Elementary school students from across the Lower Mainland are getting hands-on experience in science and engineering this summer thanks to GEERing UP, a program developed by UBC engineering students.
The program reaches thousands of students each summer through classroom visits and camps held at UBC.
"We're trying to teach kids through hands-on activities," says GEERing UP's Walter Rosin, one of the UBC students running the program.
Some of the activities used by GEERing UP at the grades 2 to 4 levels include construction of sailboats, electric cars and airplanes, all of which involve lessons in science and engineering.
Now in its third year, the non-profit program runs week-long summer camps to the end of August. Camps are open to students entering Grade 2 to leaving Grade 7. While there is a registration fee of $125, full and partial bursaries are also available.
As registration fees make up only one-third of the operating budget, GEERing UP relies on the generous support of sponsors to operate the program.
For more information call 604-822-2858, e-mail geering-up@unixg.ubc.ca or visit the Web site at www.apsc.ubc.ca/geeringup.