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Camp Chemistry I & II

Introduction

The SU Camp Chemistry is a day camp designed to give elementary students ages 8-10 years the opportunity to perform a variety of chemistry experiments designed to teach basic chemical principles and to connect chemistry to the students’ everyday experiences. We will spend the majority of our time in actual laboratories so students can truly experience what it is like to be a chemist. There will be two levels of camp offered: Chemistry Camp I is an introduction to the lab and chemistry; Chemistry Camp II is for children who already completed one year of Chemistry Camp at Shippensburg University who will participate in more challenging lab work.

Qualifications

Participants need no prior experience with chemistry to join this camp. Applicants must be ages 8-10 years to qualify for this camp. Campers who wish to attend
Chemistry Camp II must have attended Chemistry Camp is 2007. You must also be able to provide your own transportation to and from Franklin Science Center (FSC) at Shippensburg University.

About the Directors

Dr. Joseph Shane and Dr. Robin McCann are both chemistry professors at Shippensburg University. Dr. Shane is a former high school chemistry teacher
who runs many of the science education programs at Shippensburg. Dr. McCann is a biochemist who also has extensive experience doing elementary outreach programs in chemistry with local elementary and high schools. Camp Chemistry is part of their efforts to enhance elementary science education in the region.

Content

Camp Chemistry will simultaneously emphasize the fundamental concepts of chemistry (atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, the Periodic Table, mixtures, etc.) and how those concepts are used to explain phenomena that students' experience on a regular basis. Possible topics include nutritional chemistry, kitchen chemistry, and environmental chemistry (soil and water). We will emphasize safe and proper laboratory experimentation and interpretation of results as the primary method of instruction.

A typical day at Chem Camp will include 4 handson experiments including fun things like blowing up gummy bears, separating the colors in an M&M, isolating DNA from a cow liver, and making water glow in the dark. We will have a visiting field biologist visit and talk with us about his research (and even bring along some animal friends!). There is never a boring moment at Chem Camp.

Schedule

Camp Arrival
8:30 - 9:00 a.m.	Monday, July 7, 2008 in the lobby of FSC
Daily Schedule
8:45 a.m.	Arrive at FSC and check in with Dr. Shane and Dr. McCann
9:00 - 11:30 a.m.	Laboratory work
11:30 a.m.	Lunch
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.	Recreational time
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.	Laboratory work
3:00 p.m.	Pick up by parent or guardian

Things to Bring to Camp

• Sneakers (closed toed, rubber soles).
• Appropriate clothing for laboratory work.
  • No bare midriff or sleeveless shirts.
  • Long hair must be tied back.
  • No hats may be worn in the laboratory.
• Suntan lotion.

University

Shippensburg University is a co-educational multipurpose University in south central Pennsylvania. It is located 45 miles west of Harrisburg and 30 miles north of Gettysburg. Founded in 1871, Shippensburg University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. It is a comprehensive, regional university offering both graduate and undergraduate programs in three colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education and Human Services.