The University of Central Arkansas last week hosted the 2007 UCA Challenge, a summer science program for 4th and 5th grade students organized by the Department of Early Childhood and Special Education within UCA’s College of Education.
“The UCA Challenge summer program is designed to offer students an exciting curriculum not offered in many schools,” said Lisa Herrington, a UCA clinical instructor who directed the program along with UCA Associate Professor Mark Cooper. “We believe all students want to be challenged, and we organized hands-on activities guaranteed to promote curiosity and fun.”
The one-week program was designed for students interested in science-based learning, all of whom attended three classes that each met daily for one hour and forty minutes:
“Of Cabbages and Chemistry”: The students learned the basics of chemistry by using various materials to conduct tests on many common household chemicals.
“Beastly Body Biochemistry”: The students explored the complexities of animal systems.
“Calling All Engineers”: The students learned how to build and test simple systems, such as bridges, boats and batteries.
The UCA Challenge faculty includes UCA professors who are experts in their subject areas and have experience working with students in this age group.
The total enrollment fee for the UCA Challenge program was $150, which included a t-shirt.
UCA Challenge is an expansion of the UCA Super Kids summer program that began in 1999. For more information, call 501-450-5453 or 501-450-5444.
