Ever wonder what the first soccer balls were made of? How robots work? Or how to make an invention that will help make your life easier?

Children learned the answers to those and many other questions last week as Camp Invention took fun and education to a new level at East Garner Magnet Middle School. Thirty-three students were split into two classes – rising first through third grades and rising fourth through sixth grades.

The week was full of “ah-ha moments,” according to Camp Director Duane Hedley. Instructor and Garner Magnet High School anatomy, physiology, forensics and marine ecology teacher of 21 years Bill Hines saw the light bulb flick on for the students as they learned about the mobius strip, which turns into the recycle symbol.

Like the one-sided strip of paper, recycling keeps going and going, Hines told the students.

“As long as you recycle, you’ll have resources to use,” he said.

As students entered Instructor and five-year GMHS science teacher Scott Gainer’s class, they gathered in a semi circle on the floor and beat on their homemade drums. Gainer sat on a stool in African garb, drumming a beat on his “talking drum” as the introduction for the next lesson. They made soccer balls from balloons, duct tape and feathers, much like ancient soccer balls made of animal organs and leather.

Just in time for the FIFA World Cup, students got to take a turn on the field and show off their moves with their new soccer balls.

“We’re out here to have fun,” Gainer told the kids as they picked teams.

Children also created robots made of Styrofoam, toothpicks, cork and a battery and motor. Each day, they worked with their robots, decorating them and creating a home made of recycled materials. Students also brought in old technology to take apart in order to create a new invention. One young inventor even tried his hand at making a disco machine with LED lights.

What’s the greatest part of Camp Invention? Students can make each of the projects at home and continue to use their imagination.

Invent Now Kids celebrated 20 years of Camp Invention across the nation in 2010. The week-long camp get kids interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning. The camp finished its fourth year in Garner with the help of 13-year teacher science teacher from EGMMS Hedley, who was in his first year as camp director, as well as the instructors and counselors GMHS senior Carolyn Vreeland and seven-year EGMMS teacher Brian Cole.