ALCOSAN Summer Science offers students in grades 4 through 8 an exciting week of hands-on activities and field trips related to the sciences of wastewater treatment and engineering. Each session is designed using Pennsylvania standards for Environment & Ecology as well as Science & Technology and Engineering Education.
(Due to popular demand, the Summer Science program for grades 4 & 5 will be offered in two separate 1-week sessions. Students should enroll in one session only.)
Camp Activity Descriptions:
Grades 4 & 5 - June 18-22, 2012 (or) June 25-29, 2012
What is a watershed? Students in grades 4th & 5th can attend one of these sessions to find out! Students will learn how a watershed functions and explore the effects on water quality through hands-on activities, group projects/presentations and interactive games. Activities include creating mini-watershed models and an interactive presentation of PA reptiles and amphibians.
Students will discuss point source and non-point source pollution to better understand its impact on watersheds. The week will concluded with a visit to Lowrie’s Run Creek to identify macroinvertebrates and other aquatic life, and conduct water quality sampling for pH, dissolved oxygen and nitrate levels to determine the condition of the watershed.
Grades 6-8 - July 16-20, 2012
The Pittsburgh Biodiversity Challenge: Know your Pittsburgh biodiversity. Learn what kinds of species live in our local communities and about what ALCOSAN does to impact the biodiversity throughout the Pittsburgh region. Students in grades 6 thru 8 will learn about the rich biodiversity featured in Pittsburgh through hands-on science and art activities, water quality analysis and various biodiversity challenges.
Who is Eligible to Participate?
All students currently in grades 4 - 8 attending schools within the ALCOSAN service area are eligible to participate. Students may attend ONE session of camp. Due to limited enrollment it is recommended that students register early to secure a place on the roster. Once enrolled, students are required to attend each day of camp. We ask that parents consider conflicts that may arise with vacation plans, picnics, graduations or other obligations when registering their child. Only completed registration information will guarantee a place on the roster.
Parents are required to attend a parent/student orientation on either of the following dates:
Saturday, June 2 or Saturday, June 16 at 10:00 a.m. (Grades 4-5)
Saturday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. (Grades 6-8)
How Much Does the Program Cost?
There are no fees associated with the Summer Science Program. A morning snack and lunch will be provided daily.
What is the Program Schedule?
Program hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily.
(Students may arrive as early as 8:30 a.m. and depart no later than 3:45 p.m.)
How Do I Enroll My Child?
For enrollment information, please contact Twila Simmons-Walker at 412-732-8045 or by email at twila.simmons-walker@alcosan.org. NEW: You may now also enroll your child electronically by clicking here.