Summer Science Camps

Biology Camp

Biology is the study of living organisms from their fundamental building blocks to the processes that sustain life. This weeklong camp will explore both DNA and photosynthesis. Biology campers will get an in-depth look into photosynthesis, the conversion of inorganic molecules to organic foodstuffs performed by plants, using field and laboratory methods like colorimetry, light quantification, population sampling, protein extraction, and gel electrophoresis. The study of DNA will use hands-on techniques including DNA isolation, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, DNA fragment analysis, and gel electrophoresis. This course of study is intended to spark an interest in the field of biology while encouraging critical and creative thinking.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Camp

Chemistry and biochemistry explore the molecular world from nanoparticles to macromolecular structures within the body. This intensive weeklong camp will emphasize a hands-on laboratory experience in the following topics: nanotechnology, organic synthesis, chemical dyes, polymers, chromatography, and chemical identification with instrumentation. Students will also produce and purify proteins in cells and study the effect of mutation on protein folding and functions. Additional techniques involved include PCR, recombinant protein expression and purification, SDS PAGE, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Students will take home some of the laboratory projects completed in this camp.

Mathematics Camp

Mathematics, from numbers and shapes to abstract objects and algorithms, is the study of patterns. This year’s camp will explore the topics of group theory and topology. Group theory describes symmetries of physical objects in two and three dimensions and explains the numerical patterns used to make and break codes. Topology, popularly known as “rubber-sheet geometry,” studies those geometric properties that are unchanged by stretching, shrinking, twisting, bending, or any other continuous distortions. These topics will be explored using puzzles, hands-on activities, and group projects.

Physics Camp

Physics is the foundational study of the “Laws of Nature,” which covers a broad range of phenomena from the largest to the smallest scales and everything in between. This camp intends to evoke students’ curiosity in multiple areas of physics through hands-on labs and demonstrations. Each day will concentrate on activities and discussions regarding the main areas of physics including mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, relativity, and optics. The mixture of projects and topics is well-suited for future experimentalists, engineers, and theorists!

Itinerary

Sunday, June 21

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Registration, Room Assignments

5:00 p.m. Introduction to Faculty/Program

5:15 p.m. Dinner

Monday-Thursday, June 22-25

7:45 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Morning Lecture/Laboratory

12:30 p.m. Lunch

1:30 p.m. Afternoon Lecture/Laboratory

5:00 p.m. Dinner

5:30 p.m. Free Time

8:00 p.m. Evening Lecture/Recitation

Friday, June 26

7:45 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Lecture/Laboratory

11:30 a.m. Closing Luncheon

12:30 p.m. Examination for Optional One-Hour College Credit

Cost

Upon notification of acceptance, a one-time fee of $150 will be required to confirm your registration and placement in camp. The remaining expenses for tuition, materials, lodging, and meals are funded by major grants from the Donald L. Murdock Foundation and the Douglas H. Hamilton Foundation, plus generous gifts from Mr. James C. and Bonita L. Carter, Ms. Jane K. Brooks, and Mr. Rocco and Mrs. Arlene Tripepi.

Housing/Meals

Students will stay on campus during the camp and meals will be served in the campus dining room. Free time will be provided each day for use of the Health Education and Sports Complex, as well as other college facilities. Each participant will receive a list of what to bring and other details in a welcome packet upon acceptance of your completed application.