Teenagers working in the science lab during Summer Science Camp.

Summer Science Camps

June 23-28, 2024

Eligibility

The 32nd 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.

Apply

Apply Online

Applications are due by March 15th.

Review of applications may begin on March 1st.

Contact

Amy Michael
[email protected]

Dr. David Murphy
[email protected]

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.

Physics Camp

The physics section of the Summer Science Camp intends to evoke students’ curiosity in multiple areas of physics through hands-on labs and demonstrations. Each day of the camp will concentrate on activities and discussions regarding the main areas of physics such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, optics, and thermodynamics. We hope by the end that each student has a renewed wonder and love of the natural world and appreciates how our understanding of it shapes our lives.

Itinerary

Sunday, June 23

2:00 p.m. Registration, Room Assignments

4:00 p.m. Campus Tour

5:15 p.m. Dinner

6:30 p.m. Introduction to Faculty/Program

Monday-Thursday, June 24-27

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 28

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.