HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- This June, STARBASE Hill Summer Camp will offer 5th grade students living in the Hill Air Force Base area an opportunity to spend four days at the academy surrounded by STEM activities and Air Force culture.
Science and Technology Academies Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Exploration (STARBASE) activities planned for this year’s summer camp are based heavily on engineering with the assistance of computer-aided design.
“We are always excited to build STEM enthusiasm and help students become more familiar with the base environment,” said David Amparan, STARBASE Hill director. “We hope to get these students excited about the STEM possibilities afforded them during their educational career.”
Amparan said that most often, when 5th graders see classes like chemistry, kinesiology, physics, or anatomy, they shy away thinking these classes are too difficult and boring.
The curriculum taught at the camp aims to change that way of thinking through fun, hands-on experiences.
Campers will see how engineers actually develop ideas before they put the build together by using interactive computer programs. This allows them to learn about the engineering design process and see how different things move and work before actually building.
Students will also gain a better understanding of topics in chemistry, physics and math through a multitude of fun and creative activities that engage them.
“During this course, they will develop a restraint system for an egg,” he said. “The mission setup is: Batman and Robin have been split up and Robin is on the moon. They need to develop a restraint system for Robin to get back to Earth, since his was damaged when he arrived to the moon to defeat Mr. Freeze.”
There is no cost to attend the camp. The only requirement is for each student to have transportation to and from the academy, and to bring a lunch from home.
For people not affiliated with the military, STARBASE Hill staff will assist people with gaining base access to drop their students off at the academy.
Registration is now open. There are three June session with approximately 60 students per session.
For more information, call 801-586-7493, email starbasehillom@gmail.com or visit www.starbasehill.org.