Explore Physical Science
Summer Camp for rising 11th through 12th graders
July 15-19, 2024 (rising 11th-12th grade)
This camp is for rising 11th and 12th graders who are interested in exploring the laws that rule our universe, from how the most elementary particles interact to how the Universe is expanding to new and exciting technologies! This camp will cover some basics (e.g., physics and chemistry) as well as cutting-edge, interdisciplinary fields (geoscience, nanoscience, and quantum information science and engineering). For example, campers will:
- Manipulate nanoparticles to see how changing the size of a particle transforms its properties
- Test the relationship between chemistry and temperature
- Work with GPS technology to measure ground movements in response to rising oceans or imminent erupting volcanoes
- Measure star movements and learn about telescopes
- Design algorithms to run on prototype quantum computers!
Cost: $1000
Camp fees cover faculty instructional time, equipment, supplies, room and board, resident assistants and program assistants. If your child will need a scholarship to participate, please so indicate on the registration form. Families are responsible for transportation to/from the Virginia Tech campus.
Registration is now closed: all camps are full.
Day 1
- Check in and move into dorm 1:30-2:30 pm
- Orientation, ice-breakers, and team-building with RAs and PAs
- Geophysical field methods
- Dinner
- Team games near residence hall
- Team meeting
- Free time in dorm or quad
- Stargazing if weather permits
- Lights out at 11pm
Day 2
- Breakfast
- VT waves-Physics of music
- Physics of gravity (whoopsy!)
- Lunch
- Solar batteries
- Fun with chemistry
- Dinner
- Career workshop
- Group games, free time in residence hall or quad
- Team meeting
- Lights out at 11pm
Day 3
- Breakfast
- Fieldtrip to New River: Measuring the geomorphology of river systems
- Dinner
- Breakzone
- Team meeting
- Lights out at 11pm
Day 4
- Breakfast
- Nanoscience and tour of the nanofabrication and characterization labs
- Lunch
- Buckyballs
- Particle theory or TBA
- Dinner
- Group activities, free time
- Team meeting
- Lights out at 11pm
Day 5
- Breakfast
- Separating chemicals, identifying pollutants
- Best strategies for applying to college and getting the most out of college
- Check out of camp and dorm
- Optional, post-camp session with VT admissions