New UMaine Physics Camp Taking Registrations
The University of Maine is now taking registrations for its new summer Physics Camps, which will expose children to the wonders, mysteries, and facts of energy and space.
The camps, which are being operated by UMaine’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, will have three sessions with separate sections for ages 6-9 and 10-14. Camps will run each day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the three sessions: June 27-July 1, July 11-15, and July 25-29.
Campers will have access to a variety of UMaine facilities, including the Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium, Jordan Observatory, and Physics and other laboratories, for activities in two different Physics Camp sections: Energy Theater and Space Camp. Demonstrations include liquid nitrogen ice cream, Tesla coils, motors, colors of the spectrum, light speed, and water-bottle rockets.
“I think informal education like this can be very effective in allowing kids to learn at their own rate and to the depth of their own interest, and to be inspired by what they learn,” said David Batuski, UMaine astrophysicist and chair of the UMaine physics and astronomy department who is one of a team developing curriculum for the new program. “I hope most of all that children will have great fun with science for a week, and that some will be so turned on by it that they will decide that they really want to grow up to do science.”
Energy Theater will allow campers to see energy in action, both in the lab and in the natural world. Activities will include both classroom demonstrations and explorations of alternative energy around the UMaine campus. Space Camp focuses on the backyard sky, telescopes, stars, planets, galaxies, and the history and future of rockets, missiles, and space travel.
UMaine physics graduate students Kevin Roberge and Jayson Nissen will lead the campers, with curriculum developed by Roberge, Nissen, Batuski and David Sturm, a laboratory and lecture demonstration specialist in the physics and astronomy department.
The cost is $150 per child per week, with a 10 percent discount ($135) for registration and payment received by May 15. Registration and payment are due by June 10.
Registration forms can be picked up in person at Bennett Hall on the UMaine campus. Return forms via email at physicscamps@umit.maine.edu or regular mail at Physics Camps, 120 Bennett Hall, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, 04469-5709. Payment can be included with the registration sheet or mailed separately.
Early dropoff/late pickup is available for an additional $10 per day. Healthy snacks are provided but campers are expected to bring lunch.
Contact: David Batuski, (207) 581-1015 or david.batuski@umit.maine.edu; Jessica Bloch, (207) 581-3777 or jessica.bloch@umit.maine.edu