In Astronomy, students will explore our solar system and the universe beyond! We’ll start out by revisiting and simulating the Big Bang theory, then study the surface of the sun, explore light diffraction, and build our own water rockets! Campers will also have the opportunity to retrace Galileo’s footsteps and explore the universe as he did – through the lens of a simple, refracting telescope that’s easy enough to assemble in camp, yet powerful enough to see the Jovian moons and Saturn!
**An online version of this course is not currently available. If you would be interested in taking an online version of this course should it be offered, please use to express your interest.**
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In the astronomy program, campers will participate in a wide range of engaging, inquiry-based activities. This interdisciplinary program combines science, math, and literacy in a collaborative, project-based environment. Each day begins with an inspirational scientist of the day that is linked to the discoveries of the day to come. Young astronomers will start off camp with a bang - the Big Bang, that is! Campers will explore the Big Bag with an interactive lab demonstrating the expansion of the universe, as well as the concept of redshifting and blueshifting. This exciting and science-packed program also includes multiple daily labs include exploration of the Doppler effect, making a pinhole camera to measure the sun, creating a spectroscope to measure wavelengths of light, and building a refracting scope to find focal lengths. Throughout the week, campers will learn all about solar telescopy while observing and recording sunspots. campers will apply all they have learned about Newton's laws of motion in the design and creation, and ultimate launch of their own rockets as a final project.
Enrichment Activities: In addition to classtime, afternoons and evenings give campers the opportunity for informal science learning, as well as leadership and problem-solving training through workshops, experiments, guest speakers, and recreational activities. Students will also attend a mid-program excursion to a local science venue.
From day to residential programs there is an astronomy program to meet every need!
| Program | Grades | Location | Start Date | End Date | Price Options | Register |
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Sample Schedule Science Camps |
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| 7:30 am | Overnight campers - wake up! |
| 8:00 am | Breakfast in the dining hall (overnight campers) |
| 9-9:15 am | Extended day camper check-in |
| 9:00 am | Camp meeting & warm up |
| 9:15 am | "Major" lab session Options may vary by camp session & include: engineering, marine science, astronomy, & robotics |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch in the dining hall (included for overnight & extended day campers; day campers can purchase an optional lunch package or bring a lunch) |
| 1:15 pm | Recreation |
| 2:00 pm | Science "minors" plus workshops Afternoon workshops give girls an opportunity for informal science learning, as well as leadership and problem-solving training. Past minors have included forensic science and chemistry. |
| 5:00 pm | Day camper check-out |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner in the dining hall (overnight & extended campers) |
| 6:30 pm | Team leadership & project planning class |
| 7:45 pm | Evening recreation & activities |
| 8-9:00 pm | Extended day camper check-out |
| 9:30 pm | Floor check (overnight campers get ready for bed) |
| 10:00 pm | Room check & lights out |
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