Summer Science Camps
June 25-30, 2023
Applications will be made available online starting January 11th, 2023
Eligibility
The 31st annual Summer Science Camps program is primarily intended for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in learning more about modern science. Students do not have to be science majors to attend, but those who have taken several science courses will gain the most from this program. While we try to accommodate local students, the camp welcomes and accepts students nationwide, and all students are encouraged to apply.
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 data analytics and topology. Data Analytics is the application of mathematics to determine patterns in datasets by building predictive models. Building these models and implementing them through the use of computers will be discussed. Popularly known as “rubber-sheet geometry,” topology studies those geometric properties that are unchanged by stretching, shrinking, twisting, bending, or any other continuous distortions. These topics will be explored using various puzzles, hands-on activities, and group projects.
Itinerary
Sunday, June 25
2:00 p.m. Registration, Room Assignments
3:00 p.m. Campus Tour
5:15 p.m. Dinner
6:30 p.m. Introduction to Faculty/Program
Monday-Thursday, June 26-29
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 30
7:45 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Lecture/Laboratory
12:00 p.m. Closing Luncheon
1:00 p.m. Examination for Optional One-Hour College Credit
Cost
A grant from the Donald L. Murdock Foundation will provide tuition, books, lodging, and meals. Upon notification of acceptance, a one-time fee of $150 will be required to confirm your registration and placement in camp.
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.