For the second year, NASA has landed in the area.
To encourage the exploration of the STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - field among students in grades three through 10, the Summer of Innovation camp gives students the opportunity to interact, experiment and think like those associated with NASA.
"It expands your knowledge of the vastness of outer space," said Henry Sechrist, a Jersey Shore Area High School student.
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JOSEPH STENDER/Sun-Gazette
Jersey Shore Area School District students ride in a gyroscope during the Summer of Innovation camp, sponsored by NASA. The Air Force provided the gyroscope for students to experience what it’s like to fly.
Students were given the opportunity to do a variety of activities that made them use their knowledge in STEM subjects and to experiment to see what would work and what wouldn't.
Students built rockets, solar ovens - which they used to cook s'mores in - and researched planets.
"Each day we focused on something," said Bobbi Gallagher, Stevens Elementary School math teacher.
Students explored planets and other parts of outer space with WorldWide Telescope, which Jodi English, Jersey Shore Area High School math teacher, called "Google Earth on steroids" as it allowed viewers to look on the surface of any planet in the solar system and their moons.
"I'm hoping they get an enthusiasm and excitement about science and math," said Susan Higley, Hughesville math teacher.
English said the camp has seen an increase in attendance from last year because of the fun the students have.
"It went over so well last year," she said. "Anyone that came to it said what they did and everyone wanted to come."
One of the experiments the students performed was to see what products protect from UV rays produced from the sun.
NASA sent solar beads that change color from the sun so English explained how they applied varying strengths of sunblock and sunglasses on the beads.
"This comes from NASA but then we make this experiment," she said.
The students put their skills to the test as they were given the week-long task of building a space rover that would roll down a ramp and travel a required distance.
"They only had certain supplies and they had to make it move," said Higley.
English said the challenge was an opportunity for the students to use their imaginations.
"This is really where you'll start to see them shine," she said.
All three teachers believed the camp is making a real impact on students and how they view the STEM subjects.
"What I think is really cool is (the students are) excited," Higley said.
Gallagher said this is one of the few opportunities students have to actually get creative and be hands-on with science.
"The fact that science has become textbook based, kids get a limited opportunity to do hands-on activities," she said.
Gallagher went on to say that sometimes she's not even sure if the students are aware that they're learning because they're having so much fun.
Kaiden Bair, an eighth-grade student at Jersey Shore, agreed, saying he doesn't even like science.
"You don't have to like this stuff but it's fun and appealing," he said.
For those who are not necessarily into the material, Higley said just mentioning NASA is a deal maker.
"I think that is the amazing thing for the kids," she said. "You say, 'NASA,' and they go, 'Oh my,' and their eyes get really big."
English added that seeing the kids being excited has made all of the work worth it.
"This pumps me up to continue to stay in education," she said. "It's kind of like this is why I chose education ... I wake up every day and know I chose the right profession where I get to watch kids learn."
