BELLINGHAM - Western Washington University Youth Programs will offer several new programs this year that focus on making science innovative and fun.
The week-long Summer Programs for Youth (SPY) combine recreation, field trips and intriguing topics for in-depth experiential learning. WWU's new programs for summer 2008 include: "Vehicle Design to Sell," "Veterinary Science" and "Critter and Creature Science."
"Vehicle Design to Sell" connects high school students with WWU's internationally recognized Vehicle Research Institute. During the program, students will explore ways to determine what customers want and then work in teams to design, build, test and market a model electric car.
Steve Fleishman, WWU assistant professor of Engineering Technology, will teach the program using material based on the Society of Automotive Engineers International's "A World in Motion" curriculum, an award-winning educational program that focuses on the study of math and science for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
"Veterinary Science," for high school students, and "Critter and Creature Science," for middle school students, will introduce animal anatomy and care, and will explore the inner workings of a veterinary clinic. Students will tour a local clinic, where they will learn the basics of taking X-rays and ultrasounds on pets and discover life-saving techniques.
Linda Crittenden, instructor of Bellingham Technical College's Veterinary Assistant Program, will teach the youth programs.
The program for middle school students will be July 7-11, and the programs for high school students will be July 14-18. The costs range from $275 to $280 and include instruction, field trips, supplies and recreation supervision. There is an optional residence hall stay for high school students for an additional cost of $280.
Space is limited and programs fill quickly, so prompt registration is encouraged. WWU offers a variety of programs and topics for K-12 youth. Details and registration information are on the Web at www.wwu.edu/youth, or e-mail youth@wwu.edu or call (360) 650-3308.
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