Local youngsters from kindergarten through high school are invited to spend part of this summer building their own Web pages, measuring their heart rate while exercising, making slime, or even hunting for genes. These and other opportunities are available through several science camps and other programs at the University of Rochester beginning in July.
An overview of the programs is at http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/smd/mbi/outreach.htm.
Camps still accepting applications include:
Rochester Summer Science Camp, a one-week camp for boys and girls about to enter the 6th or 7th grade. The camp involves hands-on laboratory work, lectures by scientists, talks about careers in science, and a health and wellness day where students learn about nutrition and measure the physiological effects of exercise. The one-week session is held Monday through Friday, Aug. 16-20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fee is $170.
The Math, Science and Computer Camp for Girls is a two-week program open to girls ages 8 through 12 where girls use computers, take part in hands-on activities, visit laboratories on campus, and hear from guest scientists. Activities might include engineering bridges out of toothpicks, folding paper with mathematical precision into origami sculptures, or probing the number systems of other cultures. Sessions will be held July 5-16, July 19-30, and Aug. 2-13. The group will meet Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $340
The Summer Science Academy is a four-week program that consists of both guided and independent lab projects, discussion workshops, computer labs, seminars and field trips. The program emphasizes topics in biotechnology and molecular biology. Applicants must currently be in grades 9 through 12, have taken at least one year of high school biology or the equivalent, and have a strong interest in science. The four-week session will be July 19-Aug. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fee is $750; a few scholarships are available.
High school students also have the opportunity to explore several topics through half-day classes offered July 26-Aug. 6 by the University's Office of Special Programs. There are also other summer science camps on campus. For more information, call 275-4118 or check www.urmc.rochester.edu/smd/mbi/outreach.htm.