For the week of July 13th, elementary school students in the Durham area participated in the KEEPERS camp in Kingsbury Hall. The Kids Eager for Engineering Program with Elementary Research-based Science is a week long science camp that allows the children to develop an understanding of various engineering fields.
The KEEPERS staff that includes University scientists, graduate and undergraduate students, and experienced teachers helps the campers explore fun science concepts through engaging, hands-on challenges. Each day of the week is reserved for a different area in engineering, and while the campers aren’t busy touring Project 54 or taking field trips to area children’s museums, the children participate in experiments that spark interest in science.
When the children were learning about Electrical Engineering, Mark, Eric and I helped them build simple circuits with batteries and light bulbs. Everyone seemed to have a great time, and the camp effectively garnered interest in electrical engineering among elementary students. Many of the campers plan on returning next year, and I hope their interest in science continues throughout their education.
Erika Swanson