By Meagan Kendrick, IALR Communications Intern

Nearly 20 students attended this summer's first STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Fun Camp at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). Students from third through fifth grade participated in hands-on, science activities which demonstrated that learning can be fun.

Over the three-day camp, instructor Kathleen McGarvey, who is also the head science teacher at Stony Mill Elementary School, centered the activities on the Science of Water. McGarvey is an active water monitor volunteer for Virginia Save our Streams and is very passionate about water. Inside the classroom, students were able to look at stream water samples under microscopes to learn about the different plants and animals that live in such an environment. The students also participated in a nature hike where they searched for signs of animals such as animal tracks or droppings and had to decide what water sources that animal most likely used.

Taking into account the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the students participated in a mock oil spill to help them better understand it. The students worked in teams using sponges, feathers, dryer lint, eye-droppers etc. to remove the oil. "It was a very slow process," McGarvey said, noting she was very pleased with making her point, one she says all young scientists must understand: "You may not know the answer right away. You must work as a team and brainstorm. Once you find out what doesn't work then you can move ahead."

The students also participated in other activities including exploring nano-technology, fueling hydrogen cars, visiting the STEM Mobile Lab and creating their own PowerPoint presentations highlighting important areas of water science. "As a parent and educator, I think this camp is very enriching and extremely worthwhile," McGarvey said. "I feel very honored to have been asked to teach this camp. Being exposed to all the advanced technology, I feel spoiled... There is so much more available here that allows for free exploration." McGarvey hopes to one day take her students on a field trip to the Institute for further exploration of the STEM Mobile Lab.

The STEM Fun Camp is part of Southside Summer Adventure (SSA) sponsored by the IALR. SSA is a series of summer educational programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education for students entering grades three through twelve. Each camp is led by a unique combination of experienced teachers and local college students serving as interns or instructional assistants. The goal of these programs is to spark an interest in STEM amongst the area's local youth. "The camps allow the students to become focused and engaged in the STEM areas early through hands-on, fun and interactive learning environments," said Nancy Combs, Education and Outreach Program Coordinator. The programs objectives support the mission of IALR. "Providing educational opportunities in STEM to local students coupled with valuable experience to local teachers aligns with the mission of IALR, to serve as a catalyst for economic and community transformation," Combs said.

It is not too late to sign-up for upcoming camps this summer. The deadline for each camp is the week before it begins. Hurry - camps fill quickly!

Photos by Bobby A. Roach and Meagan Kendrick, IALR Communications interns

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