School's out for the summer, but a few area students spent some time in a different type of classroom last week.About 25 students between Grades 3 and 9 attended SCI-FI Science camps at St. Peter's College in Muenster. The camps, presented by the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, are dedicated to presenting science, engineering and technology to elementary school-aged youth in a fun and interactive manner.The camps use a hands-on environment, to increase students' science and technological literacy, as well as demonstrate that these topics are both fun and relevant.The camp programs featured projects from science, technology, and computer science fields.This year's camp featured building projects, with everything from mouse trap cars, popsicle stick towers, video game circuit boards, and Lego robotics on the menu, explained Allison Graham, an instructor for the Grades 6-9 group.
The whole purpose of the camps is to get kids excited about science, said Terra Lekach, another camp instructor.And it seemed to be working as the kids were excited and involved in their projects when the Journal visited.Alexander Washkowsky and Levi Senko, both of Humboldt, were enjoying their time.This was Washkowsky's second time at camp. He came back because he had such a great time last year. Senko came because Washkowsky told him how much fun it was last year.Alishea Reeme of Humboldt, Ashley Ockbazghi of Humboldt, and Kalie Schemenauer of Lake Lenore were also at the camp.All three said they are really interested in science and were learning a lot at the camp."It was worth it," Ockbazghi said of attending camp. "It was a really good experience."Katie Schemenauer learned about the camp through a presentation at school."We got to do a lot of cool stuff (at the presentation," she said. "So I decided to try the camp."