Mythological animals, electricity, dinosaurs, and space oddities are just some of the topics on tap this summer at the South Florida Museum, where we offer six weeks of summer camp for elementary and middle school students. Register now for Summer Science Camps - there are two levels offered: for students entering grades 2 through 5 and for students entering grades 6 through 8. Camps take place from 9:00AM to 4:00PM Monday through Friday (except for the 4th of July) at the South Florida Museum’s campus (201 10th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34205).
Camp themes by week:
Week 1: Cryptozoology - June 12- June 16
Explore the realms of myth and zoology in the search for Skunk Ape, Bigfoot, Nessie and other ""monsters of mythology"". Are these beings real, or are they figments of the imagination? We'll use scientific study to form new conclusions based on evidence and models as we learn about each “monster.” How brave are you? Let the hunt begin!
Week 2: The Power of the Three E's: Energy, Electricity, Engineering - June 19- June 23
""E""mmerse yourself in the 3 E's! Explore the power of renewable energy sources while building your own models of bridges, buildings and other man made structures. Discover the mechanics of electrical engineering with circuit boards projects and experiments. The future is in your hands.
Week 3: Dinosaur Detectives - June 26-June 30
Discover the new science of some of the oldest creatures on our planet. Study fossil footprints, eggs, bones and feathers to create updated models of the biomechanics of how these animals moved, ate and lived. Recreate dino nests and habitats as you work to bring extinct ecosystems back to life.
Week 4: Stones, Bones, and Indiana Jones - July 3-June 7*
* 4 day week, no Camp July 4th
Explore ancient cultures through the scientific studies of archaeology and anthropology. Learn the techniques and skills used by archaeologists (like Indiana Jones) that forward our knowledge of the people of the past. Go behind the scenes of the Museum's collections to investigate the stone and bone tools early humans used in their survival of Ice Age Florida. Grab your hat to become ""raiders of the lost arts""!
Week 5: Reptilemania - July 10-July 14
Unlock the fascinating world of reptiles while learning about Florida's most dangerous reptilian residents. Explore the distinctions of body chemistry, physiology and life cycles that make these creatures so unique. Learn from local experts as you work to create models and dioramas depicting the secret lives of these majestic animals.
Week 6: Space Oddities - July 17-July 21
Black holes, quasars, cosmic rays, gravitational waves...what do they all have in common? They are all ""oddballs"" in cutting edge astronomy! Learn what scientists have been discovering about these space oddities as you further your understanding and push the limits of our current working models. This camp will be out of this world!
Prices:
Museum Members - $200 / week
Non-members - $250 / week
*A 10% Family Discount is available for each additional camper per week.
Register online at www.SouthFloridaMuseum.org or by phone at 941-746-4131, ext. 113. You can also pick up registration forms at the Museum's front desk.
