Contribution article
Safford — Discovery Park hosted the 2023 Eastern Arizona Science Initiative (EASI) Summer Science Camp from June 12-14, with 50 students in grades 6-9 from school districts throughout eastern Arizona.
This year’s camp theme isexplore parts of our worldincluded a dozen lessons and activities that showcase the diversity of plants, animals, forces and mysteries of the natural world.
Students participated in a variety of fun activities and lessons related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Among them are: EAC Biology Professor Cameron Mower’s Animal Weirdness focused on the animal “superpowers” around us. Chris Carell, a robotics teacher at Thatcher Middle School, taught “Adventures in Robotic Exploration” and shared activities using the forces of nature with Cartesian divers and air rockets.
Students also created an information quilt after discovering and exploring rare and amazing animals found around the world, along with Pima Middle School’s Tony Anger. The students also explored the wonderful benefits of technology in their daily lives through a fun-but-challenging activity called diaper duty with Heather Dillman from Fort He Thomas High School.
EAC Anatomy and Physiology Professor Tammy Gillespie shared Forensic Fun, a lesson in identifying physical imprints left by humans, with many great examples and activities.
EAC biology professor Ethan McBride talks about the tower race. Students learned how to work hands-free and harness the power of nature to collaborate with others to design and create a towering pile of cups. Chris Cook, Thatcher High School Biology used the latest technology to track and identify people who chewed the wrong gum in Who Did It? — The beauty of DNA.
Debbie Pearson, a former science teacher at Safford Middle School, shared a lesson about rocks, ending by drawing a positive message and leaving it where others can find it. Paul Unger, Director of EAC Discovery Park and Director of EASI Summer Science Camps, shares a lesson on the physics of archery, where students learn the principles of archery and determine the camp’s best archers. held a contest to Hope Perez used two bullseyes and won the tournament with a high score of 14 out of 15. Kyler Decker and Jack Bryce both scored 12 of 15 points and were called to the shootoff, with Kyler taking second place.
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 a stimulating presentation by EAC Biology Professor Nathan Klein, where they learned about, saw, and learned about several different species of native animals, including tarantulas, turtles, Arctic snakes, gopher snakes, and stone beetles. touched.
All campers received Exploring the Pieces of our World t-shirts, backpacks, prizes, and lots of 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.
“Thanks to Graham and United Ways of Greenlee County for providing the funding to share these great STEM lessons and activities with the local youth at the camp,” said Paul Unger. . And to our friends at Freeport McMorran who donated to EASI through the employee payroll deduction program, Safford School for the wonderful meals, and the camps hosted at the beautiful Discovery Park facilities. I am so grateful to Eastern Arizona College.
“Our annual Summer Science Camp is a great opportunity for young people in Eastern Arizona to come together, have fun, and participate in great STEM lessons and activities from amazing local educators,” he continued. “Our main goal is to generate interest in STEM and beyond. We want to provide educational opportunities and hopefully he can pursue a local career involving STEM.”
Learn more about EAC Discovery Park Or for Eastern Arizona Science Initiative activities, contact the EAC Discovery Park Campus at 928-428-6260 or email Discoverypark@eac.edu.
online www.eac.edu/discoverypark.
