After a rigorous interview process, Leslie Hebert, Instructional Coach and English teacher at Pelahatchie High School, was accepted to teach at the SR1 College Preparatory STEM Academy Summer Camp at Millsaps College. Hebert, along with a pre-med student, led a group of 15 students.
Students and teachers from all over the Jackson-Metro area participated in various thematic weeks at the SR1 Camp that provided unique opportunities for students to become immersed in activities that may not be available during the school year.
Students dissected sheep brains, solved true crime cases using forensics, experienced hands-on activities while touring Mississippi State University, participated in a Japanese Tea Ceremony, and much more. Organizers say opportunities like this help bridge the gap of opportunity that so many of the State of Mississippi’s children lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The teaching at the SR1 Camp was centered around five themed weeks as follows:
• Week One (June 7-9) was dedicated to health. It allowed campers to study and even dissect the various parts of the brain as they learned about psychology. This week was designed to increase the student’s awareness of physical health and to teach various lifestyle habits that can help the students maintain good health.
• Week Two (June 14-16) was all about science. Students used forensics to solve a true crime. Science Week also taught various science-related topics not taught in some schools; as well as prepares the students for college courses.
• Week Three (June 21-23) focused on cultural arts. Maika Yamaoka, Japan Outreach Initiative Coordinator with the University of Memphis, demonstrated a formal Japanese Tea Ceremony and allowed participants to practice making the tea. Cultural Week aimed to increase the students’ tolerance and understanding of different cultures, thereby preparing students for the diversity that is encountered once attending college and entering the work force.
• Week Four (June 28-30), it was time for math. Students learned techniques to master the math portion of the ACT. During Math Week, students also applied math topics to real-world scenarios, thereby strengthening the students’ math backgrounds and abilities in an interactive manner.
• Week Five (July 12-14) was College Week. Students learned how to choose the college or university that meets future career goals as well as current social, athletic and educational needs. The goal was to prepare students for college by illustrating the college process and strengthening both academic and social perceptions of college.
Combining the themes of science and the cultural arts, students joined campers from other areas of the state to tour Mississippi State University (MSU). The College of Forest Resources at MSU provided hand-on activities for students to learn about sustainable natural resources, wildlife management and forest conservation. MSU’s College of Food Science allowed students to make and taste ice cream from various milk sources.
Hebert spoke fondly of the camp saying, “A lot of people question the adults of tomorrow - the children of today. These kids have a desire to learn, and the general public doesn’t see that. My faith in our children was solidified at the camp. If these are the leaders of tomorrow, then we are in a good place.”
The non-profit group, SR1 Scientific Research, focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). To learn more about SR1, visit SR1 online at www.sr1tech.org, or email SR1 at [email protected].
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