Inspiring Future Innovators Through Hands-On Exploration
In today’s rapidly advancing world, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are driving innovation and shaping the future. As the world faces complex challenges, it is crucial to empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. At Stanley Park High School, we believe that fostering a love for STEM from an early age is the key to unlocking the boundless potential of our students.
That’s why we’re excited to offer our annual Summer STEM Camps – a unique opportunity for middle school students to dive into the wonders of science, technology, and beyond. These camps, led by a team of experienced educators and scientists, aim to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators.
Nurturing Scientific Curiosity
The Summer STEM Camps at Stanley Park High School are designed to ignite the innate curiosity and passion that many young people possess for the sciences. Through hands-on activities, interactive experiments, and engaging field trips, we provide a dynamic and immersive learning experience that goes far beyond the traditional classroom setting.
“I was often the only girl in a lot of my science classes,” shares Shannon Murphy, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Denver. “But looking back, that shouldn’t have happened. We need to create a community where girls see that they can belong and thrive as scientists.”
That’s precisely what the Summer STEM Camps aim to achieve. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we empower young learners, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to explore STEM fields without fear or hesitation.
A Diverse Spectrum of Experiences
Each day at the Summer STEM Camps is packed with a diverse range of activities and experiences, ensuring that there is something for every student to get excited about.
“We try to give students exposure to a lot of different things,” explains Robin Tinghitella, an associate professor of biological sciences at the University of Denver. “One of the themes throughout the camp is that we like to do inquiry-based activities where the students are really acting as scientists themselves.”
From building telescopes and programming Raspberry Pi computers to catching and identifying insects, the campers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide array of STEM disciplines. The hands-on nature of these activities not only sparks their curiosity but also helps them develop essential skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
In addition to the hands-on experiments, the camps also feature field trips and visits from inspiring STEM professionals. “We usually have a field trip day where we go to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science,” says Jennifer Hoffman, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Denver. “We have colleagues there who take us behind the scenes and show us some of the special collections.”
These unique experiences provide the campers with a glimpse into the diverse career paths available in STEM fields, helping them envision themselves as future scientists, engineers, or innovators.
Empowering through Collaboration and Communication
The Summer STEM Camps at Stanley Park High School place a strong emphasis on collaborative learning and effective communication – vital skills for success in the STEM fields.
“There’s never a time where a student doesn’t gravitate towards one of the activities,” says Shannon Murphy. “They seem to really enjoy all of the different activities, and they are so completely different that I think it’s exciting for them to find that the thing they liked is a STEM field.”
Whether it’s working together to design and conduct field experiments, presenting their findings to their peers, or teaching their families about what they’ve learned, the campers have ample opportunities to hone their teamwork and communication abilities.
“That final step of science communication, the dissemination of your work to other people, it’s actually really important for the development of self-efficacy in middle school students,” explains Robin Tinghitella. “Part of the reason that we have that kind of capstone experience where they’re making these posters and talking to their peers, and to their parents and their siblings, is that we know, from previous research, that that’s important for developing your own sense of your ability to do science.”
A Lasting Impact
The impact of the Summer STEM Camps extends far beyond the week-long experience. Many campers return year after year, and some even serve as peer counselors, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of young scientists.
“Even this one-week camp is having a huge impact on their lives, and how they perceive themselves in the world of science,” says Shannon Murphy. “Their parents are saying, ‘When they came home yesterday, they were so excited. I’ve never seen them that way after a camp.’”
These transformative experiences not only ignite a passion for STEM but also empower the campers to see themselves as capable and confident individuals who can make a difference in their communities and the world.
Investing in the Future
At Stanley Park High School, we believe that supporting the next generation of STEM leaders is not only an investment in their future but also in the future of our society. By providing these engaging and enriching Summer STEM Camps, we are fostering the development of critical-thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a love for scientific exploration.
“Diversity and inclusion are also essential aspects of our STEM efforts,” says Jennifer Hoffman. “Investing in STEM not only drives technological advancements but also promotes diversity, inclusion, and equality within the scientific community.”
Through partnerships with organizations like the Scientist Mentoring & Diversity Program (SMDP) and Project Scientist, the Summer STEM Camps at Stanley Park High School are committed to creating equitable opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to thrive in STEM fields.
As we continue to prioritize STEM education, we are not only advancing scientific progress but also contributing to the building of a brighter future for individuals and communities worldwide. We invite you to join us in empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators through the Stanley Park High School Summer STEM Camps.
