Geological surveying, weather experiments, water quality testing, and native wildlife demonstrations will be among activities for 15 students in grades six-eight during a two-week summer science camp at Mississippi State.
Coordinated by the university's Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology, the July 12-23 educational program also provides practical experiences for science teachers, said center director Sandra H. Harpole.
"Funding from the National Science Foundation and Red Hills Mine near Ackerman allows us to provide an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate science literally at work," the physics professor added.
Attendance is free and interested applicants should contact Debbie Weeks as soon as possible at either (662) 325-2922 or dbw@csmt.msstate.edu. Students and teachers in Choctaw, Oktibbeha, Webster, Montgomery, Attala, and Winston counties--areas served by Red Hills--are given preference.
Titled Career and Research Exploration for Students and Teachers--CREST--the camp is led by MSU faculty members, in collaboration with staff members of the Choctaw County coal mine and electric production facility.
"CREST was designed to develop leadership skills in regional youth while promoting economic development of the area," Harpole explained. "By offering a variety of scientific opportunities on site at the mine, we believe those participating gain a greater understanding of the role of science in industry and are exposed to the ways that a particular industry contributes to the region's economy."
In the two years since CREST was created, "we've seen that the two-week experience provides a profound impact that no classroom alone can offer," Harpole said.
For more information, visit http://csmt.msstate.edu/ .
