Camp Combines Science, Adventure
Kostya Uniyat, 12, picked up his 35-pound pack and fell in line behind his fellow mountaineers. The group of eight, connected by rope, was off to conquer “Mount Grassy Lawn” beside Shaw Middle School.
On the way to their campsite, they crossed “grass crevasses,” marched through a quick rainstorm provided by the lawn sprinkler and practiced keeping pace with each other.
“Remember, you’re connected to the people behind and ahead of you,” called Jerry White, their leader and teacher at the Washington State University science camp. “You need to develop an awareness of your teammates.”
Cooperation, trust and teamwork are just some of the skills being taught at this summer’s WSU science camp.
With sessions held at both Garry and Shaw middle schools, dozens of kids are learning the basics of mountain climbing and survival as they also practice math and science skills.
“The object here is to mix science with things that are exciting - that spark their imaginations - and that kids don’t have a lot of exposure to,” White said.
For a few hours each day last week, students spent time learning about water purification, the effects of altitude on heart rate, tying knots and using a compass.
Delaney Holland, 12, said she came to the science camp because she likes mountain climbing and hiking.
“We learned how to read topographical maps so that when you’re climbing you know how high you are,” she said as she worked on pitching a tent with friend Jessica Lee.
Free summer health care
The Pediatric Outreach Program will offer free health-care services to students and families from Spokane School District 81 this summer.
Sponsored by Agilent Technologies, the program is designed to improve health, quality of life and educational outcomes for Spokane families. Registered nurses will provide immunizations, wellbaby check-ups, sports physicals, and treatment for chronic and contagious diseases and acute illnesses, like ear infections, cuts and colds. Referrals will be made if more treatment is necessary.
Clinics will be open from 4-8 p.m. on the following dates:
At Garry Middle School, 725 E. Joseph: Monday, July 10, 17, 24 and 31, and Aug. 7 and 14.
At Shaw Middle School, 4106 N. Cook, today, next Thursday, July 13, 20 and 27, and Aug. 3, 10 and 17.
Both schools will hold all-day clinics Aug. 12 and 19.
Free pizza will also be available at all sessions to patients and their families.
Stevens teacher honored
Lisel Corneil, fourth-grade teacher at Stevens Elementary School, was recently honored as one of Spokane School District’s fourth-quarter distinguished educators.
“I’d like to see Spokane Public Schools provide the opportunity for teachers to experience the diverse populations that we have within the district,” Corneil said. “It’s important for educators to have the broadest experiences possible so that we can share our education with the students we reach as well as with the community.”
Stevens principal Celeste Stoddard nominated Corneil for the award for her success in the classroom and participation in school community development programs.