Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD has once again brought a week of higher-level thinking to its students through STEMKAMP. Thanks to Dee Thomas, the district's DoDEA Grant Director, the program has thrived since its inception. STEMKAMP (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics for Kids of Active Military Personnel) kicked off at Byron P. Steele High School. It offers hands-on learning experiences to explore various STEM careers.
This program helps students develop laboratory skills, practice higher-order thinking, and gain the self-confidence and motivation needed for a STEM path. Serving students in grades 3-8, most of the 150+ participants are children of active-duty personnel, military-connected families, and U.S. federal civilians.
This year's STEMKAMP theme, SYSTEMS SAFARI, marks the fourth year of the camp. It focuses on exploring human body systems through hands-on challenges across various labs. The curriculum covers the heart and circulatory, digestive, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. An on-site field trip lets students engage in labs to learn about germs, working lungs, and blood components using a blood substitute. These activities make learning engaging and memorable.
Mr. Joseph Bray, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Texas, also spoke at the STEMKAMP launch. He assured the students that they would leave the camp with new knowledge and skills, making them awesome young men and women. Major Benjamin Wheatley from the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence highlighted the limitless future of medical-related opportunities and the need for researchers, scientists, and engineers.
Lastly, special thanks go to Dee Ann Thomas, the DoDEA Grant Project Director, and her team, as well as all the teachers and student helpers, for making this valuable opportunity available to the SCUC community.
Source: SCUCISD's Facebook
Blog by: Heidi Melgar, Intern, UT Austin