Duke Talent Scholars, Others Sought for Summer Camp for 8th Graders

The University of Tampa is accepting eighth-grade scholars for its Hillsborough Scholars Summer Academy, a one-week program offering a choice of seven programs and “College 101” training for a future life on campus.

Eligibility is for incoming Hillsborough County public school students who were notified of their eligibility to take the SAT or ACT exam as part of the Duke Talent Identification Program or the Hillsborough Talent Identification Program. 

The cost of the program is $350 and includes all camp activities, lunch in the University of Tampa cafeteria, course fees, camp binder, instructional materials, “Start Now!” sessions, T-shirt, snacks, certificate and string bag.

Classes are taught by Hillsborough County School District teachers in collaboration with university professors. There are two sessions to choose from: June 13-17 and June 20-24. The camp meets from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

All campers will meet with high school peer counselors and university personnel for creative problem-solving activities designed to hone the necessary skills for life on a college campus.

Students then choose three courses from among seven possibilities:

• Discover the Code – A study of symbols that requires the student (with no experience necessary) to draw using a secret symbol system “that will allow you to create realistic, accurate pictures that will astound you and your friends.”
• Follow the Clues – Learn to solve crimes through forensic science. Investigate crime scenes, analyze bones, examine blood spatters and “identify everything from fingerprints to footprints.”
• It’s Electric – Disover the workings of the modern world through the study of electricity and magnetism. Learn about voltage, current, resistance, LEDs and transistors in the creation of working electronic devices. (No prior science knowledge required.)
• PE=mc2 – Investigate the connections between physical exercise and mathematics. Interactive, energetic class “delves into the theory and science behind physical fitness and proper nutrition.”
• Phun With Physics – Learn to power and build a car from a mouse trap. Deconstruct the physics behind roller coasters.
• Photo Finish – Learn the six rules for basic photo composition. Learn, too, about optics, camera formats, lenses, lighting and the art of printmaking. Create 3-Dimensional art. (Students must supply their own digital cameras.)
• Cool Chemistry of Life – Observe chemical reactions, tour a state-of-the-art biomedical research laboratory and see cutting-edge science equipment in use (including an automated DNA-sequencer). Students create DNA necklaces. (No prior science knowledge required.)

Online registration requires a username, which is the student’s Hillsborough County Student ID number. Password is the student’s birth year and last name (with no spaces). Students not able to register online should contact their school guidance counselors. For payment information, call: 813-272-4550 or email: ask.scholars@sdhc.k12.fl.us .

For program information, email Sarah Webb, coordinator, at: sarah.webb@sdhc.k12.fl.us. Or, Debbie Easler, coordinator, at Debbie.easler@sdhc.k12.fl.us.