Area middle schoolers get unique STEM experiences at VGCC Science Camp
When some local students return to their schools in August and are asked “What did you do this summer?” they will be able to tell classmates and teachers that they put together a computer, searched for minerals, made their own lip balm, constructed a house for bats and sent water rockets flying into the air. In fact, they did all of these things, and more, during a single week, at Vance-Granville Community College’s second annual Science Camp.
A total of 32 students, including rising sixth, seventh and eighth graders from Vance, Granville and Warren counties, completed the day camp, which was held June 18-22 at the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. The campers enjoyed numerous hands-on experiments and activities, designed not only to be fun but also to pique students’ curiosity about higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Although the Natural Sciences and Bioprocess Technology departments took the lead on the camp’s sessions, students were exposed to a wide range of different sciences thanks to contributions from other disciplines. Fred Brewer, head of the Automotive Systems Technology program, conducted a session on alternative sources of energy and gave students a close look at hybrid cars. Carpentry program head Keith Tunstall, along with a few of his students, helped campers build bat houses to take home. Computer Education instructors showed the middle-schoolers the inner workings of a computer, before Wesley Williams, head of the Electronics Engineering Technology program, took them through the process of programming a simple computer game. An English instructor, Maureen Walters, taught campers about digital media and online tools. Students manufactured tubes of lip balm under the direction of Pharmacy Technology instructors.
The picturesque college campus served as an outdoor classroom, allowing students a chance to observe a variety of different forms of life, especially in and around the large pond. One session also had students discover a few of the smallest organisms in their midst: the microbes that are ever-present on campus facilities and on their own hands and forearms.
The camp coordinators, VGCC Science department head Steve McGrady and Biology instructor Button Brady, said the camp was successful in large part because it was a college-wide collaboration that drew upon the talents, dedication and creativity of instructors from a variety of departments. Also helping to make the camp a success were four volunteer student leaders: Katelyn Johnson of Henderson, a student at the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics; and Martin Mondou, Julie Mondou, and Michael Mondou, all of Raleigh and all current or incoming students at N.C. State University.
Above (at top of page): VGCC Science Camp participants, including Thomas Whittacre of Henderson (standing, left) and Annika White of Warrenton (standing, right), search through rock samples, identifying various minerals. Campers were able to keep whatever they found. (VGCC photo)
Above: VGCC Science Camp participant Tamiya Davis of Manson pumps air into a soft drink bottle during the “water rockets” session. (VGCC photo)
Above: VGCC Science Camp participants (from left) Luke Frazier and Lehman Ford, both of Henderson, check out the worms they were using during a session on vermiculture, which uses worms in composting. (VGCC photo)
