Purdue News

May 9, 2005

Purdue computer science camps offer summer fun and learning

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Students entering grades six through nine who are interested in computers can take advantage of Purdue University's annual computer science summer camps in June.

Two camps, one for beginners and another for more advanced students, will focus on increasing problem-solving skills and building awareness of the importance of math and science in preparing for careers in computer science. Purdue's Department of Computer Sciences sponsors both camps.

"Although there is growing availability and use of computers in grade school classrooms, students tend to apply them in rather limited ways, and classroom activities tend to be limited to navigating the Internet and using educational software," said Mindy Hart, the department's outreach coordinator. "In response to this limited exposure to computer science, Purdue has developed a summer camp program for middle schoolers."

Campers will be housed on Purdue's campus in Cary Residence Hall. Registration fees cover all meals, a "fun night," admission to the recognition luncheon and all necessary camp materials. Supervising activities will be Hart and Judith Lewandowski, assistant professor of instructional technology at Indiana University South Bend.

The beginner camp, for students entering grades six, seven and eight, runs June 19-22 and will focus on programming using Lego Robotics and Web page design. Hart said that beginning campers should be comfortable with basic computer operation.

The advanced camp, for students entering grades seven, eight and nine, runs June 22-25 and takes a more in-depth look at robotics and Web design. Hart said that campers should have attended a previous session of the camp or have some computer programming and Web page design experience.

Parents who register their children before June 1 will receive a discounted rate of $275. After June 1, the rate is $300. Visit on the web to register for the beginner camp, or for the advanced camp.


Writer: Chad Boutin, (765) 494-2081, cboutin@purdue.edu


Source: Mindy Hart, (765) 494-7802, mhart@cs.purdue.edu

 

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