Annual camp gives students opportunity to explore STEM

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy recently hosted a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) camp for students in sixth through eighth grades.

The camp gave those students an opportunity to explore the various careers in math and science. Activities included rocket and kite building as well as green energy. There was no cost to students to attend.

"Camp is funded by the Stonecutter Foundation, which allows an opportunity for more students to be involved than what might have been," said Sharon Andrews, one of the camp instructors.

In addition to learning lessons in the STEM areas, students also learned how to work collaboratively.

"Camp has really given them an opportunity to develop problem solving abilities as well," she said.

Camp has been offered each summer for the past seven years, and statistics have shown that those who attended in the past have performed better in science and math classes during their high school careers.

"Last year we graduated the first students to attend camp," said Thomas Andrews, another camp instructor. "Students who attended this camp - either due to their natural proclivity for math and science or because of having this experience - performed better and took more AP science and math classes."

David Pendleton, a rising seventh grader, said he had most enjoyed building a spaghetti tower, and had learned that even when a project didn't work as it should that the result was still one he could be proud of.

"I've learned that your triumphs can come from your failures," he said.