The State University of New York Binghamton

The School of Education and Human Development is working to design and offer a one week summer science camp for children-Kids Explore!  The program is designed as an enriching inquiry-based science experience for children in grades 1-7 and provides exposure to hands-on experiential learning.  For example, the children will build robots, investigate pond animals, create websites, and otherwise take charge of their own learning.  The knowledge children gain from hands-on activities and experiments is “grown organically” and stays with them.  Students develop a higher level understanding of science concepts and the world around them by direct engagement. 

The overall purpose of Kids Explore!  is to provide

an exciting opportunity for children to learn about science

through direct experience, thereby igniting a life-long

interest in investigating the world around them.

This summer, the Binghamton University campus will open its classrooms, laboratories, and computer pods to approximately 100 young scientists.  We will offer activities for four different age levels along different scientific themes.  Topics will be drawn from biology, physics, technology, nursing, and engineering and will include lab work, field work, and a culminating project.  All students will work closely with a team of learning guides composed of a BU faculty member, a master elementary teacher, graduate student assistants, and a high school intern.  Each student will be challenged to study real world problems, think as a scientist, test ideas with experiments, and participate in research.  At the conclusion of the week, student teams will integrate their science, art, and communication skills to create detailed displays of their work for staff, parent, and peer review.

* Each learning group will be made up of 20-25 students.

* Students are grouped by the grade they just completed.

* The core program will run from 9:00 a.m.  to 3:00 p.m., with morning and afternoon science components.

* Mid- and end of the day recreational activities will take place outdoors and in BU facilities. 

The School of Education and Human Development at Binghamton University needs friendly, outgoing high school students interested in science, engineering or science education, to assist in the Kids Explore!  Summer Science Program as Student Interns.  Student Interns will help Binghamton University faculty and program teachers in the science lab and in the field this summer for one week (August 16-20, 2004).  Interns will act as teaching assistants, lunch monitors and lab helpers for the younger students and be present from 8:15 am - 4:15 pm.  This internship will provide interns with community service hours.  For more information contact our office at 777-4580 or email: abaron@binghamton.edu.

Intern qualifications include:

* Must be entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade in fall 2004.

* Must write a paragraph on why he/she would like to be an intern for our program.

* Must have a science, math teacher or guidance counselor write a letter of recommendation.

* Must provide own transportation to and from the University.

* Previous experience with kids preferred!

All materials must be returned by May 14, 2004.  Please send to:

Binghamton University

SEHD

Professional Development and Research AB-130

Attn: Anne Baron

P.O. Box 6000