SMETHPORT — “What can kids today do with a bunch of cardboard, plastic bottles, paper towel rolls and anything round that can be made into a wheel?” asked Cindy Murphy, director of curriculum, technology and resources at Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9 Educational Services in Smethport.
Then, answering her own question, Murphy replied, “Create cardboard games, of course. The IU9s annual STEM Academy spends lots of time on technology-forward activities, but it also cranks up the most powerful tech tool of all — the human imagination.”
The academy will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 30-Aug. 3 at the IU9 administrative offices at South Mechanic and Water streets in Smethport.
“This summer camp is one of several student events held year-round at the IU9 facility because we want to stay connected with the students,” according to Murphy. “Ultimately, our focus is student achievement.”
“This is the sixth annual year for the academy that emphasizes STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — that is open to any student going into fourth through seventh grades and engages them in hands-on experiences in these four subjects,” said Greg Macer, instructional technology integrator at IU9. “For five days, students will be exploring these different aspects in a variety of ways from coding robots to discovering the environment that surrounds them.”
This year’s course of study has changed slightly from previous STEM camps, but it still emphasizes important skills such as collaboration, problem solving and creativity.
Macer said, “We have added a community and parent day to the final afternoon’s schedule. This event will show the students’ ‘Cardboard Carnival’ games that they have created throughout the week and give parents, our sponsors and others a chance to see the students’ creative works.”
The carnival is slated for 12:30-2 p.m. Aug. 3 and is open to the public. It will also feature popcorn cotton candy, balloon animals and face painting.
Murphy said, “We have students come back year after year. We don’t do the same thing every year because we want it to be a different experience that is fun. Our 2017 camp attracted about 50 students from 11 of the IU9 districts.
“Also, since this is a summertime program, there is no pressure of an assessment test. It’s just about collaborating with other kids and learning how to do something in an environment free of that testing.”
The academy connects IU9 with schools seeking follow-up assistance in building and strengthening their STEM programs.
Sponsors for the academy are International Waxes Inc., Myers Trucking Inc., American Refining Group, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Kessel Construction Inc., Kightlinger Motors Inc. and Cabin Creek Screen Printing.
The cost is $25 per day, and the discount price of $100 for the entire week. Lunch will be provided daily.
Registrations are being accepted at Link to Register or by contacting Shelby Johnson at 887-5512, ext. 148.
