← All camps in Chicago
Space & Aviation · 🏫 University of Chicago

SMART Outreach Program

The program offers a unique opportunity to visit leading scientific institutions like Argonne National Laboratory and Yerkes Observatory, providing exposure to large-scale national research facilities and astronomical observation.

🔥 High School 🕒 1-week Day Camp In-person All skill levels
Visit website → ✉ Email camp

About this camp

The SMART Outreach Program at the University of Chicago offers high school students an immersive, hands-on science experience. Participants will explore various STEM fields through unique demonstrations and experiments, gaining exposure to diverse scientific careers. The program includes visits to cutting-edge research labs at the University of Chicago, where students learn directly from scientists. Key activities involve witnessing superconductivity and the Meissner effect, exploring 3D printing by designing their own objects, and engaging with frontier quantum science and engineering research. Students will also visit leading scientific institutions like Argonne National Laboratory to explore large-scale research facilities and Yerkes Observatory for astronomy and astrophysics. The program also features building and racing solar cars to learn about renewable energy and electric vehicles, and participating in hands-on quantum physics experiments, including quantum entanglement. The program aims to enrich understanding of STEM fields and important scientific concepts.

What a typical day looks like

A typical day involves hands-on experiments and lab tours, such as 3D printing and prototyping, followed by visits to research facilities like Argonne National Lab or the Adler Planetarium, with a break day included.

Best suited for

This program is ideal for high school students interested in science and exploration, with a priority given to low-income or first-generation college students attending public schools on Chicago's South Side.

What you'll learn

Superconductivity 3D Printing Quantum Science and Engineering Astronomy and Astrophysics Particle Accelerators Renewable Energy Levitation

Location

University of Chicago

Sponsored · Research Ignited

Important notice for parents and students

Chicago STEM Summer Camps is a free directory service that aggregates publicly available information about STEM programs, summer camps, and educational opportunities. We do not operate, sponsor, endorse, accredit, certify, or have any affiliation with the camps and programs listed here unless explicitly stated.

All program details — including pricing, session dates, instructor credentials, curriculum, safety policies, refund terms, transportation, meal arrangements, and admission requirements — are sourced from publicly available information and may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Listings are partially generated and updated using automated AI-assisted research, which can occasionally produce inaccurate details. Parents and guardians are solely responsible for independently verifying every detail directly with the camp before enrolling, paying, or relying on any information shown here.

We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the accuracy, completeness, suitability, safety, quality, availability, or fitness for any particular purpose of any camp, program, or information shown on this site. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we disclaim all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind — including but not limited to financial loss, missed sessions, refund disputes, injury, child safety incidents, transportation issues, dissatisfaction with educational outcomes, or any other harm — arising from your use of this directory or your decision to enroll a child in any listed program. Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of these terms.

If you are a camp operator and notice any inaccurate information about your program, please contact us and we will review and update it. By submitting an inquiry via this site, you consent to the camp contacting you with information about their program.

← Back to all camps in Chicago