Monday

On Monday, the students of Cluster 4 learned about the equation for bending stress and its practical applications. To put these skills into practice, the students conducted an experiment centered around balancing stones of equal mass in unequal quantities by altering their relative placement from the structure’s normal axis. Finally, students began phase 2 of their renewable energy project, where they must continue to iterate upon their existing models to meet more stringent requirements.

Monday Res-Life

The third week kicked off with refreshing morning runs and perfect weather to pair, offering a scenic start to the day. Then once again after classes came evening activities! Some campers took a trip to Gliderport basking in the breathtaking cliffside views. Others enjoyed Just Dance, fun and artistic paint-by-number activities, and resume building workshops to prepare for their final projects.

Tuesday

On Tuesday, the students of Cluster 4 continued their Design Build Project. Teams iterating the wind turbine blades experimented with new shapes, angles, and aesthetics for the blades. The tower teams used the observations accrued from the initial tower’s failure to create improved structures that can withstand more force while using less material. They also began work on the final deliverables for the design build project, including a new design sketches, resumes, and the final brochure.

Tuesday Res-Life

The already action-packed week culminated with a spirited game of capture the flag. Students showcased their creativity by making clay keychains such as Garfield and flower bouquets, while others indulged in journaling and scrapbooking, wrapping up their COSMOS experience with a blend of fun and reflection.

Wednesday

Today, the students dived into more math and physics-heavy concepts. More specifically, the students learned about statics and static equilibrium. Throughout this lesson, students continued to learn about more familiar concepts, such as moments and free-body diagrams, which help to visualize the forces acting on an object. While the concepts might have been complex, the students were able to quickly grasp and apply what they had learned in the lecture and activities. To end the day, the students continued to iterate and continue working on their project, hoping that their second prototypes of both their blades and towers would do well in the trials on Friday.

Wednesday Res-Life

On Wednesday, the nightly programming was once again filled with joy and laughter! Students played dodgeball on the green, with RA Darren being the referee! Bubbles of numerous shapes and sizes were created by the many different bubble wands provided. Students had a blast running around, blowing and popping bubbles! For “Deck out your accessories,” the RAs provided white headbands for students to decorate. Meanwhile, in Middle Earth made no-sew blankets through a method called tie-blanket making. Some students joined all of their blankets together to make a jumbo one! Tie-dyeing was also very impressive! Campers tie-dyed socks, bandanas, and scrunchies in front of Asia hall. There were even patches to choose from to further spice up the item of choice! All these activities marked another spectacular night at COSMOS.

Thursday

On Thursday, students went and listened to a presentation on women in stem. They learned about challenges women faced in the workplace and how these women worked in their respective fields. It was inspiring to hear all of their stories and how they got where they are today. Later students went to the 2nd largest shake table in the world where they learned about the mechanics and different experiments held at the shake table including parking garages and 10 story buildings. They then came back and continued working on their towers and wind turbines. 

Thursday Res-Life

Thursday evening began with an exciting game of Family Feud held in Middle Earth. Teams of students competed enthusiastically for a chance to win fun and quirky prizes, bringing out the competitive spirit in everyone. Following the game, students embarked on a scenic hike, capturing stunning photographs of the natural beauty surrounding them. The hike was a perfect opportunity for budding photographers to hone their skills. Later, campers enjoyed a relaxing time at a Korean café, where they savored delicious treats and beverages. The night concluded with a creative lip balm-making session, where students experimented with different flavors and scents to create personalized lip balms.

Friday Res-Life

For Friday, the night was dedicated to a cozy and nostalgic movie experience with a screening of "Inside Out." Students gathered to watch the heartwarming film, which explored a range of emotions. To complement the movie, campers enjoyed themed snacks that matched the characters' emotions. There were colorful chips, an assortment of candies, and a variety of drinks, each representing a different emotion from the film. The themed snacks added an extra layer of fun to the movie night, making it a memorable experience for all.

The Weekend

Saturday Res-Life

Carnival day an LSP to remember! The night was filled with vibrant activities and joyous laughter. Students participated in a variety of carnival games, playing to win tickets that could be exchanged for exciting prizes. The carnival featured fun stations such as face painting, where students could get creative designs painted on their faces, and a photo booth, where they could capture fun moments with friends. There were also classic games like darts and an oversized Connect Four. The carnival atmosphere, with its colorful decorations and lively music, created an unforgettable day of fun and camaraderie.

Sunday Res-Life

The evening was all about music and movement with a lively COSMOS End of Summer dance event. Students gathered to dance the night away, moving to the rhythm of upbeat tunes. The dance floor was filled with energy and excitement as everyone showcased their best moves singing along to the music. The event provided a perfect opportunity for students to let loose, have fun, and connect with their peers through the universal language of dance.