S.T.E.A.M. summer camp visits Tennessee Aquarium

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Promoting diversity and learning opportunities, the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga helped facilitate a summer camp this week.

Rising sixth, seventh and eighth grade students attended an annual S.T.E.A.M. camp to learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math.

As part of the program, students visited different areas in Chattanooga.

One of the activities took place at the Tennessee Aquarium.

“Number one, we want the kids to have fun. But also, we know about summer learning loss and it’s very significant. We also know that the research shows that even a little bit of engagement like this one-week camp, with the skills that the students are learning in school, helps to prevent or mitigate summer learning loss,” UTC English Department Associate Professor Sarah Einstein said.

The goal of the camp is to encourage learning while also bringing awareness of S.T.E.A.M. and S.T.E.M. focused careers.

“We learn a lot of skills with writing, strategic thinking, critical thinking… so we’re just trying to bring that to them in a fun-filled way this week,” UGLC Youth and Education Program Coordinator Terisha Grant said.

This year’s theme included pirates with a focus on river and sea navigation.

The programs focus on high school and college career preparedness.

“We’re hoping to make them aware not just that college is possible but that the university both ours and others are really excited and thrilled to have them coming,” Einstein said.

The initiatives aim to increase exposure, access and opportunities for youth of color and other disadvantaged groups to strengthen their knowledge and abilities to think critically.

“I hope that they can see themselves in these positions in S.T.E.A.M. fields. I hope that they have a fun-filled summer and learn more about the aquatic life here at the Tennessee Aquarium,” Grant said.

With these programs, the hope is that students will foster learning and growth.