Link Summer Science Explorations - 2012

Overview: For the 20th summer, the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center in Vestal, NY is offering weeklong science programs for young people in grades 1-12 as part of our Kopernik Talent Search. Sponsored by the Link Foundation in memory of inventor/explorer Edwin A. Link, Link Summer Science Explorations introduce students to hands-on, high-tech science. Younger students are exposed to a variety of science topics in Link 3-5 programs, while older students focus on astronomy in Link 1 and 2 programs. Link 1 and 2 students attend afternoon and evening programs at Kopernik Observatory and for an additional fee, can choose a residential option with daytime activities and overnight accommodations at Binghamton University. We have on going registration with applications being considered if space is available.

For the 19th summer, the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center in Vestal, NY is offering weeklong science programs for students in grades 1-12 as part of our Kopernik Talent Search program. Sponsored by the Link Foundation in memory of inventor/explorer Edwin A. Link, Link Summer Science Explorations offer students hands-on, high-tech science and engineering. Younger students are exposed to a variety of science topics in the Link 3-5 programs run from 9AM to 3PM Monday-Friday, while older students focus on astronomy in Link 1 and 2 programs. Link 1 and 2 programs run from 4 PM until Midnight. Students may choose a residential option with daytime activities and overnight accommodations at Binghamton University.

Link 1 Saturn: Mysterious Rings & Moons
(current 9th-12th graders: 2011-12 school year)

How did Saturn’s rings form? What is the composition of Saturn’s atmosphere? Study the geology of Saturn’s moons and learn about their amazing features. Find out what causes geysers on Enceladus and why does Titan have an atmosphere. This summer Saturn will be high in the sky for optimum viewing. Students will capture images of Saturn and its moons using both digital and B&W photographic techniques. Students will learn about the different robotic missions that have visited these magnificent worlds and they will design a future mission. Students will attend a planetary geology lecture at Binghamton University and visit the Roberson Museum’s Planetarium to help visualize this incredible ringed system. Students may choose one-week or two-week institutes.

Session A: July 15-21 and/or Session B: July 22-28. Tuition & Residential fees to be determined by Jan. 15, 2012

Download Saturn Outline

Link 2 Residential Space Science: Search for Life in the Universe (current 7th & 8th graders: 2011-12 school year)

Is there evidence of life on Mars? Are we alone in the universe? Students will first investigate our solar system to discover places to look for life. They will look farther into space and explore other star systems to determine the probabilities of finding earthlike planets in the “Goldilocks Zone”. Activities will include modeling planetary surfaces, analyzing the requirements for life, processing digital images, and learning micro-photography. Students will be trained in basic sky watching with binoculars and telescopes. They will also study the origins of life at the Roberson DNA laboratory.

One Session Only: July 29-Aug 4. Tuition & Residential fees to be determined by Jan. 15, 2012

Download Astrobiology Outline

Link 3 Earth Science: It’s All About Me, Meteors and Dinosaurs (current 5th & 6th graders: 2011-12 school year)

What happened to the dinosaurs? Students will explore several theories of dinosaur extinction and learn a lot of science, technology, engineering and mathematics along the way. They will make papier-mâché models of various dinosaurs, dinosaur-inspired jewelry, meteor impact craters and many other fun projects. Your child will learn about theories on the geologic history of planet Earth, animal adaptations, asteroid collision theories and many other concepts that are aligned with the latest National Science, Technology, Engineering and Math standards.

Session A: July 23-27 or Session B: Aug 13-17 9AM-3PM; Members: $195 Non-Members: $230

Link 4 Junior Astronomers: All About Stars & Space (current 3rd & 4th graders: 2011-12 school year)

Modern astronomy began in 1610 when Galileo observed the heavens with his small telescope. Our summer camp will engage your young astronomers in a fun & friendly learning environment. This program will introduce students to the wonders of space from galaxies to black holes with starry constellations and their myths. They will learn about and use a number of different telescopes. Activities include: making star wheels, designing models of our Milky Way Galaxy and NASA Spacecraft.

Session A: July 16-20 or Session B: Aug 6-10, 9AM-3PM; Members: $195 Non-Members: $230

Link 5 Young Scientists: Super Science Explorers (current 1st & 2nd graders: 2011-12 school year)

All great scientists began as kids who loved exploring the world around them. Kopernik’s super science explorers will enjoy an array of hands-on activities with a different theme each day. Your child will build and fly gliders, build electric circuits to make objects spin and buzz, experiment with bubbling liquids and make life-like dinosaur fossils as they learn how to measure, sketch and create digital images.

Session A: July 9-13 or Session B: July 30-Aug 3, 9AM-3PM; Members: $195 Non-Members: $230

 

Please call (607) 748-3685 x313 for updated schedule information.