SANDY HOOK — MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, is once again holding a Stars Challenge week long summer camp in marine science for middle school students. The deadline for applications is June 16, and applications can be found on line at www.starschallenge.org.
The program is a hands-on course with both lab and field work that explores the marine life and habitats of Sandy Hook’s beaches and estuaries. The one week camp runs from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Friday and is open to students who have completed, 6th, 7th or 8th grade classes and earned a “B” or higher in their current year’s science course.
Identical sessions will be offered June 26-30, July 10-14, July 17-21 and July 24-Aug. 2 for the convenience of interested students.
During the week long program, students will explore marine life by collecting, identifying and dissecting marine plants and animals, as well as learn to identify the unique characteristics of the various marine habitats on Sandy Hook including beaches, salt marshes, estuaries, bay and ocean. Students will be taught to understand physical impacts of the waves, tides and currents on the beach. Chemistry courses will also be offered, giving students the opportunity to experiment with techniques to analyze water temperature, dissolved oxygen content, and other chemicals in the water.
The cost for each of the one week programs is $300. The on-line application, along with more information, can be found at www.starschallenge.org.
Although applications are due by June 16th for the one week $300 summer camp, interested students are urged to register early because of the popularity of the class and the limited number of applications which can be accepted.