Youth are introduced to STEM topics through informal settings like science camps, aquaria, and zoos. In these interactive and sensory-rich environments, a well-designed programme can help participants to acquire knowledge and cultivate interest through experiential learning. Given the importance of informal activities in environmental education,…

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of chemistry activities applied in summer science camp on secondary school students. Action research was used in the study as the method. The sample of the study consists of 48 7th grade students who study at elementary school in Çayeli district of Rize province, in Turkey. Each week 24 students…

Recent educational studies have shown increasing lack of interest and participation of youth (ages 10-14 years old) in various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields in the U.S. The decline in the number of youth choosing to study STEM fields in higher education and the resulting lack of STEM professionals in the society…

For many children, summertime is free time. For parents, summer often means searching for structured learning opportunities for their children. For teachers, summer can mean heading back to school for professional development. The elementary science institute for teachers that the authors conduct includes a summer science camp for children. Last…

The summer provides a unique opportunity for children to further their interests in science, especially science in the out-of-doors. Once school is out for the summer, there is seemingly unlimited time, with no strict curriculum guidelines to follow. For students with a passion for the out-of-doors, summer science camps and school-based summer…

Biology teachers can take advantage of educational experiences while vacationing during the summer. These experiences include activities at Colorado's Keystone Environmental Center, in the Caribbean, and at National Audubon Society summer camps. (JN)

A residential instructional program was developed which provided two 2-week institutes for handicapped students during the summer of 1982. Recognizing that most of these students are mainstreamed and do not take science laboratory courses, the program focused heavily on the outdoor laboratory setting at an environmental center. In addition,…

Describes Waunakee Community School's six-week Summer Science Program for students entering the seventh grade. Students are selected for this science enrichment program on the basis of interest, ability, and maturity. Program content includes wetlands, forests, prairies, and animals, concluding with a camping trip. (DS)

Describes a four-week summer marine education program for handicapped high school students funded by the National Science Foundation for the last five years. Discusses goals, participants, instructors, facilities, instructional program, special equipment, and problems. (DC)

This source book describes 107 projects administered by the U.S. Department of Education under the Pre-College Teacher Development in Science (PTDS) Program from 1980-82. Under the program, grants of up to $50,000 were made to colleges, universities, and museums to assist them in providing opportunities to elementary teachers for continuing…