Dinah Whipple STEAM Academy

DWSA Junior Innovators

For students new to DWSA & entering grades 5-8. This project is designed for a hands-on adventure into physical and biological sciences. During the first two days, campers explore the fundamentals of engineering by designing and building real-world structures—think bridges, buildings, dams, and flood defense systems. Then, on days three and four, they’ll dive into the basics of biology through engaging experiments and interactive activities in biological technologies. Campers will even get the chance to visit UNH labs for an up-close look at cutting-edge science in action. This program is ideal for students in grades 5-8 who are new to DWSA and want an inspiring introduction to hands-on STEM learning!

DWSA Tech Trailblazers & STEM Scholars

For returning DWSA students OR students entering grade 9 & above.

Project 1: Microbes and Fermentation - Did you know that tiny microbes help make some of your favorite foods—like bread, yogurt, and even pickles? In this week-long camp, you’ll uncover the science behind bacterial fermentation and how it powers everything from our digestive system to sustainable energy. We’ll explore how microbes help (and sometimes harm) our bodies, how they transform food, and even how they’re used in environmental science. Whether you’re into biology or food science, or just love experimenting with cool ideas, this camp will open your eyes to the hidden world of microbes and their surprising superpowers!

Project 2: Sustainable Infrastructure - What do long highways, beautiful bridges, towering skyscrapers and complex water systems all have in common? Have you ever wondered how they were designed and built? In this project, campers will explore the wonder of infrastructure – the constructed environment that shapes our world – through exciting, hands-on projects. They'll learn about structural integrity by designing and building some of the strongest and most sustainable towers, testing their creations and exploring the principles of load-bearing and material science. Campers will also uncover the science behind clean water access by purifying their own water, experimenting with different filtration methods and understanding the importance of water quality. Through teamwork, creative problem-solving, and engaging challenges, they'll experience the excitement of real-world engineering and innovation by building, experimenting, and exploring their way to a deeper understanding of how the world around them is made

Project 3: Smart Tech & Weather Wonders - Students in this project will explore the exciting world of Electrical and Computer Engineering through hands-on projects designed to teach about real-world technology solutions to everyday problems. Participants will learn engineering principles, coding fundamentals, and scientific inquiry by building a Smart Traffic Light System and a Weather Station. The traffic light project will involve designing circuits, programming microcontrollers, and incorporating sensors, while the weather station project will focus on integrating sensors, collecting and analyzing weather data, and visualizing data. Through these projects, students will develop coding and problem-solving skills, experience the engineering design process, and gain a deeper understanding of how technology is used to solve problems in the real world.

Do not enroll here unless you have received notice of admission from a Tech Camp staff member via email. If a student enrolls without applying and being accepted, the enrollment will be dropped.

Click the '+' on the block on the right to enroll. If using a mobile device, the block may appear on the bottom of the page. Review the Online Registration Instructions before enrolling for the best outcome.

Family Accounts are recommended for enrolling multiple children from one family in any UNH Youth Program. If you already have an account in our system, you will be asked to log into either a Family or Student Account after adding the program to your shopping cart. Be sure to use the username and password for the type of account you wish to log into. We recommend attempting to log into the Student or Family account before enrollment opens as this will minimize difficulty and time while enrolling. Email youth.programs@unh.edu if you require assistance recovering your account information. Do not create a new account if you have one already.

If you don't have an account already, you can set up an account at any time, even before you begin the registration process. When you create a new account, the email address provided in the profile should be that of a parent/legal guardian, not the participating student. Review the Online Registration Instructions before creating a new account.

UNH has partnered with CampDoc to quicken the enrollment process. Enrollments and payments will still be made here through our current enrollment system, but no registration questions will be required at that time. Within a few days of enrolling, the email provided in the student or family account will receive an email prompting completion of the registration questions.

It is important that a parent/guardian responds to the CampDoc email and completes the registration questions promptly. Families who enrolled a child in a UNH Youth Program in Summer 2023 or after will likely already have a CampDoc account. Even if the student already has a CampDoc account, a parent/guardian should log into the student's account to review and complete any necessary questions for a specific program or year.

All registration questions must be 100% complete in CampDoc before a student can attend a youth program.

For more information, including the CampDoc Support Line, review our CampDoc page.