STEM Enrichment Camp inspires young minds
Published 2:44 pm Friday, July 26, 2024
Libby Albritton (left) and Grey Godwin (right) test out the robots they programmed during camp.
Campers discover marine life at the Dauphin Island Estuarium and Sea Lab.
Campers Nehemiah Daniels (left) and Anna Robinson (right) collaborate to build a geometric treehouse.
Students engage in a hands-on fishing expedition during their educational trip to the Dauphin Island Estuarium and Sea Lab, where they explored topics like biogeochemistry, oceanography, ecosystem ecology, ecotoxicology and more, against the backdrop of Alabama's coastal wonders.
Students engage in a cooperative learning activity, using strings to achieve their project goal through teamwork and problem-solving. Pictured are (from left to right) Sawyer Green, Noelle Dire, Amara McChee, Allison Robinson and Drew Cornelius. Seated is Cam Turner.
Campers explore a creek during a hike at the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook.
Donte Hall, former Luverne High School and University of Alabama basketball star, shares inspiring words and excites the kids about their futures.
Campers and camp instructor Julie Albritton explore innovative technology with the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) mobile drone program.
By Haley Mitchell Godwin
Crenshaw County’s inaugural STEM Enrichment Camp provided a unique opportunity for students to delve into the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The STEM camp, held at Luverne School June 10 – 27, provided a unique opportunity for students to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on activities and real-world applications.
Targeting fourth- through eighth- graders who share a genuine interest in STEM, the camp required students to submit an application describing their interest in STEM learning. According to camp coordinator Tammy Carnes Sims, the camp was designed to inspire curiosity, illuminate imaginations and help students build essential skills through collaboration and problem-solving.
“STEM was not a thing when I was in school, but I wish it would have been,” Sims said. “This program allows students to see what’s out there, explore STEM careers and get interested at a young age.”
Campers engaged in various activities highlighting different aspects of STEM education. They tackled engineering design challenges, showcased their creativity via several art projects and problem-solving skills through multiple experiments and activities, learned the basics of coding to create their own mini-projects and more. Campers also explored soluble and insoluble substances, creating beautiful and educational artwork. They enjoyed visits from special guests Brock Flynn and Collin Frazier, Lisa Harris with The Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Water Management Authority and others.
Collaboration was key as students worked together to solve complex problems, building strong teamwork skills. Additionally, an inspiring talk from Sandy Walker provided insights into future STEM careers.
Campers took field trips each week and visited the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook, Butter and Egg Adventures in Troy and the Dauphin Island Estuarium and Sea Lab. The camp concluded with a fun-filled day on a water slide, marking the end of the program.
Adrian Daniels, a teacher at Highland Home School who taught the robotics and drones class at the camp, reflected on the experience.
“This has been one of the best programs I have had the chance to teach at,” Daniels said. “What better way to end it than with Mr. Donte Hall stopping by. He spoke to the campers about not letting living in a rural area hold you back and encouraged them to set their goals high and give it all they have until they reach them and to give their best effort in all their endeavors.”
Hall is a former Luverne High School basketball player who graduated from and played for The University of Alabama and now plays in the EuroLeague.
The Alabama Department of Transportation’s (ALDOT) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) unit brought a variety of drones to showcase at the camp. Students witnessed multiple mapping missions in action and toured the ALDOT UAS Command Center. The team also showcased a pair of First Person View (FPV) goggles that provided a pilot’s-eye view of a drone’s surroundings, giving students a truly immersive experience.
Among the 38 students selected for camp was LaRon (LJ) Young Jr., a rising seventh-grader from Luverne.
“At STEM camp, I was able to sketch and build a capsule that would keep a Popsicle cold,” Young said. “My favorite part was building a robotic arm. I learned that working together as a team will get the job done and how to be creative and explore.”
Organizers hope that the camp’s success will lead to integrating STEM education into the everyday curriculum in Alabama schools and say they look forward to a second annual STEM camp next summer.
