Science camp coming to Trine

Campers will learn about exciting careers

 

June 17, 2010--ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp, founded by former NASA astronaut Bernard Harris, will touch down at Trine University for the second year on July 11-23.

Sponsored by ExxonMobil, the two-week camp is free to underserved middle school-aged students. The program has been offered since 2006, and has expanded to 30 college campuses across the country. Dr. Harris founded the camp to inspire campers to dream big as they learn about exciting career possibilities in sustainability, energy, clean water and robotics through the study of science, technology, engineering and math.

The residential camp will be for students entering grades 6-8. Fifty-four students, equally represented by young men and women, have been chosen for the learning experience. Through the program theme “Robotimals: Animal-Inspired Robots,” students will explore how nature can inspire engineering solutions.

                                                                                                                                                                      

“ExxonMobil is committed to engaging the next generation of creative minds, thinkers and developers who will keep the United States competitive,” said Suzanne McCarron, president of ExxonMobil Foundation. “By partnering with Dr. Harris, we are able to reach talented students and provide them with an experience that could lead them to pursue a career in math, science, engineering or technology.”

Campers will learn from Trine faculty, attend daily classes in natural science, engineering, mathematics and technology and enjoy activities including classroom study, experiments, individual and team projects, weekly field excursions and inspirational guest speakers. As part of their educational experience, the campers will also work side-by-side with engineers and other accomplished technology professionals.

“Trine University is honored to once again host the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp,” said executive camp director and Trine Middle College director Kelly Stout. “Not only are we providing these students with two fun-filled weeks on our campus and offering many students the unique opportunity to experience a college campus for the first time, we are investing in our community by encouraging the next generation of innovative problem-solvers.”

On Tuesday, July 20, campers will participate in ExxonMobil Media Day in Hershey Hall. Media professionals from the campers’ home areas will visit to hear about the camp and its impact and watch exciting science demonstrations like a raft race. For more information, please visit the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp website, www.theharrisfoundation.org.