Announcing Summer Science Camps for Kids
Apr
26
Written by:
4/26/2012 7:47 AM
Edgewood College invites young scientists to explore the fascinating fun of the natural world this summer. Six science camps – each geared toward specific grade levels – offer the opportunity to keep inquiring minds sharp as the weather heats up. Registration deadline for all camps is June 4, 2012
Birds, Blossoms and Bugs...OH MY!!: An exciting, active, engaging, summer science camp for elementary students who will enter grades 1-3 in the Fall. This week-long adventure will focus on several aspects of nature. From taking part in the Mammal Olympics to becoming an “Aquatic Biologist” and exploring the microscopic marvels of Lake Wingra, participants will learn and experience new wonders each day.
Earth Encounters: This camp is filled with fun and adventure! During the week your young scientist - who will enter grades 1-3 in the Fall - will spend time with local scientists to sample a different science each day, including wildlife biology, geology, entomology, paleontology, and botany. Students will explore the natural environment using binoculars, microscopes, and magnifying glasses. We’ll take nature hikes to discover nearby ecosystems, hold GIANT arthropods, touch fossils, go on scavenger hunts, and make critter catchers, terrariums, and nature art to bring home. Students will be encouraged to “think like a scientist” and use their curiosity to learn about our natural environment.
Forensics: This program gives middle school students a behind-the-scenes look at forensic science. Through participatory research using written and visual media, field trips to the crime lab and the morgue, lectures by a forensic pathologist and hands-on activities in the lab, students will learn about the field of forensic science. Students will also have the opportunity to interact with a forensic anthropologist and pathologist and learn first-hand their motivation and passions, and envision a day in their life.
Geocaching: What could be more fun for middle school students than using twelve billion dollars’ worth of military satellites to find Tupperware in the woods? Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. This five-day experience will introduce students to the excitement and fun of Geocaching. Students will learn the history and specifics of Geocaching, hunt for “practice” caches, design their own cache containers, and even create their first “hide.” At the end of the week, students will seek out their classmates’ caches, and even go hunting for an official Geocache. A handheld GPS unit or GPS-enabled mobile phone is required. Students will sign up for their free account on Geocaching.com so that they can continue to hunt for caches after the camp ends.
Science Careers in Our Backyard: This program gives middle school students an in-depth look at the life and work of a person working in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field. Students will learn career options in STEM through hands-on experience, field trips, lectures and workshops. Students will have the opportunity to interact with professionals in these important fields.
Seven Wonders of Wingra: Students entering grades 4-6 in the Fall should come explore the Seven Wonders of Wingra! During our week together, we will be interacting with and appreciating Lake Wingra and the surrounding Edgewood Campus. Some highlights of our week-long camp will include a tour of the rain gardens in the Mazzuchelli Biological Field Station, a boating trip around Lake Wingra, a GPS investigation of the Edgewood Campus, an expedition to the springs surrounding Lake Wingra and making Winnebago inspired crafts. We’ll also enjoy a chance to create a Google Presentation about Lake Wingra using data we collect during camp and much more! This week-long summer camp is an exciting opportunity to learn more about the history and natural beauty of Lake Wingra, and enjoy a great spot in Madison, Wisconsin.