2006
SUMMER SCIENCE CAMP
 

The University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) hosted 18 participants at this year's Summer Science Camp (June 19-23rd) at base camp Challis, Idaho.  This camp was open to native and non-native students.
 
Our science camp focus was on the scarceness of water and how important clean water is for all that live on this planet. Students came from the Coeur d' lane and Shoshone-Bannock Indian reservations, as well a local high schools. A graduate student from Idaho State University helped mentored students. Staff members that donated their teaching time came from the Utah State University (an Astrophysics and Physician), Idaho State University (fish parasite specialist), and Elders from our Community Advisor Panel (CAP).

Students were given pre-test and post- tests, as well as a qualitative survey at the end of the camp. They were also instructed on streamside chemistry techniques and how to record the data we need for our study on salmon and steelhead habitat. The students and staff did an outstanding job of learning and working together in our “outdoor” classroom.

During the day, students were instructed on how and why we check the water levels for dissolved oxygen, nitrates/nitrates, and water temperature and flow rates. Many good questions and discussions came from the students on topics of water and the environment.

After suppertime, the learning did not stop. Instructors from Utah State University, Dr. John Vanderford and Dr. Jim Davis provided astronomical observations of the Zodiac, Milky Way, North Star, Big Dipper, Cassiopeia and the planets. Students stargazing was proceed the following day, by building and successfully launching water rockets that the students constructed. Students were introduced to Newton’s law of motion; as well as exciting bets on which students had build the “best” water powered rocket.

Dr. Davis also gave lectures on wilderness medicine. This was very appropriate information as since our camp is located in wilderness and Dr. Davis is an Emergency Room Physician. Students enjoyed this class as well and leaned some basic life saving techniques.

In summary, students learned about streamside water Chemistry, Physics laws, Astronomy, Wilderness Medicine, and collected data we need to determine safe environmental habitat for Salmon, Steelhead and ourselves. More importantly we leaned about each other how all knowledge is truly connected to each other. Finally, a student recorded in their journal “I never knew learning about science could be so fun, thanks for inviting me, when is it next year”?

Students and staff at Summer Camp 2006 launching bottle rockets using water.
 

2005
Summer Science Camp--August 1-5, 2005

The Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) hosted a science summer camp during the first week of August 2005. Our base camp was at Challis Hot Springs, which is a very delightful place to end your hard research day in the field!

Our science camp had a focus on the water, and the sacredness of water resources. Students were exposed to Native American views of water; for example, stories of how water is home to many of the earths creatures and plants. Students were also exposed to the scientific community research views of water as well.

Students assisted Dr. Galindo’s research efforts to establish base line data for Salmon

Students had college mentors from North Idaho College (NIC), Idaho State University (ISU) and the University of Idaho (U of I). Members of a Community Advisor Panel (CAP). were also helped mentor students.  CAP members are members of the community that volunteers their time and effort working with students and the environment.

In summary, we had a great science camp with native and non-native students learning about water.   More importantly, we learned about each other, and the
value of education. One student wrote on her evaluation of the camp "I had a fun time, can I bring my brother?  And when is this camp next year"?

We look forward to another great year of leaning and sharing.


 
 

Making breakfast