Faculty in three academic departments will conduct a STEAM camp in August for talented middle school students enrolled in the Liberty Partnership Program.
At the four-day camp, faculty in Computer and Information Sciences, Geology and Environmental Sciences, and Theatre and Dance departments will dedicate their time and instruction to encourage middle school students to continue in higher education and further their passion for the STEAM fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Themes of each day are:
• Computer Hardware, Monday Aug. 5 – The disassembly and rebuilding of computer hardware will be taught by Adjunct Lecturer Gregory Cole.
• Geo Sciences, Tuesday, Aug. 6 – A series of hands on experiences that explore the science of geology in and around Canadaway Creek will be taught by Associate Professor Thomas Hegna. Students will learn how to read the language of the Earth by exploring different technologies for examining rocks to understand them as a snapshot of the past. How biological information gets written into the rock record via fossilization is also covered. Fossil skulls will be read for clues that they provide as to how they lived.
• Theatre Camp, Wednesday, Aug. 7 – The sword is the common element of the following: Jedi, from the “Star Wars” film franchise; Geralt, from “The Witcher” fantasy drama series and Aguilar, from the “Assassin’s Creed” video game series. Professor Ted Sharon will teach stage acting and stage combat. Students will learn stage combat techniques and how to use their skills to stage theatrical swordfights.
• Spreadsheets and Graphics, Thursday, Aug. 8 – Students will build on their math skills by creating electronic spreadsheets to perform calculations and analyze data. Mr. Cole will also teach students how to plan, create and interpret graphics.
STEAM camp sessions will take place from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. It is geared for students in the Liberty Partnerships Program, a state initiative designed to provide academic, social and personal support to students who are at risk of dropping out of school.
