Summer camp deepens middle school students鈥�, teachers鈥� STEM skills
June 20, 2018
Contact:
Brittney Dabney, 334.724.4552, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing, 精东AV
A summer camp hosted by 精东AV鈥檚 Mathematics Department and Aerospace Science Engineering Department is just one of the university鈥檚 various summer enrichment opportunities encouraging students to learn beyond the classroom, as well as gain real-world experience.
The week-long program, 鈥楩ly High your Math and Science Skills,鈥� is designed to provide Macon County students in 7th and 8th grades with the opportunity to develop vital skills in mathematics and engineering.
Dr. Chadia Aji, professor of the Department of Mathematics, and Dr. Javed Khan, head of the Department of Aerospace Science Engineering are both heading the initiative.
鈥淭he purpose of the program is to demonstrate to students in rural areas of Alabama the importance of STEM-related activities,鈥� Aji said. 鈥淲e also hope participating in the program helps to stimulate their minds toward considering careers in these disciplines,鈥� said Aji.
Participants, whose participation in the camp is free as a result of grant funding, will enjoy activities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, collaboration, and communication.
One of the program鈥檚 highlights is the students鈥� ability to fly various missions on the flight simulator.
鈥淭he simulator is a favorite for students 鈥� its provides hands-on experience and allows us to better connect math and science concepts for them,鈥� added Khan.
In addition to summer camp programming for students, middle school teachers also receive helpful science and mathematics education training they can employ in their classrooms.
鈥淲e want teachers to incorporate technology into their instruction, so they can better engage students in class and enhance their understanding of math and science concepts,鈥� said Aji.
The project is funded by the Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program of the National Science Foundation (NSF). 鈥淭his is the second year for the program, and it continues to be an outstanding learning opportunity that will greatly benefit teachers and students alike, as well as prepare students for career opportunities in the STEM fields,鈥� Khan said.
To learn more about the program visit /programs-courses/colleges-schools/coe/aerospace-science-engineering/fly-high-your-math-and-science-skills.
漏 2018, 精东AV