Science camps offered for students in middle, high school

The theme for both camps is "The Building Blocks of Life."

ScienceScape, for grades 7-9, is June 18-23. It is sponsored by the Women in Science Programs, a group that works to encourage girls who are interested in science to pursue their interests and learn about possible careers in the field.

And for those in grades 10-12, the College of Science Summer Institute will be held June 25-30. It is sponsored by Multicultural Science Programs, which works to encourage students of underrepresented ethnicities to pursue their interest in science.

All students, regardless of gender or ethnicity, are welcome to attend both camps. The grade range refers to the grade the student will be entering in fall 2006.

During the camps, students will have the chance to participate in hands-on labs and activities; meet successful scientists, instructors and science students; explore the Purdue campus and live in an air-conditioned residence hall; and participate in a closing ceremony on the Friday evening at the end of the camp week.

Both camps begin on Sunday at 4 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. on the following Friday. The cost is $300, which covers tuition for eight labs, five nights in a Purdue residence hall, three meals a day, snacks, social activities, materials and supplies. Limited financial assistance is available. Fees do not need to be paid until the student is accepted into a summer program.

To participate in the camps, students should have a recommendation letter from a science, math or computer teacher. The letter should be no longer than a page and should include comments on the student's ability to work with other classmates, their maturity and classroom behavior and why the program would be a good experience for the student.

All information should be returned to the Science Diversity Office by May 1. Applications received after May 1 will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis and on program availability.

For information on ScienceScape, contact Marcia Swails, assistant director of the Science Diversity Office, at (765) 496-6095 or swails@purdue.edu. For information on the College of Science Summer Institute, contact Zenephia Evans, director of Multicultural Science Programs and associate director of the Science Diversity Office, at (765) 494-1760 or zevans@purdue.edu.

Applications and brochures can be obtained by e-mailing wisp@science.purdue.edu.

Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Sources: Marcia Swails, (765) 496-6095, swails@purdue.edu

Zenephia Evans, (765) 494-1760, zevans@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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