Navy Engineering Camp

With summer programs in full swing, the articles about summer science learning are starting as well. Here is one about a Navy-sponsored program, the Patriots Technology Training Center, in Maryland. This quote is specifically about recruiting Navy engineers, but it could probably apply to any program looking to engage kids in math and science: "We need to get the word-of-mouth to spread things. What we are finding is that kids are generating their own interest and it spreads very positively." The idea that science and engineering are "not cool" is mostly an adult construction that kids pick up on. Building submarines can be cool, as long as adults don't make kids sit in a classroom and get lectured about submarines.

After-school Science for Adults?

Apparently science after school is not just for kids. If you live in NYC, "Talking Science" offers events at a local bar that make science exciting and fun. The quote from the site that I think tells it all is: "[NPR Science Friday host] IRA FLATOW ON A BED OF NAILS!!"

Summer Invention Camp

Here is some good press for "Camp Invention." These are week-long camps using materials provided by the National Inventors Hall of Fame. According to the article, they are reaching about 60,000 kids in 47 states.

Camp Invention has a sister program, Club Invention, that is designed for use in after-school programs during the regular school year. Here is a review of that program in the Consumer's Guide to Afterschool Science Resources.