Nationally recognized STEM program coming to Natural Science Museum

 

Camp Invention, the nation’s premier summer enrichment day camp program, supported by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and a product of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, is coming to Jackson’s Mississippi Natural Science Museum the week of July 25.

For students entering grades one through six, Camp Invention is a weeklong adventure that will turn the summer from ordinary to extraordinary through hands-on problem solving, using science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Camp Invention provides an opportunity for inventive young minds to exercise their creativity and use their imagination in ways they don’t normally get to in the classroom. Program participants do not realize they are learning and developing new skills as they build prototypes, take things apart, explore different types of technology and so much more.

Alice Opperman, director of curriculum for Emerson Public Schools in Emerson, N.J., shared the following thoughts on Camp Invention. “The hands-on curriculum helps to further insert curiosity into a child’s everyday lifestyle. As the need for skilled STEM professionals increases, we believe we are setting our students up for success by offering programs like Camp Invention.”

This year’s Camp Invention curriculum is called Epic™, inspired by some of the nation’s most brilliant minds including experienced educators, Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame and developed in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Local programs are facilitated and taught by educators who reside and teach in the community. Camp Invention serves more than 94,000 students every year through nearly 1,400 camps across the nation. For additional information or to find the nearest location for registration, visit www.campinvention.org.

 

City plans fireworks extravaganza for July 1

 

The city of Jackson Department of Parks and Recreation will host the Third Annual Red, White and Jackson Fireworks Extravaganza July 1, at Smith Wills Stadium,1200 Lakeland Dr. Gates will open at 3 p.m., and the show begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The extravaganza will feature guest performances by Vick Allen and Urban Mystic. The first 500 Kids ages 12 and younger will receive a complimentary kid’s meal gift certificate from Raising Cane’s. The first 100 adults will have the chance to win a barbecue package that includes a portable grill, canopy tent, portable chairs and a cooler.

Food vendors will be on site. No glass containers or outside food allowed.

 

Cruising program is underway in Jackson

 

The city of Jackson’s Summer Cruising Program has begun.

The program gives the city’s youth a safe and fun option on the weekend. On Sundays from 6-9 p.m., youth can gather at Veterans Memorial Stadium. A disc jockey is provided and vendors are on site.

Activities include basketball and other games. Admission is free. The program ends July 31. Call (601) 960-0716 for more information.