CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the iBIO Institute EDUCATE Center kicked off its third annual STEMgirls Summer Camp hosted at Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School in Waukegan. This week-long learning experience provides 125 young girls (grades 3-8) with opportunities to learn more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through challenging and fun hands-on activities.
Campers will take part in a wide range of activities throughout the week, using engineering and design principles to solve different challenges:
- Monday, June 18: “The Sounds of Music” – Campers will learn about sound engineering by building and tuning their own percussion, wind and string instruments.
- Tuesday, June 19: “Getting a Grip” – Campers will create their own prosthetic arm while learning about biomechanical engineering, joint structure and function.
- Wednesday, June 20: “Building Things That Go” – Campers will create propeller launchers, rubber band cars, coffee cup copters and tethered airplanes. During the second half of the day, the girls build a motorized car.
- Thursday, June 21: Field Trip Day – Elementary school-aged campers will conduct experiments with the staff at Racine Zoo, and middle school-aged campers will get a tour of R&D facilities at Medline Industries Inc. while learning about mechanical testing.
- Friday, June 22: Parent Panel – Parents of campers will attend a panel discussion providing guidance on STEM education and career pathways for their daughters, and will then join their campers for a day of family activities.
Campers hail primarily from communities where access to STEM programing is limited. STEMgirls is supported by some of Illinois’ leading life sciences companies including Abbott, AbbVie, the Astellas USA Foundation, Horizon Pharma and the VWR Foundation.
“This incredible week of learning and development for young girls interested in STEM wouldn’t be possible without the generous support from our donors,” said Ann Vogel, senior vice president of the iBIO Institute EDUCATE Center. “Their recognition of the growing need for STEM education early-on provides these young girls with an enriching experience that leads to opportunities they otherwise might not have access to.”
At the end of the week, parents of the STEMgirls campers can attend a panel discussion featuring speakers from Abbott and the Astellas USA Foundation to learn more about how they can support their daughters interest in STEM and connect them to various community support organizations.
“The STEMgirls Camp is an amazing opportunity for girls in our district. They are exposed to wonderful new projects and experiences through this program,” said Stephanie Jensen, principal of Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School. “The hands-on approach makes the week fun and exciting for the girls.”
About iBIO Institute
The mission of the iBIO Institute, established in 2003 by the Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (iBIO), is to orchestrate business leadership in delivery of world-class educational programs and job-creating new technology ventures. The Institute’s EDUCATE Center delivers science and math programs for teachers and students, thereby inspiring the next generation of innovators and helping restore America’s leadership in technology education.
To learn more about the iBIO Institute and its programs, visit www.ibioinstitute.com.
