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Lander Hosts Fuji Summer Science Programs for Students in Grades Six through 12

students performing chemistry experiment
Students carefully watch a chemistry experiment during a session of the Fuji Summer Science and Mathematics program at Lander University in 2009. Chemistry will be one of the topics in this year's program. Applications are now being accepted and must be submitted by May 23.

Lander University is accepting registrations for the annual Fuji Summer Science and Mathematics Enrichment program for junior high and high school students hosted by the university starting in June. The summer enrichment program is sponsored by a grant from Fuji Photo Film in Greenwood and offers talented students a challenging educational experience with opportunities for fun and a taste of life at Lander.

The instructors are members of Lander's teaching faculty and classes will be conducted in Lander classrooms and laboratories.

Dr. David Slimmer, dean of Lander's College of Science and Mathematics, said six camps are on the schedule with topics ranging from forensics to computer programming.

Slimmer, a professor of physics, will lead a session called Interesting Science for sixth- through ninth-grade students, June 13-16. Participants will learn about several scientific topics, including physics, chemistry and biology, and there will be plenty of hands-on learning opportunities.

Dr. T.D. Maze, associate professor of biology, will introduce seventh- through 12th-grade students to the fascinating world of forensic science, showing them how law enforcement uses DNA technology and other techniques to solve crimes. The program, June 20-23, will include a crime scene investigation and presentation of evidence obtained during the week to defend or prosecute a suspect in a mock trial.

Students in grades 9 through 12 who are interested in nursing can spend a weekend taking part in activities focusing on the experience and skills needed in nursing school and beyond. Drs. Leslie Myers and Becky Cox-Davenport, who teach in Lander's William Preston Turner Department of Nursing, will demonstrate basic nursing skills using the latest simulation technology. The program, July 7-9, is co-sponsored by Self Regional Healthcare.

The Unseen World of Microbes will be explored in the session scheduled for July 11-14. Assistant professor of biology Dr. Mark Pilgrim will guide students through an exploration of microorganisms. Students will also learn the importance of microbes to the environment, human health and disease, and the production of certain foods. Specimens will be collected for cultivation and observation, and students will also have a chance to make yogurt. The program is for students in sixth through ninth grades.

Associate professor of chemistry Dr. Ralph Layland will demonstrate the Magic of Chemistry, helping students examine the chemical makeup of everyday consumer products found at home and in stores and pharmacies. Students will make a number of items, including bottle rockets, glue, soap, high-bouncing rubber balls and more. The week-long program, July 18-21. is for students in sixth through ninth grades.

Dr. Gilliean Lee, assistant professor of computing, will teach students the fine points of 3D animation and computer programming. Participants will learn to write an animation scenario, create 3D graphics and write computer programs for animation and interactive games. The program will also include instruction in basic computer programming concepts. The camp, July 25-28, is for sixth- through twelfth-graders.

The cost is $50 for each week-long day camp. Supplies and lunch will be provided daily. The cost of the nursing program is $100 and includes three meals a day and overnight stays in a Lander residence hall.

Applications can be downloaded from the Lander website at www.lander.edu/goto/camps. Applications, accompanied by a $50 deposit and a letter of recommendation, must be received in Lander's College of Science and Mathematics by May 23.