Young students got a chance to do experiments, investigate crime scenes and dig for fossils during Scholastic Academy held at John Brown University last week.
About 40 students in grades second through fifth participated in the science-focused camp sponsored by the university's education department, according to Kim Murie, assistant professor of teacher education.
This is the first year JBU's education program has held the science focused camp, according to Murie. The university reached out to students in Siloam Springs School's gifted and talented program as well as a few home-school students to pilot the program. A total of 40 students participated, she said.
Curtis Cunningham, assistant professor of teacher education, was inspired to start the summer program by a similar program at the University of Arkansas. He also participated in a summer learning program while teaching at the Springfield, Mo., School District.
The program targets gifted and talented students and gives them an enriching experience over the summer, he said. Students spend the week doing experiments, asking big questions and studying curriculum that they may not have time for throughout the school year, Cunningham said. In the future, Cunningham hopes to expand the academy and offer more courses.
Cunningham and Murie divided the students into two groups, which switched out during the day. Murie taught students about different scientific fields each day through hands-on activities. Kids did experiments and investigations as ecologists, botanists, paleontologists, environmental scientists and forensic scientists.
Cunningham's classes focused on food science and did some food myth busting. Students did experiments to determine the carbohydrate, protein and fat content of food. They also observed fast food over the course of the week to see if it decomposed.
Several education students volunteered to help with the Scholastic Academy. Sarah Murray, who is majoring in secondary math education, said it was great to get a chance to work with younger students and do project with them.
The experience also gave education professors a chance to practice teaching and keep their skills fresh so they can pass their knowledge on to their college students, according to Cunningham.
"I love teaching kids and it gives us good experience for when we're teaching education majors," he said.
General News on 07/27/2016