Summer Science goes...virtual

Below is a copy of email correspondence we sent to our current Summer Science 2020 families. Please reach out with any questions!

Dear Summer Science families - 

We sure hope you enjoyed the beautiful weather this past weekend. The sunshine had us thinking ahead to June, and we wanted to give you an update on Summer Science 2020 and what a "virtual" version of our beloved program will look like.

When our prospective Summer Scientists declared interest early this year, we were all expecting a drastically different experience. The hallmark of Summer Science is its emphasis on community building, place-based outdoor education, and hands-on learning in labs and on field trips. The heart of Summer Science lies in the relationships we build with our students while we are out learning and experiencing the world, together. With virtual programming, this certainly becomes more challenging - however, we know that what our students need this summer is not more time in front of screens. 

Last week our staff met to hone in on a model for virtual Summer Science that would emphasize kids doing hands-on, experienced-based science as much as possible. We wanted to share the basics of that plan with you as you have the opportunity to change your summer school registration status with the district starting tonight. We certainly know there are things we simply cannot recreate with a virtual program, however, our Summer Science staff is committed to providing our students with awesome, student-led experiences. 

Here's an overview of what you can expect for Summer Science 2020:

• Daily Activities: 
  Each week, instructors from each of our core subject areas will run a lesson/challenge/activity, starting with a short virtual, face-to-face meet up with teachers/students at the beginning of the day. Students can expect to spend one day each week on geology, ecology, chemistry, engineering, and genetics!
• Hands-on, Off-screen: 
  We'll create/provide detailed plans for students to participate in science-based activities at home or, if possible, at a nearby field trip site (a great option for families who may want to get out and hike/explore together!) - as much as is possible, our staff are going to focus on activities that are not computer based (though there will certainly be specific lessons and subjects that are better suited for on-screen experiences, especially with subjects like genetics, etc.) 
• All-Scientist Challenges: 
  Students will also have the chance to participate in a weekly, all-scientist activity that challenges them to do something positive in their community, do something to help the planet, or to build relationships with one another.
  
• Camping Together, Apart: 
  We're working hard to devise fun ways to recreate some of the most special moments we have on our annual Summer Science camping trip, from scheduling a s'mores-making contest to campfire programs/entertainment from some surprise Summer Scientists guests, and more.
  
  

Though we would certainly prefer to be in school or out in the field with kids this summer, we recognize that one of the benefits of an online, self-paced program is that it offers families a lot of flexibility. We hope that families are able to engage with the Summer Science program and also create meaningful memories together this summer with increased flexibility for program attendance time, etc.

We encourage all of you to reach out and ask questions as you decide the best course of action for you and your Summer Scientists this year. We are looking forward to providing a great experience for our kids, and appreciate your patience and enthusiasm during these uncertain times. If you have questions about Summer Science specifically, please respond to this email to reach out to Em and Jess. There are plenty of details that we are still working out as well, so please know that we may not be able to answer all questions at this time. If you have questions regarding registration processes/status, we ask that you email Denise Mehlhoff, Summer School Administrative Assistant, at [email protected].

Thank you for taking time for science!
Em Meier & Jess North
Summer Science Co-Coordinators