Making the most of summer
This summer at Hamline University, middle and high school science teachers will learn how to incorporate forensic science in their teaching to get young students excited about science. The three-day Forensic Science Educational Conference will include lectures and hands-on workshops on fingerprints, firearms and tool marks, DNA analysis, trace evidence and blood stain pattern interpretation. Armed with this knowledge, teachers will have new tools to enrich and develop challenging, innovative science curricula.
This is just one example of the diverse summer programming occurring at the 17 member schools of the Minnesota Private College Council. Although the usual contingent of college students is absent, a different set of students enlivens campuses. Each one of our colleges is engaged in programs that encourage and prepare K-12 students to get ready for college — or help better their teachers. Here are some additional examples of this summer's programs:
- At Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Professor William Bukowski will stir the creative juices of students in his Young Michelangelo Art Camp. The camp welcomes 5th- to 7th-graders in the mornings and opens to high school artists in the afternoons. Bukowski has been offering the camp since 1988 and teaches drawing, painting and cartooning.
- The Carleton College Liberal Arts Experience (CLAE) brings 50 of the best and brightest sophomores of African descent from across the country to Carleton for an all expenses paid, one-week summer program. The CLAE program introduces students to the strengths of a liberal arts education through an array of courses in science, art, social sciences, and technology. Another Carleton opportunity, the Summer Teaching Institute, is for high school teachers of Advanced Placement, enriched and accelerated classes.
- At the College of St. Catherine's Business & Technology Careers Camp high school girls find out how business and technology skills are combined in different careers. The girls build an online shopping mall and discover how it feels to be "at college” by taking classes and staying overnight on campus for a week.
- Concordia University, St. Paul offers a weeklong Music Theatre Camp for 6th- to 12th-graders. Students receive training in acting, dance and movement, vocal technique, plus professional seminars in auditioning and performance. On the final day, they present a performance to family and friends.
- Concordia Language Villages — a program of Concordia College, Moorhead — continues its tradition of offering the most extensive language and culture immersion programs (in 14 languages) in the U.S. More than 6,000 young people participate each summer.
- Girls entering 7th grade in the fall can attend the University of St. Thomas' Science, Technology and Engineering Preview Summer Camp (STEPS) hosted by the School of Engineering. The five-day introduction to the world of technology and engineering will include experience designing, manufacturing and flying a radio-controlled airplane.
MPCC schools continue to seek ways to engage with future students and enhance the preparation of students and teachers throughout Minnesota. Find out more about preparing for college success.