explore how engineers use creativity and science to solve real-world challenges.
- Dive into hands-on projects where you’ll design and build models inspired by engineering principles.
- Learn the design process of planning, building, testing, and redesigning while practicing teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving.
- Explore multiple engineering fields such as civil, mechanical, and electrical through engaging activities and challenges.
- Turn everyday materials into working prototypes as you explore how energy, motion, and structure come together in amazing ways.
- Explore the diverse world of engineering through visits to leading technology firms and engineering companies.
Summer Springboard
Middle School Marine Biology
About This Course
This course is an engaging and hands-on introduction to the exciting world of engineering and design. In this weeklong program, middle school students explore how engineers use creativity, science, and innovation to solve real-world problems. Through a series of themed projects, students learn to think like engineers using the design process to plan, build, test, and redesign their creations. Students engage with select branches of engineering to build a broad understanding of how energy, motion, and structure work together in our modern world.
Students will transform everyday materials into working prototypes while developing teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills. By the end of the program, students will have gained a strong foundation in engineering principles and the confidence to see themselves as future inventors, builders, and change-makers.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
This course emphasizes learning by doing through exciting, hands-on engineering projects that bring core STEM concepts to life. Each day, students apply scientific principles to design, build, and test their own creations such as rubber band–powered vehicles, functioning circuits, and programmable prototypes. Guided by the engineering design process, students move beyond theory to experiment, problem-solve, and iterate their designs, gaining a deep understanding of how real engineers approach challenges. By the end of the program, students will have built a collection of tangible projects that demonstrate their creativity, teamwork, and technical skills.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“The experience was very fun. The classes were well prepared and organized. The excursions planned were cool as well. Overall, the experience of this camp was amazing!”
– Alexis W. | SSB Middle School Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Middle School Marine Biology
Meet Your Instructor
Instructor Information Coming Soon!
Courses are taught by accomplished and passionate faculty recruited from many area colleges, universities and professional forums. Each faculty member is selected for their subject area expertise and proven ability to both challenge and captivate students.
Summer Springboard
Middle School Marine Biology
Dates & Tuition
| 2027 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: July 4 – July 9, 2027 |
| Session 2: July 11 – July 16, 2027 |
| Session 3: July 18 – July 23, 2027 |
| Session 4: July 25 – July 30, 2027 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition:$2,998* |
| Commuter Tuition: $1,598* |
| Course Supplement: $250 |
*Apply by November 30 to lock in the lowest prices of the year. Tuition increases on December 1.
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: San Diego |
| State: California |
| Campus: UC San Diego |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly, UW Foster, and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.