February 18, 2003 :: Robotics and Veterinary Medicine Among Free Summer Academies in Math and Science

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Oklahoma middle and high school students can take a voyage in math and science this summer by building a robot, exploring human-animal interactions or using DNA to solve a crime. It’s all part of the 2003 Summer Academies in Math and Science coordinated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Students can begin their voyage online by visiting Oklahoma higher education’s Student Center at www.okhighered.org/student-center.

Designed for students who will be entering the eighth through 12th grade this fall, the annual academies immerse students into hands-on opportunities that enhance math and science skills. Students are introduced to fields like architecture, engineering, medicine, forensic science, astronomy, biology, aviation and more. Academies last from one to four weeks and are located on 28 college and university campuses statewide. Depending on the academy, students either stay on campus or commute from home.

Application deadlines vary by academy and are usually due in mid-March. Academies are free, but enrollments are limited, so students are encouraged to check out the descriptions online and submit their applications early. Students can also obtain information by calling 800.858.1840 or through their school counselor.

“Summer Academies are an exciting introduction to professions and fields that use math and science daily,” said Chancellor Paul Risser. “Improving math and science skills is an important mission of Oklahoma education, and summer academies advance that goal by developing career interest among students and showing them the benefit of higher-order thinking skills and a college degree.”

“Academies give students the chance to interact with professionals, scholars, mathematicians and scientists all while gaining a valuable college experience,” said State Regents Chairman Carl R. Renfro. “Students, educators and parents have witnessed this value and each year our office is inundated with requests for academy information long before it is ready, a testament to the quality of these programs. Programs of similar nature offered elsewhere could cost families hundreds of dollars.”

Public and independent colleges and universities compete to host the academies each year by submitting proposals to the State Regents. The requests are then reviewed by a committee of educators, representing both common and higher education, and sent to the State Regents for final approval. Using the recommendations, the State Regents approved 45 programs for 2003. The programs are funded through an appropriation by the 2002 Oklahoma Legislature.

Academies offered this summer include:

Connors State College, Muskogee

Ecological Investigation and Wilderness Adventure, Session I: June 1-6, Session II: June 8-13, Session III: June 15-20 (Grades 9-12)
Muskogee Three Forks Harbor – Another Field of Dreams, Session I: June 1-6, Session II: June 8-13: Session III: June 15-20 (Grade 8)

East Central University, Ada

Connecting Problem Solving Strategies in Metrics, Geometry and Estimation to Technological Application in Landscaping and Architectural Design, July 7-25 (Grades 8-10)
Forensic Science: From Crime Scene to Laboratory, July 7-18 (Grades 10-12)
Statistics, Technology and Meteorology: A Basic Introduction Plus, June 16-27 (Grades 9-10)

Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton

Summer Academy in Information Technology, May 27- June 6 (Grades 10-12)
Summer Science Academy in Ecology, May 27- June 6 (Grades 10-12)

Langston University, Langston

Future Educators Summer Academy, June 9-21 (Grades 8-9)
An Intensive Summer Academy in Science, Mathematics and Technology, June 1-27 (Grades 10-12)

Murray State College, Tishomingo

Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing Summer Academy, June 2-20 (Grades 10-11)
Summer Astronomy Academy, June 8-27 (Grades 10-12)

Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow

Wildlife Forensics, June 2-13 (Grades 9-11)

Northeastern State University, Tahlequah

Today’s Technology: Tomorrow’s Application in Business and Industry, June 9-27 (Grades 8-10)

Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva

Mathematics Technology: An Application Paradigm, May 25-30 (Grades 9-11)

Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City

In Cold Blood: Applications of DNA Biotechnology in Forensic Science, Session I: July 7-11, Session II: July 14-18 (Grades 11-12)
Engineering the New Millennium, Session I: June 2-6, Session II: June 9-13, Session III: June 16-20 (Grades 10-12)
Exploring Biodiversity in Oklahoma: Fossils, Fish and More, Session I: July 7-11, Session II: July 14-18 (Grades 10-12)
Opportunity Bytes: Promoting Computer Science/Math for High School Students, June 9-13 (Grades 10-11)

Oklahoma City Community College

Developing 21st Century Technology Skills in Science, June 2-20 (Grades 9-12)

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater

Aerospace Education High School Summer Academy, June 8-27 (Grades 11-12)
Exploring Quantitative Analysis: A Basic Introduction, June 1-15 (Grades 9-10)
Range and Wildlife Ecology, June 22-27 (Grades 10-12)
Reaching Engineering and Architecture Career Heights, May 27- June 7 (Grades 11-12)

Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City

Discover Architecture, July 21-28 (Grades 11-12)
Horticulture and Other Technologies: HOT Camp, July 7-25 (Grades 8-10)
Remote Controlled Basics of Technology and Science: RC Bots Camp, June 23- July 11 (Grades 10-11)

Oklahoma State University Technical Branch – Okmulgee

Information Technology Enterprise Academy: A Manufacturing Approach, June 8-20 (Grades 8-10)

Oklahoma State University – Tulsa

Discover Architecture, July 7-14 (Grades 11-12)

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater and Rogers State University, Claremore

Exploring Human-Animal Interaction and Bonding Processes, June 1-14 (Grades 9-11)

Rose State College, Midwest City

Summer Academy for the Environmental Sciences, June 2-30 (Grades 10-12)

Seminole State College, Seminole

Peek into Engineering, July 13-19 (Grades 8-10)

Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant

21st Century Connections: Adventures in Robotics, Telecommunications, Computer Interfacing, Graphics and Logic, June 23-July 3 (Grades 9-12)

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford

Academy for Future Math and Science Teachers (AFMAST), June 2-20 (Grades 11-12)
Science, Mathematics and Technology in Industry: A Partnership in Problem Solving, June 2-27 (Grades 11-12)

St. Gregory’s University, Shawnee

Summer Academy in Conservation Biology and Biostatics, Session I: June 8-14, Session II: June 15-21 (Grades 8-9)

Tulsa Community College, Tulsa

A, B,C, D, E-Based Horticulture Summer Academy, June 16-27 (Grades 10-12)

University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond

Engineering Physics: Team Oriented Science and Technology, Session I: June 2-17, Session II: June 23- July 9 (Grades 10-12)
Public Secrets: The Science of Encryption and Other Careers in Mathematics and Technology, June 15-27 (Grades 8-9), July 6-18 (Grades 9-10)

University of Oklahoma, Norman

Field Studies in Multidisciplinary Biology, June 2-28 (Grades 10-12)
The University of Mars: An Interdisciplinary Study in Engineering, June 1-13 (Grades 11-12)

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City

Summer Academy in the Health Science Professions, Session I: June 2-13, Session II: June 16-27 (Grades 11-12)

University of Oklahoma – Tulsa Schusterman Center

Tulsa Summer Academy in the Health Sciences Profession, July 21- August 1 (Grades 11-12)

The University of Tulsa

Technology Education & Collaborative (TEC) Academy, June 9-25 (Grades 8-10)

Western Oklahoma State College, Altus

Summer Academy in Transgenics and Plant Biology, June 2-11 (Grades 8-9)