The Science of the Built World: Welcome Concrete Engineering Summer Camp – Southfield, MI
The Science of the Built World: Welcome Concrete is a hands-on summer camp for high school students offered by Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan. Part of the university’s Summer 2026 pre-college camp offerings, this program introduces students to the science and engineering behind concrete—one of the most widely used construction materials in the modern world.
Designed for students interested in engineering, construction, architecture, or materials science, this camp explores how concrete is designed, mixed, tested, and used in real-world structures. Through guided experiments and applied learning activities, participants gain insight into how engineering decisions shape the built environment around them.
Program Details
Program name: The Science of the Built World: Welcome Concrete Camp
Ages served: 14-18 (Rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors)
Program type: Week-long civil engineering and materials science summer camp
Focus areas: Civil engineering, materials science, concrete design, structural thinking, problem-solving
Format: In-person
Pricing: $1,250 for Commuters | $1,400 for Residential
Date and time: July 20-24, 2026 | Commuters check in July 20 at 8:30AM at the Buell Management Building | Residential students check in July 19 at 3:00PM at East Hall
Location:
Lawrence Technological University
21000 West Ten Mile Road
Southfield, MI, 48075-1058
Program Overview
The Science of the Built World: Welcome Concrete summer camp introduces students to the role concrete plays in infrastructure, buildings, and transportation systems. Participants learn how concrete is engineered for strength, durability, and performance by exploring its ingredients, composition, and curing process.
Students conduct hands-on experiments to test concrete mixtures, analyze material properties, and evaluate how design choices affect structural performance. Camp activities emphasize scientific observation, data collection, and critical thinking, helping students understand how engineers approach material selection and structural design.
By connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications, the camp helps students see how civil engineers and materials scientists design the physical systems that support everyday life. The program also introduces pathways into engineering disciplines related to construction, infrastructure, and sustainable design.
Learning Focus & Skills Developed
Introduction to civil engineering and materials science
Understanding concrete composition and material properties
Scientific testing and data-driven evaluation
Problem-solving through applied engineering challenges
Analytical and critical thinking
Collaboration and teamwork in technical projects
Awareness of engineering roles in the built environment
Who This Program Is Best For
High school students interested in civil or structural engineering
Learners curious about construction materials and infrastructure
Students exploring architecture or engineering career paths
Teens who enjoy hands-on experimentation and analysis
Families seeking advanced engineering summer camps in Metro Detroit
About the Provider
Lawrence Technological University is a private university in Southfield, Michigan, recognized for its emphasis on engineering, technology, and applied sciences. The university integrates hands-on learning with real-world applications across its academic and pre-college programs.
LTU’s summer camps provide high school students with opportunities to explore engineering disciplines such as civil engineering, automotive engineering, robotics, computer science, and materials science in a university setting. Programs are led by experienced instructors who guide students through age-appropriate, college-inspired STEM learning experiences.
Program Location & Local Context
The Science of the Built World summer camp takes place on the Lawrence Technological University campus in Southfield, Michigan, within the Metro Detroit region. Metro Detroit’s extensive infrastructure, construction activity, and engineering workforce make it a strong environment for students interested in the built world.
For families in Southfield and surrounding communities, LTU’s civil engineering camps offer local access to hands-on learning experiences that highlight how engineering decisions impact buildings, roads, and public spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need prior engineering experience?
No. The camp is designed for beginners and does not require prior experience with civil engineering or materials science.
Is this camp hands-on?
Yes. Students participate in hands-on experiments involving concrete mixing, testing, and analysis.
Is this a residential summer camp?
Yes. Both commuter and residential options are available.
Where does the camp take place?
The camp is held in person at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan.
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