please note: both 2018 summer sessions are fully enrolled. Thanks!
Space Rocks! for 3rd-5th Graders
dates: June 11-15,2018
Space Rocks! for Middle school students
dates: June 18-29,2018
session details
Each session of Space Rocks! will cover similar topics. The curriculum will be age appropriate. The middle school session will include more advanced activities in both the classroom and laboratory.
Topics will include:
- planetary geology
- NASA missions to explore the geology of earth and other planets
- meteorites
- how we might look for signs of water on other planets
- STEM careers and training in areas related to geology.
- historic and contemporary African American STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) professionals, including those affiliated with NASA.
Both sessions will include a field trip and conclude with student presentation of selected activities to their peers, family members and other adult guests on the last day of the program.
background information
The African American Ethnic Academy and the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute (BTC Institute), both 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organizations, have collaborated for over 20 years to offer A Celebration of Life, a summer science program for upper elementary and middle school students. Open to all students, an important goal of this partnership is to support underserved students’ interest in the life sciences and provide them with the tools for success in school
In addition to developing knowledge and abilities associated with scientific investigations in field and laboratory settings (e.g. formulating and testing hypotheses, utilizing problem-solving skills, learning and demonstrating correct techniques), students are challenged to develop their communication skills (e.g. through teamwork, journals, presentations to parents and family members). They are also encouraged to express and develop their creativity in numerous ways. Information regarding African-American scientists throughout history is shared, and role models of color are key players in program activities.