APRIL 2005 ISSUE
Familiar Summer Program for
Children Adds New Camps
Discover E is an old camp up to new tricks. The University of Alberta Faculty of Engineering's popular student-run program introduces five new, hands-on engineering and technology camps for kids, this summer.
BluePrint is an introduction to engineering and design work through challenging and fun projects. Discover Elle is an all-girls camp combining tours and activities about the possibilities engineering holds. Advanced Flash teaches invention and programming in the popular active web design standard.
Also new are 3D Video Game Design and Microelectronics camps.
The program uses subject matter that interests kids, such as video games and electronics, to facilitate an exciting hands-on educational experience that introduces campers to the principles and profession of engineering.
The impetus for Discover E stems from concerns about a shortage of engineers, scientists and technically literate individuals in Canada. Children introduced to science and engineering in a fun environment, Discover E proponents believe, are more likely to develop a continued interest, and pursue studies and employment in the fields.
The camp conducts topical in-class workshops during May and June, and offers engineering, science and technology-based day camps on-campus at the U of A throughout July and August.
APEGGA has supported Discover E since its inception in 1993. In that time, the program has already reached well over 30,000 Alberta youths, including over 9,300 in 2004.
Discover E offers 10 different camps. Their subject matter runs the gamut of science, computing, robotics, engineering and technology.
To ensure all interested kids get a chance to participate, the program offers bursaries for campers in need. And Discover E's Satellite Program travels to communities such as Fort Chipewyan, Fort MacKay, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray and Yellowknife.
This year looks to be yet another success for the program. Along with the introduction of the new camps and several new workshops, there are extensive plans for community involvement __ some of which have already taken place with great success.
During National Engineering & Geoscience Week this year, Discover E assisted with APEGGA Science Nights. Volunteers let Edmonton youths see what their voices look like electronically represented on an oscilloscope, or squint in disgust (or fascination, depending on who you asked) at the messy and colourful foam produced in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
Discover E also participated in the 2005 Edmonton Science Olympics held March 5 at the Shaw Conference Centre. Volunteers demonstrated the famous “glowing pickle” and fielded science questions.
MORE INFORMATION
Visit http://discovere.ualberta.ca for Discover E dates, descriptions and online registrations.