Mola_1_06_dec114e7-e253-4d5a-9914-f0c541a97cf3.webp
Mola_3_8eae576a-0ca2-4e54-864d-3752df23bcea.webp
Soil Bin.png
Mola_1_06_dec114e7-e253-4d5a-9914-f0c541a97cf3.webp
Mola_3_8eae576a-0ca2-4e54-864d-3752df23bcea.webp
Soil Bin.png

4‑Week Civil Engineering Summer Camp

$0.00

This 4‑week program teaches leaners real civil engineering principles using MOLA Structural Kits — professional, modular, magnetic model systems that allow students to build, visualize, and physically test how structures behave under loads, bending, and lateral forces.
According to the MOLA Model documentation, these kits help learners “assemble, visualize, and feel structural behavior in a tangible way,” making engineering concepts accessible and intuitive.

Throughout the camp, students build structures, test loads, explore soil and foundation behavior, and refine their designs—just like real engineers.

This 4‑week program teaches leaners real civil engineering principles using MOLA Structural Kits — professional, modular, magnetic model systems that allow students to build, visualize, and physically test how structures behave under loads, bending, and lateral forces.
According to the MOLA Model documentation, these kits help learners “assemble, visualize, and feel structural behavior in a tangible way,” making engineering concepts accessible and intuitive.

Throughout the camp, students build structures, test loads, explore soil and foundation behavior, and refine their designs—just like real engineers.

WEEK 1 — Structural Systems & Engineering Foundations

Overview

Leaners explore how buildings and bridges stand, how forces move through structures, and why engineers design frames in specific ways. Using MOLA Kit 1, they build and test beam‑and‑column frames that react realistically to compression, tension, and bending.

Core Topics

  • Compression and tension

  • Load paths

  • Beam and column behavior

  • How structures deform under force

Hands‑On Activities

  • Build model frames with MOLA

  • Press, bend, and test structural response

  • Construct and load‑test simple beam bridges

  • Measure maximum loads and failure points

WEEK 2 — Trusses, Efficiency & Environmental Forces

Overview

Students investigate how engineers improve structural efficiency using triangles and braces, and how structures handle wind and earthquake forces. With MOLA Kit 2, leaners build trusses, braced frames, and continuous beams that show realistic lateral sway and stiffness under simulated forces.

Core Topics

  • Triangles vs. rectangles

  • Truss efficiency

  • Lateral stability

  • Wind and earthquake forces

Hands‑On Activities

  • Build and compare truss vs. simple beam bridges

  • Use MOLA components to model bracing and continuous beams

  • Shake‑table lateral-force testing

  • Wind‑load testing with fans

  • Redesign structures based on test results

WEEK 3 — Soil, Foundations & Water Engineering

Overview

Students explore how soil conditions affect buildings and bridges. They use soil bins to test settlement, erosion, reinforcement, and water flow, learning why foundations must be carefully engineered.

Core Topics

  • Soil types and settlement

  • Foundation strength

  • Erosion & water flow

  • Slope safety

Hands‑On Activities

  • Compare settlement in clay, sand, gravel, and soil

  • Reinforce foundations with mesh, widen bases, or add layers

  • Build small dams and test water pressure

  • Design and test safe slopes with toy vehicles

WEEK 4 — Structural Performance Challenge & Engineering Showcase

Overview

Campers apply everything learned to complete a structural performance challenge: Build and test bridges, towers, or multi‑level frames using MOLA Kits 1–3, then optimize them based on performance data.

Core Topics

  • Structural redesign & optimization

  • Testing under load, wind, and shaking

  • Evidence‑based engineering decisions

  • Effective communication of design

Hands‑On Activities

  • Build advanced structural models (frames, trusses, cable systems) using MOLA

  • Simulate wind & earthquake forces

  • Strength‑test bridge & tower models

  • Redesign for improved performance

  • Final group presentations to parents