Graduation Moments

Good afternoon : )

We would like to share some videos and pictures from the BHSSC Graduation with you and your family. There were some great memories captured, so we hope you enjoy!

Also, we encourage you to forward any pictures you would like to share from camp to either i.freitas@neu.edu or k.malanych@neu.edu. We will post them on the blog so others can view them.

Thank you!

-Ivana

Survey and Pictures

Hello!

The link to the survey mentioned in the email is:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=XRZFZKQglpPWUZ58Sk0z0g_3d_3d

Also, we only received pictures from a few families, so if you have any from graduation (or any other time) that you would like to share with other campers, please send them to k.malanych@neu.edu and i.freitas@neu.edu so we can get those up online.

Thank you and have a great week.

~Kelly

Scavenger Hunt Photos

Hello everyone!

Hope you are enjoying your summer.

Below are links to the scavenger hunt photos. They are grouped by color and gender.

http://picasaweb.google.com/bhssc.neu/ScavengerHuntGoldBoys?authkey=Gv1sRgCOSCp5DFiMucTg#

http://picasaweb.google.com/bhssc.neu/ScavengerHuntGoldGirls?authkey=Gv1sRgCKSl17aY6v2yGQ#

http://picasaweb.google.com/bhssc.neu/ScavengerHuntGreenBoys?authkey=Gv1sRgCKfVr9PL2Pq68QE#

http://picasaweb.google.com/bhssc.neu/ScavengerHuntGreenGirls?authkey=Gv1sRgCOjmg4yNiLWVdQ#

http://picasaweb.google.com/bhssc.neu/ScavengerHuntPurpleBoys?authkey=Gv1sRgCP7K1ry_pbnnvAE#

http://picasaweb.google.com/bhssc.neu/ScavengerHuntPurpleGirls?authkey=Gv1sRgCO-popegtpq4IA#

http://picasaweb.google.com/bhssc.neu/ScavengerHuntOrangeBoys?authkey=Gv1sRgCOqX34nB5tjWTQ#

http://picasaweb.google.com/bhssc.neu/ScavengerHuntOrangeGirls?authkey=Gv1sRgCLXxsf7d9raAAw#

http://picasaweb.google.com/bhssc.neu/ScavengerHuntRedBoys?authkey=Gv1sRgCPna0fql38b2Mw#

http://picasaweb.google.com/bhssc.neu/ScavengerHuntRedGirls?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2EgpuTsZPkxwE#

http://picasaweb.google.com/bhssc.neu/ScavengerHuntBlueBoys?authkey=Gv1sRgCKvFutKovNSVjwE#

http://picasaweb.google.com/bhssc.neu/ScavengerHuntBlueGirls?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ-z7PSox5C9wQE#

Enjoy : )

~ Ivana

Day 9: Field Trip to Maynard Ecology Center

Today the students had their last scientific adventure of their two-week journey at the Thomas M. Maynard Ecology Center. It is a Cambridge Public Schools science education resource center located near the Fresh Pond Reservation in West Cambridge. The Center is set up as an informal science-learning environment and is used as a base for students to explore the surrounding Fresh Pond Reservation and Black’s Nook Pond.

The students learned about various components affecting the ecosystem, including erosion control and water treatment. They investigated indoor stream tables using sod, sand, clay, sponges, and soil to create an environment that would contain a soil containment in a stream.

The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp Staff looks forward to seeing you tomorrow in the Raytheon Amphitheater at 12:45 p.m. for graduation!
~Ivana

Day 8: Chemistry Fun!

Today the students had their first chemistry lesson! In the morning, they familiarized themselves with the periodic table and its elements. They researched various elements on the internet and were able to see how they combine to form compounds, i.e. NaCl = table salt.

Next, they took what they learned and applied it in the chemistry lab. The first lesson was on kitchen chemistry. Students learned about osmosis and the way in which diluted substances permeate through a membrane into more concentrated substances. Using an egg as an example, they saw how its shell fell apart after sitting in vinegar. They also observed how water, the diluted substance, permeated through the egg membrane into the yolk, the concentrated substance. Later, the students learned about capillary action and acids and bases. They tested out different substances and watched as cabbage juice (a particularly effective pH detector) altered the color of each liquid substance.

In the adjacent laboratory, or the “Flubber Research Corp.,” students learned about polymers and how through engineering, they can be applied to perform specific tasks. They first combined water and glue and examined its new consistency. Different shades of food coloring were also added to each polymer. Students then created the first ever “flubber” polymer to be produced in the lab.

Below is a poem written and shared by a 7th grader during activity time:

Math and science

What a joy!

Yet camp will soon to come to an end,

But in this road there is a bend.

We have a graduation

Which we can exchange

Phone numbers, e-mails, and other screen names.

If we can’t, some will be sad,

But they can’t get mad.

There is a meeting day in the fall

So that is my poem,

I hope you enjoyed it all.

-Samantha

Look for more updates tomorrow as the students attend their second field trip to the Maynard Ecology Center in Cambridge, MA.

Have a great evening,

Ivana

Day 7: Hoooo (Who) Ate What?!

Today the students had the unique opportunity of dissecting owl pellets and analyzing insect behaviors.

Owls regurgitate indigestible parts of their prey (usually bones, feathers, or fur) in the form of pellets approximately 20 hours after they eat. Instead of following an owl’s eating pattern closely, scientists can simply dissect its pellets to identify exactly what type of organism was digested. The students were fascinated by this activity and at the same time, shocked at what they were discovering. Before you knew it, groups were extracting tiny skulls and vertebra from the owl pellets! They then matched the bones they found to a chart in order to identify exactly what the owl had eaten. It seems as though a rodent is a favorite of owls being the most common creature found within the pellets.

Next, it was time to analyze insect behaviors. The students were split into groups and then given small containers consisting of several different types of bugs. They were asked to make observations as to how the insects behaved with their environment and each other. One group released the insect onto the carpet to examine its interaction with a rugged surface, while others noticed its tendency to hide behind objects. Experimenting with the insects’ attraction to ink was also quite captivating for the students. As they drew a line with pen on their paper, they watched as the insect followed their exact pattern. One student cleverly wrote his name in cursive to give the insect a run for its money. Surprisingly, it actually followed most of the pattern!

Stay tuned for the students’ transformation tomorrow from biologists to chemists!

~ Ivana

Call Home Time - Week Two

Hope you are enjoying your week! We are so glad we have ponchos because the rain has been dripping on us as we walk from class to class...

Male call home day this week is today (Tuesday) and females tomorrow (Wednesday). Though the official call home time on the form stated that students might be calling a bit later in the evening, we will start phone calls today around 6:00 p.m. so that we can get all phone calls completed before heading back to the dorms to work on our bridge projects. If your child tries to call at an earlier time and can't get through, we will have them give you call later.

We look forward to seeing you at graduation. As always, please feel free to contact us at any time with questions or concerns.

~Kelly

Graduation and Pick up Information for Friday

Hope you are having a wonderful week! This is just a reminder that graduation for the 2009 ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp will be held this Friday, July 24th at 12:45 p.m. in the Raytheon Amphitheater (where the orientation was on the first day of camp - Sunday, July 12th). Parents can park in the Renaissance Parking Garage on Columbus Ave if you cannot find street parking (Parker Street and Columbus Ave sometimes have spaces). There is a fee for parking in the Renaissance Garage at the following rates:

- 1 hour $4
1 - 2 hours $5
2 - 3 hours $8
3 - 4 hours $10

Graduation should end by 3:00 with students then heading over to West Village F to retrieve luggage and be signed out.

If you are unable to attend graduation, please note that student pick up time should be between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to call (617.373.2626 or 203.464.7921) or email k.malanych@neu.edu, bhssc.neu@gmail.com.

Enjoy your evening,
Kelly

Day 6: Putting the Pieces Together

Welcome Back!

It seems as though your children had quite a restful weekend since they jumped right into their first activity... literally. The morning started off with one of our lead counselors, Charles, facilitating a morning warm-up. A few stretches, jumping jacks, and a banana and shoe search relay proved to get everybody ready for the day!




Today the students learned about electrical circuits and creating and communicating designs.

Through a PowerPoint presentation, they grasped the key components to what makes a circuit functional and its purpose in powering a device. After they learned what cords attached where, it was their turn to recreate their very own circuits. Using a Snap Circuit kit, in teams of two the students built, tested, and troubleshot their circuits. Circuits created ranged from simple to simple parallel, some even consisting of switches and resistors. Disassembling and reassembling various circuit designs, they were able to explore electricity and the key role simple circuits play in it.

Last Thursday the students were able to test out the brand new nano-based video game "Geckoman." Today, it was time for them to construct a Legoman. In pairs, instructions were given to create a structure out of Legos that could act as a business-card holder. The students could be as creative as they wanted, however they would then have to communicate how to construct their design without the use of technology (only using pencil and paper). This proved to be a challenge for some of the students. How can one instruct someone on assembling an entire structure in only 10 minutes? Some students realized that a picture is worth a thousand words and began sketching their structure using a legend to indicate where each color belonged. They were then given fellow classmates' instructions at random and replicated the other team's Legoman. The most detailed, written instructions proved to be less efficient than the more direct, illustrated instructions. Through this lesson, students not only learned to produce creative designs, but more importantly learned how to communicate them to the manufacturer.

Tomorrow, students will have the chance to explore the vast world of Biology.

~ Ivana : )

Camp Reminders for Sunday, July 19th

Camp Reminders

· Students MUST eat dinner before coming back to camp on Sunday. Dinner will NOT be provided.

· Sunday drop off time is 5:00 p.m. Parents and students will come to West Village F dormitory (40 Leon Street) to drop off luggage and sign in. Parents do not need to stay after signing their child in.

· When packing to come back for week two, please bring:
1. A summer reading book or journal for quiet time.
2. A water bottle if you wish
3. Clothing appropriate for the weather (sneakers, no skirts, no heavy pants, no heavy jackets)

· Graduation on Friday, July 24 will begin at 12:45 p.m. Parents can begin to report to Raytheon Amphitheater (where orientation was the first day of camp) at 12:30 p.m.

Some Fun Links - Pictures and Video

Picture Galleries (courtesy of Craig Bailey, Northeastern Univ. Photographer)

http://155.33.227.187/lsamp_rafts/index.htm

http://155.33.227.187/lsamp_bottlerockets/index.htm



Video from Media Day

http://www.northeastern.edu/news/multimedia/video.html?contentID=DttrAp8rpkiqAD5Ji37kTg

Day 5: By the Sea

What a beautiful day to be by the water! Fortunately, that’s exactly where the students were today at the Marine Science Center, a marine research and educational facility of Northeastern University. Its vision focuses on three principles: research, education, and outreach. At the center, the students were able to interactively learn about the ocean environment, marine life and diversity, ecology, and discovering biotechnological and medicine potentials in the sea through hands-on activities.

Take a look below at some highlights from today’s marine excursion…

The Exxon Mobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp staff is looking forward to another fun and exciting week ahead! Enjoy your weekend : )

~Ivana

Day 4: Welcome to NanoWorld

Today the campers switched over from engineering and physics to biology and nanotechnology. Most students weren't familiar with exactly what nanotechnology was, but picked up on the new material rather quickly.

In the Berakhis Center, students conducted a laboratory experiment on how nanoparticles are made. They used a pipette to transfer solutions such as sodium chloride (table salt) and sodium hydroxide (in contact saline solution) into a flask, and then observed the change in color. They proved to be true chemists with their detailed observations and conclusions...along with their goggles and gloves, of course.

While nanoparticles were produced and analyzed, other campers had the opportunity to further explore the world of nano through the video game Geckoman. Since it has not yet been released to the outside world, the students were actually the first people to ever test out the game! They had an absolute blast! Students were passing levels left and right. Geckoman primarily teaches students about the NanoWorld with its main character Harold along with the big bad sheriff. Harold is shrunk down to nanoscale and through adhesion, is able to walk on the ceiling.

The students had a great day learning about a whole new field of science. Stay tuned for tomorrow's update as the students will attend their first camp field trip to the Marine Science Center in Nahant, MA!

~Ivana

More Day 3 Photos!

Rafts:
http://155.33.227.187/lsamp_rafts/index.htm

Bottle Rockets:
http://155.33.227.187/lsamp_bottlerockets/index.htm

Day 3: Out of This World

The students began their day with a raft rally in the Cabral Center. Given only a piece of aluminum foil, they brainstormed together in groups to create a raft design that could hold the largest amount of pennies possible without sinking. They then estimated how many pennies their raft could withstand before filling with water. Estimates were quite high, showing just how confident these future scientists were with their creations. Again, the results were impressive. At 379 pennies, team Mayflower set the BHSSC nationwide record for most pennies held without sinking!

After the raft rally, Al Sacco, a distinguished Professor of Engineering at Northeastern University and former NASA astronaut, paid the students a visit. Al shared his space travel experiences with the students detailing everything from his intensive fitness routine before flight to his diet while in orbit. Learning about such a unique experience, the students had many questions for Al. His presentation was both exciting and enlightening.

Taking into account what they had learned from Al, it was now time to construct their own rockets using an empty soda bottle, construction paper, duck tape, and a tennis ball. No restrictions were put on the construction of the rocket, but rather instead to keep in mind what they had learned about aeronautics. The rockets were then filled with water and ready for launching. The students then proceeded to the O'Bryant Field to test their creations. Once all campers counted down to 0, a team member pulled down the lever and all watched as each rocket took off into the sky. The winning team’s rocket was in flight for 6.2 seconds before returning to the ground!

To add to the excitement of the day, cameramen were present to capture the thrilling rocket launches. As you can imagine, the students were over the moon : )

Fun from Day 1...

Day 2: Shaking Things Up!

Today was quite an exciting day for our campers...

All 48 students were split up into two groups. While one group simulated real-life earthquakes through Northeastern University’s very own "Shake Table," the other designed bridges using West Point Bridge Design computer software.

At the Snell Engineering Center, students learned exactly how earthquakes can have a destructive impact on buildings whose structures were poorly designed. They watched as a one-story and two-story building both behaved differently to the same magnitude earthquake. It was then their turn to design a building that they believed could withstand the trembling Shake Table, or "earthquake." One prize was given for the most appealing design and another for the sturdiest. The students were extremely creative and clever in their ideas. One building withstood what would measure an 8 on the Richter scale! What smart kids you have! They were even given the unique opportunity of experiencing a real-life earthquake by taking turns balancing on the Shake Table.

While buildings were shaking up downstairs, students were attempting to straighten out pillars to create a durable bridge upstairs. They also were given a challenge (clearly a common theme throughout all engineering lessons): to create the least expensive, but still functional and stable bridge. Keeping in mind the cost-effective component, they got right to work. Competition set in and figures were thrown out left and right, the prices getting lower and lower. It was great seeing how each child realized just what had to be adjusted to create a successful design. Whether beams were thickened or patterns redesigned, the students produced record-low figures that surely impressed the engineering professors.

Look forward to some out of this world, rocket action tomorrow : )

~Ivana

First Day of Camp : )

Hello Parents...

It's only the first day of camp and we're already off to a great start!

My name is Ivana Freitas and I am the Program Assistant here at the Center for STEM Education at Northeastern University. I will be providing you with daily updates on what your child is learning and experiencing here at our summer camp along with pictures from that day!

The day began with the students, in teams of two, designing their very own "Egg Drop" structure. Teams were given three balloons, string, tape, and a plastic sheet along with a zip-loc bag and cotton balls (to cradle the egg). The objective was to design a structure in which the egg could be dropped from a high altitude without breaking. This was quite a challenge, however the kids got busy... and creative! Designs ranged from large, three-ballooned parachutes to smaller balloon-less designs. Following the assembly of their structures, the students proceeded to the parking garage, or rather "launching site," to test their designs. If the egg didn't break, they advanced to the next parking level until the egg no longer withstood the drop. Although none of the eggs made it past the second level, the students will get a chance to revisit this lesson next week and redesign their structures in hopes of better results. Stay tuned!

After lunch, it was time for some bridge building! In groups of five, the students were asked to recreate a given bridge design using all the parts in their kits, including nuts and bolts to connect each stick. Most groups found it easiest to divide the bridge into sections and then combine all pieces at the end. It seemed simple at first, but the students soon realized that they must recreate the design exactly and fasten the bolts tightly, or the bridge would be defective. Their ability to work together was fantastic! A spokesperson from each group then presented what they deemed to be successes and challenges when building their bridge. While some groups were unable to finish their design in the given timeframe, they all came very close.

All in all, the students seem to really be enjoying themselves! They've already designed their own egg-drop structures and built their own bridges while making lots of friends along the way!

Please remember to visit our blog daily for updates on your child's experience at the Exxon Mobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp!

Pictures will be posted later on today.


~ Ivana : )

Parking and Drop-off Information for Sunday, July 12th

Can you believe that camp begins in just a few short days?

We will begin the 2oo9 camp on Sunday, July 12th. Female campers should be dropped off at 3:00 and male campers at 3:30. Parents MUST stay with their campers until 5:00.

The protocol for camper drop off will be as follows:

* Please drive by 40 Leon Street to drop off luggage. This is the front side of West Village F. See mapquest.com for directions.

* You will sign your child in and drop off luggage to the night counselors who will put the student's luggage in his/her room.

* We will then give you parking information. We are hoping that parking will be provided but there may be a nominal fee for this ($5-$8). You will park and then come to the Raytheon Amphitheater for the rest of orientation which will run from 4:00-5:00 p.m. with both parents and students.

Please refer to the "What to Bring" document when packing and don't forget to bring your pre-camp assignment.

As always, feel free to call or email if you have questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday :)

~ Kelly and the the rest of the ExxonMobil Harris Camp Staff!

Reminders for Camp!

Hello Campers and Parents!!!

As we get closer to the start of camp, the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp staff would like to give you a few reminders.

Camp will run July 12th – 24th. You are required to attend for the full two weeks.
Remember to bring:
· A sweater or light jacket
· Comfortable sneakers
· At least 5 t-shirts
· Pajamas
· Socks
· Sneakers/closed toe shoes

Please leave your electronics, money, and food at home.

If you have other questions as to whether or not you are permitted to bring an item please refer to the handouts given out during orientation. If you have any additional questions or concerns please call or e-mail us at (617) 373-8380 or bhssc.neu@gmail.com.

You should also complete and bring with you the camp pre-activity on Sunday. Staff bios of your day and night counselors are also attached. The left side shows your day counselor and the right side shows your night counselor. For those of you that are with the same counselor for day and night there is only one bio.

Reporting to camp: Girls are to report to camp at 3:00 pm and boys are to report to camp at 3:30 pm on the first day (Sunday, July 12, 2009). Parents will be required to stay with their children until 5:00 pm. Dinner will be provided for students only on Sunday July 12th.
Information on parking will be emailed and posted to the camp blog next week.

Policy/Procedure Handbook: www.stem.neu.edu/bhssc/2009/policies2009.pdf
Camp Pre-Assignment: www.stem.neu.edu/bhssc/camp2009.htm

SEE YOU SOON!!!

IMPORTANT POST REGARDING MEDICAL INFORMATION

Hello Parents and Campers!

This is a very important reminder that we MUST have all camper medical files before participation in the camp is permitted. This means that your child must have returned their:

1.) Medical Information Form (with the Harris Logo)
2.) Authorization to Dispense Medication Form
3.) Immunization Record
4.) Proof of Physical
5.) Copy of Front and Back of Insurance Card

If we do not hear from you and your materials are not received by us by Monday afternoon (July 6th), your child's spot will be given to the next student on the wait list. If you have further questions, you can call 617.373.2626. Our fax number is 617.373.7084.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We truly want all of our students to have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Medical Information

What do we need from you?
1.) Completed Medical Form (the one with the Harris Logo)
2.) Authorization to Dispense Medication
3.) Immunization Record
4.) Copy of front and back of insurance card

All medications will be turned in to the nurse the first day of camp. They must be in the original containers with legible directions. OTC medications must come with a note from your doctor and also be in the original container.

Severe conditions should be discussed with the Nurse ahead of time. Please contact Kelly Malanych (617.373.2626) if you think you need to talk to Ms. Allukian ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hello again! We are in the process of placing students in their groups by their general information/icebreaker information sheets. In doing so, we have come across some themes in terms of questions/concerns. Here are some answers to those. If you need further clarification, please contact us:

Q: My child might need to take aspirin and/or vitamins. What should I do?
A: Any medications that you want your child to have needs to be in its original container with directions and a signed note from your doctor. This medication must be left with Nurse Allukian. Your child can only have an inhaler or EpiPeon on their person.

Q: My child knows/is related to another student. Can they room together and/or be in a group together?
A: It is our policy to not place related students together or students who know each other previously (when possible). Students are in groups of four (gender specific) at night and a group of 8 (4 males, 4 females of the same grade - which includes their suitemates). However, during the day they will travel in a group of 24 (16 6th grade + 8 7th and 8 7th + 16 8th grade).

Q: When does my child call home? Can s/he call home every night?
A: Children should not bring ANY electronic devices with them to camp. We will provide phones for them to call home one time per week. These are the expectations of the Harris Foundation. Of course, under special circumstances, we make accommodations for a child to call home. However, it would be impossible to have all 48 students calling home every night.

Q: Will we be able to swim while we are at camp?
A: Though we know it is summer and many of you LOVE swimming, we will not be participating in any water sports during our two weeks at camp.

Q: My child has a special dietary concern. How will this be taken care of?
A: Children who have allergies or special dietary concerns will have the appropriate foods available. As a large campus, Northeastern University serves thousands of students each day with many needs. Counselors and appropriate staff will be made aware of your child's dietary concern; however, your child should be prepared to make good nutrition choices. Students are allowed one dessert per lunch and one per dinner and soda only during lunchtime (one per student). If you have further concerns, you can speak with the Nurse and/or Camp Directors.

Q: My child is naturally shy; would s/he have a problem assimilating into the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris summer camp?
A: The activities planned for this exciting and eclectic summer experience is equipped with icebreakers that would allow even the shyest people to feel completely at home. This program is geared toward specific interests; therefore your child would be comfortable with the material and excited to engage into activities revolving around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.


If you feel your question or concern wasn't addressed here, please contact us at your earliest convenience.


Thanks!

~ Kelly

So good to meet you!

Wow! How exciting it was to meet you all at the orientation on Saturday. I think I speak for all of the directors and counselors when I say that we are greatly looking forward to this summer - especially now that we have faces to go with the names of our campers.

As far as some updates on paperwork, please know that:
1.) Ms. Allukian, Camp Nurse, will be reviewing all the health forms and will get back to you if you are missing anything, including needing immunizations, etc.
2.) We will be sending you the pre-activity sheet for campers which they should complete and bring with them on the first day of camp.
3.) Directions and parking information for the first day of camp will be sent to you through the mail as well as posted on this blog.
4.) You will also receive your counselor information in the mail. This will include their name and some information about them. We will also be posting their pictures online so that you can remember their face. Both you and your parents will be able to be re-introduced to them on the first day of camp.

Lastly - please know that you can post questions on this blog and we will be checking and answering them here. However, please do not post any identifying information on this website such as last names, addresses, schools, etc.

We are also always available via phone (617.373.2626) or email (bhssc.neu@gmail.com). Email addresses and phone numbers for all lead staff are also listed in the policy & procedure handbook (which will be uploaded to the website - www.stem.neu.edu/bhssc.htm) next week.

Have a great weekend!

~ Kelly

Welcome Campers and Parents!

Welcome to the 2009 ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp at Northeastern University! My name is Kelly Malanych and I am the Program Director for our camp! This summer we decided we would start a blog to keep you all informed of what is going on with the camp! Currently we are preparing to meet all 48 campers and their parents on Saturday. On Friday all the counselors and directors will be getting together as well, to meet each other, and prepare for your arrival on July 12th. We are very excited about this summer and think you will have a great time!

As we anxiously await the arrival of the first day of camp, various staff members will be updating this blog with reminders and then during camp your parents will be able to access this blog to see what you are working on! We hope that you will take the time to read our blog when you come online.

See you all in a few days!
~ Kelly