GEMS (Girls Exploring Math & Science) Summer Camp at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

This video is a shortened version of the video that was created at the end of the 2009 GEMS camp, "Science Around the World." Girls received mini passports and stamps from all the countries that we "visited." In Egypt, we mummified apples with a chemistry experiment, created shadufs, an engineering construct to carry water, and learned about Egyptian culture. In China, we made paper, learned about Chinese inventions, and culture. In France, we studied physics in the pool and engineering by building gumdrop structures. In Canada, we built robots and programmed them and studied the native people by creating dream catchers. In Japan, we learned about anime and used 3-D computer-aided design programs as well as studied geometry through origami. Then, we all went to the Kennedy Space Center to learn about the International Space Station with a cool IMAX movie and rode all of the viritual reality rides there!

The GEMS camp was founded and directed by Dr. Joanne Detore-Nakamura in 2007. Dr. Nakamura searched for a camp for her daughter that focused on science and math. When she couldn't find one, she created one. The pedagogical design of GEMS that Dr. Nakamura employed uses a variety of learning styles and hands-on activities. Modules are between 20 minutes to an hour with short breaks built into the longer modules to account for attention span. A snack and chat is built into the schedule to encourage and foster friendships in camp. All counselors are Embry-Riddle students who are high achievers and outgoing. All counselors are background checked.

Co-directors for GEMS have included Dr. Pam Lochmiller, NSF Visiting Space Physics Professor and Heidi Steinhauer, Assistant Professor of Freshmen Engineering. Assistant Camp Director is Jennifer MacRae, ERAU Aerospace Engineering student (2007-2009) and Tora Simpson, ERAU Aerospace Engineering Grad & Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student (2009- present).

The GEMS Camp is a part of the long-term recruiting efforts of the University Office of Diversity Initiatives at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. University Director of the Office of Diversity is Dr. Joanne Detore-Nakamura.

For more information: www.erau.edu/administration/diversity.html

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Summer Camps
• Science and Math camps