GVSU Science Adventure Camps

Summer camp options are more fun and diverse than ever with three new programs offered through the Regional Math and Science Center at Grand Valley State University. In conjunction with Grand Valley's celebration of World Year of Physics, three new topics have been added to the long-running Science Adventure Camps line up.

Campers choosing "Magic and Fun with Physics" can learn how the planets stay in orbit, experiment with water rockets, find out why seeing is not believing, and enjoy a trip to the hands-on learning environment at Impression 5 science museum in Lansing.

"The Physics of Sports" delves into such sports as track and field, professional racing, and baseball. For example, students will learn about how race car drivers apply their knowledge of physical science in to decrease the time it takes to get to the finish line. They will use those ideas to design their own race track and race toy cars in a friendly competition. A highlight of this adventure will be a visit to a rock climbing wall to have fun climbing and applying the physical science principles learned in class.

"Physical Science of Toys and Amusement Parks" explores the physics of common items, such as why pizza boxes are white and car radiators are black. A trip to Michigan Adventure will include learning how to measure the angle of a pendulum ride and determining the average speed of a roller coaster.

Each camp session combines classroom and experimental opportunities as students learn key scientific principles and apply them to real world situations. All sessions are limited to 16 campers and take place on Grand Valley's Allendale campus.

The four-day sessions, designed for students entering grades 4-8, run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Topics vary for each of seven sessions scheduled throughout the month of July. The complete camp brochure is available online at www.gvsu.edu/rmsc or call (616) 331-3031.