The Camp Dates are Set!

I have chosen the themes and dates for the 2015 summer camps!

BUG CAMP will be June 8-12.
9:30-11:30, M-F
Students will learn what it is like to be an entomologist.  They will learn the characteristics of a true insect, how to classify different types of bugs, what the word metamorphosis means, as well as many other facts and figures about our planet's largest animal population.  We will have guest speakers from BYU's Bean Museum and a visit from a local bee keeper.  

ROCK & GEM CAMP will be June 22-26.
9:30-11:30, M-F
Students will learn how to categorize rocks into igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.  We will learn about the rock cycle, different types of minerals, and go on a "treasure hunt" to find precious stones.  We will have guest speakers from the non-profit organization Rockhounders Outreach for Community Knowledge. Each student will get a starter rock collection to take home.

SPACE IS LIMITED!  I am aiming for class sizes of 12-14 students, but may have a couple more or a couple less depending on ages.

The cost is $35 per week, per student, plus a $10 registration fee.  I am also offering a sibling discount this year.  If you have more than one child attending the camp, the cost is $30 per child, plus a $10 registration fee.

Please send me an e-mail at sciencecamps@gmail.com if you are interested in either of these camps.  If you want your child to attend both camps, please let me know which camp would be your number 1 preference.  I want to accommodate as many students as possible and may have to limit registration to one camp.  The registration form will be e-mailed.  To secure your spot, you will need to turn in the registration form and registration fee no later than April 30th.

Both camps will be held in Lehi, Utah.  The address will be on the registration forms.

Summer Science Camps are Back!

I am excited to announce that I will be teaching science camps again this summer!  I am in the beginning stages of putting together the dates and curriculum. I will post more information as it becomes available.

We do have a new location for the camps this year.  The camps will be run out of my backyard in Lehi, Utah.  I am actually very excited about the possibilities of an outdoor classroom.  What better way to learn about nature than by being outside?!  I will post pictures of our "outdoor classroom" soon.

If you are new to summer science camps, feel free to look through our blog archive of past camps.  You are also welcome to e-mail me with any questions.

I'm looking forward to another exciting summer of science!

-Cristina

Field Trip to BYU

On Thursday, we went on a field trip to BYU. Justin Bagley, a BYU graduate student in Ecology, showed us the fish tanks in the basement of the Widtsoe Building. He showed us fish from all over the world including live-bearing fish (fish that don't lay eggs) and a fruit-eating piranha! He even let the afternoon class help him feed his pet gar fish. Thank you, Justin, for taking time out of your busy day to help us learn!

Fish Camp - Week 2

During week 2 of Fish Camp we enjoyed many center and project work activities. We learned more about ocean fish this week and created a card game about them called "Shark Attack." They also drew life-size fish and labeled them. We did a fun science experiment where we learned about acids and bases and how to test PH levels in the fish tank. We did all sorts of art centers. We made fish bowls out of wax paper, made saltwater paintings, baked cookies and built clay sculptures to paint. They enjoyed looking at things in the microscope at the observation center and they especially loved playing with worms at the sensory table.

Fisherman Brian

Fisherman Brian came all the way from Mount Pleasant to teach us about fishing. He talked to us about the different fish he likes to catch, showed us his tacklebox, talked about different bait he uses, and even let us practice casting with his fishing pole! He also checked the kids "fishing licenses" and answered all their questions. Thank you Brian for coming!

The End of Week 1

Thursday and Friday of Fish Camp were a blast! On Thursday, the kids enjoyed a fish puppet making center. They used their puppets to create shows in the puppet theater. They also enjoyed fishing for numbers at the math center. We learned about the salmon's life cycle and made life cycle wheels on paper plates. On Friday, we had a bubble center. The kids made their own bubble wands to use at the center. They also enjoyed playing a new card game this week called "Big Fish, Little Fish." We played musical chairs and pictionary to review what we learned throughout the week. We are looking forward to another week!

"Extra" Question of the Day

True or False? All sharks lay eggs.

Fish Camp!

We are having a wonderful first week of Fish Camp! We have already learned many things about fish. We have studied fish anatomy and learned about a fish's different fins. We have also studied fish habitats and life cycles. On Tuesday, we had two special visitors come to school. Heather and Julie work for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and they taught us about the native fish of Utah. They also showed us the equipment they use and played a habitat game with us. All of the kids have been very busy during center time. They have done several art projects, played games, gone on a fish scavenger hunt, written stories, and read books in the library. They especially love our class pets this week... a red male Beta fish, a blue male Beta fish, and two fancy goldfish.