Summer Science Camp blasting off

Second year for ExxonMobil/Bernard Harris event

 

Feb. 11, 2010--ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp will blast off at Trine University for the second year July 11-23, thanks to an $80,000 grant from ExxonMobil and the Bernard Harris Foundation.

Dr. Bernard Harris, a former NASA astronaut and the first African American to walk in space, created the camps with support from ExxonMobil. Trine was among 11 new universities added to the program last year in a competition to make the ExxonMobil and Harris Foundation program available in more areas across the country.

The two-week residential camp will be for students entering grades 6-8. The camps are designed for traditionally underserved and under-represented middle school students across the country, and promote exciting careers in science by providing a fun-filled setting in which they can gain a deeper understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Fifty-four students, equally represented by young men and women, will be chosen for the program, with no cost to their families. Through the program theme “Robotimals: Animal-Inspired Robots,” students will explore how nature can inspire engineering solutions.

During their Trine stay, middle-school students will focus on the math and science components of robotics, and receive instruction in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, communication, and nutrition. Last year, a visit from Dr. Harris thrilled campers, and Dr. Harris is attempting to schedule a return trip to Trine this summer.

Students will be taught by Trine faculty and secondary classroom teachers, who will receive professional development training through the experience. Activities will include classroom study, experiments, individual, team and group projects, weekly field excursions and guest speakers who motivate students to fulfill their dreams.

To apply to attend the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps, students must be academically qualified, live in one of the designated Indiana, Michigan or Ohio counties, be genuinely interested in mathematics and science and be recommended by two teachers. More information about student eligibility and selection criteria can be found at the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp Web site at www.theharrisfoundation.org. The Web site www.trine.edu/conference_events also provides detailed information. Direct questions to embhssc@trine.edu. 

“The 2009 campers were such a treat for everyone on this campus,” said Kelly Stout, Trine’s executive camp director. “They truly bring a sense of excitement for learning and playing. We are honored to host this camp for a second year, and I can’t wait to meet our new campers!”