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Summer Science Camps

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Science teacher and young girl with circuit board

Each summer, young scientists can explore the exciting world of STEM through TCU’s Science of Discovery program, sponsored by the Andrews Institute for Mathematics & Science Education.

Designed for students entering fourth, fifth and sixth grade, these hands-on day camps ignite curiosity through engaging activities in science, engineering and problem-solving.

Led by science education expert Angela Buffington, Ph.D., each camp features small class sizes for personalized instruction and deeper learning. Campers will tackle exciting topics such as vehicle construction, simple machines and the science behind magic, developing valuable skills in critical thinking and innovation.

Participation is free, but space is limited. Students can register for one, multiple or all camp sessions. Participants are expected to attend all five days for any registered session. Meals and transportation are not provided.

Vehicle Construction
June 9–13, 9:00–11:30 a.m.
Students will design and build cars, hovercrafts and boats propelled by balloons and rubber bands. Students will bring home their creations to share.

Simple Machines
June 9–13, 12:00–2:30 p.m.
Students will explore levers, pulleys and wheels while designing Rube Goldberg-style contraptions.

Science of Magic
June 16–20, 9:00–11:30 a.m.
Discover the science behind levitation, disappearing tricks and gravity-defying stunts. Students will learn and practice tricks to share with friends and family.

Chemical Reactions
June 16–20, 12:00–2:30 p.m.
Students will explore chemical reactions, control reaction times and temperatures, and harness energy to propel experiments.

Electronics 101
July 7–11, 9:00–11:30 a.m.
Learn the basics of electronics, circuitry, soldering and more through interactive, hands-on projects.

Electronics Deconstruct/Reconstruct
July 7–11, 12:00–2:30 p.m.
Students will repurpose old appliances into battery-powered machines while learning wiring, soldering and circuitry.

Please provide any allergies for camp staff to be aware of. Enter N/A if not applicable.
Please provide any relevant medical information for camp staff to be aware of. Enter N/A if not applicable. Camp staff cannot administer medication
Workshop Selection*
Each workshop session is five days and attendees are expected to attend all days. Participants may attend one, multiple, or all sessions.

PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

If the Student/Participant is not eighteen (18) years of age or older, the signature of Student/Participant's parent or legal guardian is required.

As parent or legal guardian of the above-mentioned Student/Participant, I agree to and approve the terms of this Release and Indemnity Agreement and consent to the Student/Participant's participation in the Course/Activity and warrant that I have full authority to do so on behalf of myself, the Student/Participant and the Student/Participants heirs, personal representatives and assigns. I understand and assume the risks of the Student/Participant's participation in the Course/Activity.

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, HEREBY FULLY RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE Texas Christian University and all instructors, sponsors, agents, employees, officers, trustees and affiliates of Texas Christian University (collectively ''TCU"), of and from any and all liability to me, my personal representatives, assigns, heirs and next of kin, from any and all claims, demands, controversies, actions or causes of action, belonging to me or Student/Participant now or in the future for any damage to or loss of Student/Participant's property, and any injury to Student/Participant’s person or Student/Participant's death or any one or more of the foregoing, arising directly or indirectly out of Student/Participant's participation for any purpose in the Course/Activity, REGARDLESS OF WHO MAY BE AT FAULT OR RESPONSIBLE UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY AND EVEN IF SUCH DAMAGE, LOSS, INJURY OR DEATH ARISES FROM OR IS CAUSED BY OR ATTRIBUTABLE TO, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, THE SOLE OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE OF TCU but excluding any gross negligence or willful misconduct of TCU.

IT IS MY EXPRESS INTENT THAT THE ABOVE RELEASE INCLUDES THE RELEASE BY ME OF TCU FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF TCU'S OWN NEGLIGENCE. THE ONLY CIRCUMSTANCE UNDER WHICH MY RELEASE OF TCU DOES NOT APPLY IS WITH RESPECT TO ANY OCCURRENCE RESULTING FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF TCU.

I FURTHER AGREE TO DEFEND TCU AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, LAWSUITS, INVESTIGATIONS AND DEMANDS AND TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS TCU any and all losses, liabilities, settlements, judgments, damages and costs (including court costs, attorneys fees and costs of investigation), for any damage to or loss of any property or any personal or bodily injury, illness or death of any person or any one or more of the foregoing, arising out of Student/Participant's participation for any purpose in the Course/Activity, REGARDLESS OF WHO MAY BE AT FAULT OR RESPONSIBLE UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY AND EVEN IF SUCH DAMAGE, LOSS, INJURY OR DEATH ARISES FROM OR IS CAUSED BY  OR  ATTRIBUTABLE  TO,  DIRECTLY  OR  INDIRECTLY,  THE  SOLE  OR  CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE OF TCU but excluding any gross negligence or willful misconduct of TCU.

IT IS MY EXPRESS INTENT THAT THE ABOVE INDEMNITY INCLUDES INDEMNIFICATION BY ME OF TCU FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF TCU'S OWN NEGLIGENCE. THE ONLY CIRCUMSTANCE UNDER WHICH MY OBLIGATION TO INDEMNIFY TCU DOES NOT APPLY IS WITH RESPECT TO AN OCCURRENCE RESULTING FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF TCU.

PARENT/ LEGAL GUARDIAN PERMISSION FOR PHOTO RELEASE

My son/daughter/legal ward registered above has my permission to be photographed or recorded by Texas Christian University (TCU), TCU Andrews Institute for Research in Mathematics & Science Education (Andrews Institute), TCU College of Education, and/or news media (television, newspapers, radio, magazines) in conjunction with the Andrews Institute Children Workshop activity for any lawful purpose, without any further notice to me. I understand that TCU pictures may be reproduced, copyrighted, broadcast, telecast or cablecast, published or used in TCU materials, including their websites, for distribution to school employees and the public.

I also agree:

  • To hold harmless TCU and its representatives from any claims or causes of action directly or indirectly related to the photographing, videotaping or audio taping of my child for any lawful purpose; and
  • To waive all monetary or other claims that may arise as a result of any lawful use of these materials.

I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of the above-mentioned individual and am authorized to give permission or consent.

I Agree*
Please enter your full legal name as your electronic signature.
 

About the Andrews Institute for Research in Mathematics & Science Education
Through creative research and ongoing educational outreach, the  Andrews Institute for Research in Mathematics & Science Education at TCU promotes innovative teaching techniques in mathematics and science while serving the community.