Monday

On Monday, Cluster 4 began the day by learning about loads and load paths. Using this knowledge, they divided into groups and constructed a tensegrity structure, a structure held up entirely by tension. Afterwards, we designed the outline of our windmill for the renewable energy source project. This consisted of drawing the four orthographic views and deciding the material, angles, and size of the construction.

Monday Res-Life

It’s now the second week of COSMOS and campers got to enjoy new changes to their schedule! With the COSMOlympics finished, campers were granted more inside time and freedom around campus. With increased boundaries, many campers opted to visit Target or other fun locations around campus. Once programming time rolled around, a new set of activities were made available! For the crafty campers, crochet lessons and art collection tours were the way to go. But, for those trying to get their minds or bodies racing there was trivia and Zumba. Trivia games tested campers’ knowledge, while Zumba provided a lively and energetic evening. Initially empty, the Zumba session eventually flooded with students wanting to dance in the cool night air. Giant Connect Four and other lawn games added to the fun, making for another memorable day at COSMOS. 

Tuesday

On Tuesday, we began by putting finishing touches on our Ethics Project. We then began making the earliest iterations of both the tower and blades of the windmill for the renewable energy project. Even when only allotted with limited construction paper, balsa sticks, and straws, many groups were able to create effective windmills that were able to generate electricity. However, none of the teams had yet reached the minimum requirement of 0.2 volts.

Tuesday Res-Life 

On Tuesday, campers were still reveling in their expanded boundaries and free time. Campers explored the campus, enjoying snacks from the Price Center and playing on the basketball courts with buddies and groups. After dinner came the second large scale program of COSMOS! The Avatar Picnic brought excitement as each hall featured themed activities and snacks. Earth Hall hosted dirt cup making and a clay station, while Fire Hall offered spicy candy and lantern crafting. Air hall provided cotton candy and frisbee fun, and Water Hall featured Capri Sun drinks and magnetic fishing games. Participation at each of the booths earned campers tickets which tickets could be traded for various prizes like fidget toys, gel pens, and Legos. Although some campers chose to skip the picnic and grind out their ethics project. Overall every camper spent their time in fun and productive ways making for yet another great day at COSMOS.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, the students of this cluster learned about 1D, 2D, and 3D components of buildings from their teaching assistant, Axel! After the long but fun lecture, students were given an activity where they had to identify the various components of the world around them. Additionally, the students started a scavenger hunt where they had to find various structural components; for example, one of the things the students had to search for was an x-bearing, as well as many other things. After this, the students went to lunch only to come back to work on their design-build projects. As the testing date was rapidly approaching, you could see the students diligently working on their structures for this project in hopes that it would withstand the several tests. To summarize, today was a very fun and productive day for the students, and we hope for the best for all of the structures.

Wednesday Res-Life

On Wednesday the long awaited runs took place! Participants practiced resilience and strength running through the gentle breeze and fresh air. It was truly a memorable night for them! On the other side of Asia Hall, was origami night which provided detailed instructions for all kinds of origami like cats, birds and cranes. Taking place at the same time RAs gave out breakfast bars during pilates. Similarly to the previous days campers still had outside time to work on their ethics project. It was truly another wonderful day that combined various activities and interests together! 

Thursday

On Thursday, students attended an alumni panel talking about the benifits of attending this program. Panelists talked about their experiences and life after COSMOS showing students how COSMOS affected their lives. We then learned about how to use Onshape, a 3D modeling software. We learned the basics and made a dice in the software. After that we worked on our Design Build Project. Specifically teams worked on blade designs and tower creation.

Thursday Res-Life

On Thursday, students focused on completing their ethics project during the daytime, taking advantage of the beautiful weather and working outdoors. Next came the evening which was packed with fun as campers enjoyed cookies and curls with Matt, explored UCSD, and painted nails at Middle Earth, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

Friday Res-Life

Friday marked the beginning of family weekend. The campers who stayed at COSMOS kicked it off with a cozy movie night, watching the thrilling "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse." The communal experience brought everyone closer together, setting the tone for a memorable and joyful weekend!

The Weekend

Saturday Res-Life

During family weekend, those who opted to stay on campus enjoyed a sunny adventure at the San Diego Zoo. Campers explored the zoo, soaking in the sights and sounds of wildlife like zebras, elephants and red pandas! The evening featured a lively board game night, complete with different flavors of mocktails, arts and snacks, and a picturesque sunset photography session, capturing the beauty of the afternoon.

Sunday Res-Life

On the last day of the family weekend, the campers who left returned to a packed schedule. Around 2 o'clock the campers currently at campus attended an insightful UCSD admissions presentation before diving into a thrilling casino night. The evening was filled with poker, blackjack, and other games, with mocktails on hand to keep spirits high. A photobooth was also available, offering fun polaroids as a keepsake for the night. In addition to this, a COSMOS wide raffle added extra excitement with prizes like a plush, a speaker, a ukulele, and a Lego set.