Using white plastic balls and a light bulb, students learned Tuesday how the sun affects the phases of the moon.
But these weren't average students in an average science camp.
While youth across the state are enjoying summer vacation, some of their teachers are back in the classroom this week.
About 27 teachers from around the state are meeting in the Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College to learn the latest in science curriculum and the best ways to teach it.
Tonight, they'll take advantage of their host facility for a stargazing party through the observatory telescopes.
Instruction is combined with demonstrations and hands-on projects to help students better understand abstract scientific principles.
"They're trying to train kids to be literate scientists - to think," said Laura Tucker, professional development coordinator for the Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley. "Scientists don't get all their information on textbooks."
Carson City middle school science teachers Gail Bushey and Chris Whitcome arranged a grant from NASA for the first two days of space science instruction. A grant from the Math Science Partnership provided for three days of instruction in optics, physics and global warming.
Eight teachers in the group have been selected as mentors. They will receive additional training and will share what they've learned with new teachers at their schools and coach them through the teaching process.
Tucker, who coordinates similar programs across the country, said the training program here is top notch.
"People think big cities have it going on," she said. "What these guys have put together is actually pretty cutting-edge stuff. It's going to make a big difference."