Photo Courtesy/Courtesy of EAC: Students enjoying EASI Summer Camp activities at EAC’s Discovery Park campus.
Paul Anger – EAC Discovery Park Campus Director
Safford – Eastern Arizona College Discovery Park hosted the 2023 Eastern Arizona Science Initiative (EASI) Summer Science Camp. His annual STEM camp was held from Monday to Wednesday, June 12-14, with 50 to 6 of his participants.th up to 9th Grade-level students from school districts throughout eastern Arizona.
This year’s camp theme isExplore parts of our world!included a dozen lessons and activities that demonstrate the diversity of plants, animals, forces, and mysteries of our natural world.
The students participated in various fun science, technology, engineering, mathematics Things like (STEM) related activities and lessons. “Animal curiosity!” with EAC biology professor Cameron Mower, who emphasized the “supernatural powers” of the animals around us.
Chris Carell, a robotics teacher at Thatcher Middle School, taught “The Adventures of Robot Exploration.” They shared the forces and activities of nature, such as Cartesian divers and air rockets. Students also worked with Pima Middle School’s Tony Anger to create an “Information Quilt” after discovering and exploring rare, unbelievable and amazing animals from around the world.
Students also explored the amazing benefits of technology in their daily lives through a fun yet challenging activity called “Diaper Duty!” With Heather Dillman of Fort Thomas High School. “Forensic fun!” said Tammy Gillespie, EAC Professor of Anatomy and Physiology. A lesson in identifying physical marks left by humans, with many great examples and activities.
EAC Biology Professor Ethan McBride shared “Tower Race!” Harnessing the power of nature and hands-free, students learned to collaborate with others to design and create a towering pile of cups. Chris Cook, Thatcher High School Biology uses the latest technology to answer, “Who did it? – the beauty of DNA!”
Former Safford Middle School Science Teacher Debbie Pearson shared the lessons she learned about rocks, drawing a positive message at the end and leaving it where others can find it. Paul Unger, Director of EAC Discovery Park and Director of EASI Summer Science Camps, shared a lesson on “The Physics of Archery” in which students learned the principles of archery and learned how to excel at the camp. (Hope Perez, Kyler Decker and Jack Bryce both had shot scores requiring a “shootoff” of 12 out of 15, with Kyler scoring 2). bottom.nd location spot.
At the end of the camp, students enjoyed an astronomy lesson and a special presentation on what it takes to return to the Moon at EASI’s giant StarLab planetarium. They also attended an exciting presentation by EAC Biology Professor Nathan Klein to learn and see several different species of native animals such as tarantulas, turtles, Arctic and gopher snakes, and even a doctor beetle. , and even could be touched.
It was a great time and everyone enjoyed themselves. All campers received the wonderful “Exploring the Pieces of our World!” Lots of t-shirts, backpacks, prizes and take-home activities. Light breakfasts and lunches were provided by the Safford Unified School District meal program to ensure campers were happy and ready to learn.
Paul Unger, Director of EAC Discovery Park Campus and Director of EASI Summer Science Camps, said, “We are excited to provide funding to share these amazing STEM lessons and activities with local youth at camp. A heartfelt thank you to United Way of Graham & Greenlee County for their support.” ”
“Our friends at Freeport McMoran for donating to EASI through the employee payroll deduction program, Safford School for providing us with excellent meals, and hosting camp at our beautiful Discovery Park facility. We are so grateful to Eastern Arizona University, our annual Summer Science Camp is a great opportunity for young people in Eastern Arizona to come together, have fun, and participate in amazing STEM lessons and activities from our amazing local educators.”
“Our main goal is to increase awareness of STEM and higher education opportunities, and hopefully pursue local careers involving STEM.”
For more information about EAC Discovery Park or the activities of the Eastern Arizona Science Initiative (EASI), please contact the EAC Discovery Park Campus at (928) 428-6260 or email: Discoverypark@eac.edu, or visit please give me. www.eac.edu/discoverypark
