2006 CS Summer Camp Registration Underway
04-27-2006
Purdue University's Department of Computer Science will offer a summer camp for students entering sixth through ninth grade who are interested in computers.
Although there is a growing availability and use of computers in K-12 classrooms, students tend to apply them in rather limited ways, and classroom activities tend to be limited to navigating the Internet and using various educational software packages, said Mindy Hart, Purdue's computer science outreach coordinator. The summer camp program was developed in response to students' limited exposure to computer science, she said.
Hart said the camp's objectives include exposing students to careers in computer science, increasing problem-solving skills, building awareness of the importance of math and science in preparing for a computer science career, and increasing awareness of the K-12 outreach services available at Purdue. A second-level camp also has been developed for students who want to learn more about computer science.
Campers will stay on Purdue's campus in Cary Residence Hall, and registration fees cover all meals, "fun night," student admission to the recognition luncheon and all materials. Hart and certified teachers will lead the activities.
The Beginner Camp runs June 18-21 and will focus on programming using Lego robotics and Web page design. Beginner campers should be in sixth to eighth grade and comfortable using a computer.
The Advanced Camp runs June 21-24 and takes a more in-depth look at computer science concepts through a variety of programs. Campers should be in seventh to ninth grade and have attended a previous session of the computer science summer camp or have some computer programming experience. Advanced campers will visit Beckman Coulter Inc., a pioneer in laboratory instruments and supplies, to get hands-on experience programming robots that assist with biomedical testing at hospitals, clinical laboratories and pharmaceutical companies.
The cost of the camp is $300, but parents who register their children before June 1 will receive a discounted rate of $275. For information, contact Hart at (765) 494-7802.