Youth are introduced to STEM topics through informal settings like science camps, aquaria, and zoos. In these interactive and sensory-rich environments, a well-designed programme can help participants to acquire knowledge and cultivate interest through experiential learning. Given the importance of informal activities in environmental education,…

The summer provides a unique opportunity for children to further their interests in science, especially science in the out-of-doors. Once school is out for the summer, there is seemingly unlimited time, with no strict curriculum guidelines to follow. For students with a passion for the out-of-doors, summer science camps and school-based summer…

Describes the approach and programming emphasis of the National University of Distance Education (UNED). Specifically explains the university's summer residential workshops that focused on basic physics phenomena that were laboratory oriented. Includes examples of the course requirements and samples of the participants' opinions about the course.…

Describes a two-week concentrated laboratory course in chemistry offered by Union College (New York) for middle school students. Provides the objectives of the course and a listing of experiments done by the students. Promotes the use of experiential approaches rather than lengthy lectures and discussions. (TW)

Discusses how, in two three-week sessions, the Terre Haute (Indiana) college offers selected students a hands-on approach to all aspects of engineering from design and lab work to technical writing. Describes a group project requiring students to study and experiment with simple research problems. Lists 20 project ideas. (MVL)

Describes a two-week, non-resident course in chemistry offered by the University of Arkansas (Little Rock) for gifted and talented high school seniors. Provides the objectives of the program and brief descriptions of the classes that are held. Discusses the evaluation process and student evaluation results. (TW)

Reports on Project SEED (Summer Educational Experience for the Disadvantaged) a project in which high school students from low-income families work in summer jobs in a variety of academic, industrial, and government research labs. The program introduces the students to career possibilities in chemistry and to the advantages of higher education.…

Upward Bound's National Demonstration Project "Science and Self-Determination" (SSD) awarded to the American Indian Educational Opportunity Program at University of Colorado, Boulder, in 1980 shares a common purpose with other Upward Bound Projects: to provide opportunity to low income and otherwise disadvantaged secondary students to…