Summer Camp for Gifted and Talented Students Emphasizes STEM-H Fields

­A summer camp at Eastern Kentucky University for gifted and talented students entering grades 4-6 will emphasize the STEM-H disciplines: science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health.

The fifth annual event, titled “Soar to the New Heights,” will be held June 18-29 at EKU’s state-of-the-art New Science Building, which opened to students earlier this year.

The camp runs 8 a.m. to noon on each weekday through the two-week period and

features five courses taught by EKU graduate students mentored by EKU faculty:

·         Science on the Move, which combines the curiosity for science with the excitement of exercise activities. Students will travel through and explore a variety of science modules, including anatomy, exercise physiology, and nutrition.

·         Explore the Universe: The Solar System, where students will learn about the motion of the planets, the relationship between the Earth and moon, and more. They will also create art projects based on what they learn.

·         CSI: Crime Science Investigators, where students will be part of a detective team and learn about different techniques forensic scientists use to catch lawbreakers.

·         Space Odyssey, in which students will travel back in time with the Greek and Roman gods and learn dozens of constellations and the stories behind their characters. They will spend time in the Star Lab, a bubble big enough for 30 – while learning how to chart the stars and find constellations. Students will then see how NASA used the space shuttle to explore space and experiment with objects in zero gravity. Teams will build the interior of the cabin of a shuttle and design their own space station.

·         Lego-Botics, which will allow students to enjoy a hands-on robotics lab as they build problem-solving skills in the STEM disciplines. Students will model real-life mechanisms to explore the world of engineering while showing their critical thinking and logic skills.

Enrollment is limited, so early registration is urged. The cost is $65 per student, and all registration by mail must be postmarked by May 7. Students must be recommended by their school’s counselor or gifted and talented teacher. For more information or to initiate registration, contact Dr. Dorie Combs or Debra Sparks with the Gifted and Talented Program in EKU’s College of Education, 859-622-2154, Registration with payment may also be sent to: Curriculum and Instruction, Gifted and Talented, Combs Building 215, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Ave., Richmond, Ky., 40475-3102, attention Debra Sparks. Checks should be made payable to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Gifted and Talented. Parents should select first, second and third choices of classes, and placement will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.