University of Memphis parents can help their children develop anappreciation for science with a new Campus School day camp.
Camp Invention registration began Feb. 23 at The U of M CampusSchool. The program is open primarily to children of Universityfaculty, staff and students in first through fifth grade. CampInvention is a five-day camp beginning June 1.
"We're excited because this is the first time we've offered theday camp," said Talana Vogel, Campus School assistant director. "Wefelt that it's valuable for students and faculty because of theon-hands experience using science activities"
Camp Invention, a Campus School educational outreach program, isaimed at promoting creativity and teamwork while developingchildren's problem-solving skills through science and math. TheNational Inventors Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio, sponsors theweek-long camp, founded in 1990.
The camp uses scientific-based activities as a means ofincreasing children's interest in science and math.
Programs like Camp Invention help children get excited abouttechnology, and help to develop an interest in science, said EricMathews, FedEx Institute of Technology assistant director.
"These programs teach new skill sets to students on how toengage critical-thinking skills that apply to daily life," Mathewssaid. "It also increases the chance for the matriculation ofstudents into science and technology programs."
|
Camp Invention' 5 DiscoverActivities * Ride Physics: students explores Newton's Law of Motion through making amusement park models. * Green Scene: students build Ecotown after cleaning up oil spills and water pollution using renewable resources and exploring solar power. * Sound Busters: students make rock-and-roll instruments, learn to muffle city noises and record sound effects and radio commercials. * I Can Invent: students invent and change game aspects (players, equipment, area and rules); invent or improve existing small appli ances (clocks and radios); and apply for patents. * Planet Zak: students survive a ship wreck and invent a board game based on their sur vival experiences. * For more information logon to www.campin vention.org or call Talana Vogel at 678-2285. |
Camp Invention teaches children about science through activitieslike creating amusement park models. The children use the models tolearn about Newton's Law of Motion.
Teachers take interactive roles along with students, said ScottHalm, Camp Invention marketing director.
"Children turn small successes into bigger success throughchild-created projects," he said. "From a scientific or sci-fistandpoint, creative solutions are not a regular part of the schoolday."
U of M Campus School administrative members have tried similarprograms in the past. However, some of these programs were notsuccessful, they said. Many of the programs, school officials said,lasted the entire summer and were too structured, resulting in lowparticipation rates.
However, Camp Invention is not expected to have these problems,camp organizers said.
"It's out-of-the-box learning of science and math concepts,"Halm said.
