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Family Academic Programs

Science & Technology Series, Grades 7 - 12

The Science and Technology Series is inspired by the daily advances in technology that affect our lives in countless ways. In these programs, students and parents explore aspects of technology and science through demonstrations, lectures, and hands-on workshops led by pioneering scientists, mathematicians, and academic researchers.

The Day
The typical Science and Technology programs typically run from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The day includes specially-designed workshops and presentations in which scientists share their research and experience. For part of the day, adults may explore the theme of the program in separate, concurrent sessions specifically designed for CTY parents. Families will reconnect for lunch and again at the conclusion of the program, to share their experiences from the day's activities. Continental breakfast and lunch are provided.

Please join us for these unique programs specially arranged for CTY students and their families. See below for registration information.

Cost: Varies by site (see below).


Science and Technology Series Programs: Locations and Dates

 

 Locations Dates


Harrisburg University: Geospatial Mapping and Visualization
 — Harrisburg, PA

Have you ever gone geocaching? Have you used a GPS device or looked at a map on your computer or phone to find the location of a store or restaurant? Have you wondered how the 3D graphics and satellite surveillance photos are made for television shows and movies? All of these are examples of Geospatial Technology at work. During this program, we will learn about different applications of Geospatial Technology, one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.

This program will begin around 8:00 a.m. and end around 4:00 p.m. A continental breakfast and lunch are included.

Cost: $95 per person

Please note: This program is for grades 10-12 only.

This program has been rescheduled for spring 2012. Information will be updated shortly.

  Spring 2012


Johns Hopkins University: Biotechnology and Bioengineering –
Baltimore, MD

Join us as we discover the results of cutting-edge research in the fields of biotechnology and bioengineering. Johns Hopkins researchers in the fields of bioinformatics, robotics, and cellular biology will share their expertise in lectures, demonstrate the latest modern tools and equipment of biotechnology, lead tours of university research laboratories, and teach you how to use bioinformatics software in the computer laboratory.

This program begins around 8:00 a.m. and ends around 4:00 p.m. Continental breakfast and lunch are included.

Cost: $95 per person

Please note: This program is for grades 7-10.

 Saturday, 
 March 24,
 2012

 CLOSED


Harrisburg University: Got Game? Video Game Design and Production –
Harrisburg, PA

Are you interested in video games, interactive simulations, or new media? How about game design, visual arts, programming, sound design, and the games industry?  If so, then you will want to join us to learn more about careers in the games industry from a panel of prominent creative and technical professionals working in the field. We will explore methods and technologies used by professional game makers throughout the world and will experience the gaming creative process — from ideation to problem-solving and delivery.

This program begins around 8:00 a.m. and ends around 4:00 p.m. Continental breakfast and lunch are included.

Cost: $95 per person

Please note: This program is for grades 7-9.

 Saturday,
 April 14,
 2012

 CLOSED


Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
-- Hong Kong

We encounter science every day, yet we might have trouble recognizing it. Science has brought about far-reaching changes in every aspect of our daily lives. How will science be further utilized to improve personal and global issues, or to make us more prosperous, comfortable, and fulfilled? It is almost impossible to overemphasize how many aspects of modern life will be influenced by scientific knowledge. During this program, university scientists will inspire parents and students as they explore physics, game theory, environmental science, and the relationship between science and daily life.

This program begins around 8:00 a.m. and ends around 4:00 p.m. Continental breakfast and lunch are included.

Cost: $125 per person

Please note: This program is for grades 7-10

 Saturday,
 April 21,
 2012


Bohart Museum of Entomology, University of California, Davis: Insects and Evolution –
Davis, CA

Curious about insects? They may be small but their diversity and importance is astounding. During this program, experts from the UC Davis Entomology Department will lead outdoor explorations, indoor workshops, and dynamic lectures during which you will learn how to study insects such as ants and soapberry bugs. As we discover the smaller world around us, we’ll learn about the connection between insects, evolution, medicine, and agriculture. 

This program begins around 8:00 a.m. and ends around 4:00 p.m. Continental breakfast and lunch are included.

Cost: $120 per person

Please note: This program is for grades 7-10.

 Saturday,
 May 19, 
 2012


Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology
, University of California, Davis: Birds and Conservation – Davis, CA

Learn about birds through the eyes of a biologist. Join us for a day exploring the birds of California through hands-on activities and engaging talks with scientists from the Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology (MWFB) at UC Davis. You’ll start the day on a field trip learning to identify California birds and discover how biomonitoring is an important tool for conservation biology. Back on campus, go behind-the-scenes of the MWFB to learn how bird specimens are prepared and how the museum collection serves past, current, and future scientific research. Please bring binoculars, if you have them, sturdy walking shoes, and a sense of adventure!

This program begins around 8:00 a.m. and ends around 4:00 p.m. Continental breakfast and lunch are included.

Cost: $120 per person

Please note: This program is for grades 7-10.

 Sunday,
 May 20,
 2012


Ocean Institute
Dana Point, CA

During this remarkable adventure, you will explore the ocean and its inhabitants by land and by sea, conduct scientific experiments, snorkel, drive remotely operated vehicles, and more. Depart from the Ocean Institute (OI) for Catalina Island onboard OI’s research vessel Sea Explorer and study interrelationships of the unique flora, fauna, and geological origins of this isolated island environment. Experience the kelp forest ecosystem while snorkeling among the reefs. While returning to OI, observe marine mammals by studying their bioacoustics and artifacts, and identify drifting and benthic organisms from plankton and mud samples. Later, discover the mysteries of the ocean depths and determine the history by studying replica cores of the ocean bottom and find metallic objects under water with a magnetometer. Assist the scientist aboard the research vessel Sea Explorer to map the ocean floor and locate sunken objects using a side scan sonar unit and fathometer. During this amazing program, you will discover why we know more about the surface of Mars than we do about the ocean floor!

You will be spending approximately 10 hours on boats throughout this program. All meals are included for the length of the program. You will need to bring sleeping bags, mats, and pillows as you will be sleeping on the floor in one of OI’s buildings.

Cost: $575 per person

Please note: This program is for grades 7-10.

 Sunday, July 29 –
 Tuesday, July 31,
 2012


Monterey Bay Aquarium and Call of the Sea Tall Ship Program –
Monterey, CA

Come learn about science while sailing the Monterey Bay! A senior naturalist from Monterey Bay Aquarium will lead you on a private tour of the Aquarium as you begin your day with an introduction to the marine life and deep sea canyon found in the Bay. Then put your knowledge to the test as you board the Call of the Sea’s Tall Ship Seaward to explore the coastal shoreline and deep sea canyon in the Bay. Look for marine life as you are led through a series of hands-on program stations where you will learn the basics of oceanography and sailing. How do winds affect water temperature, ocean nutrients, and marine mammals? How are underwater canyons formed? How did sailboats navigate before GPS? In this hands-on, three-day program, you will be immersed in the life of the tall ship and become part of the crew – standing watch, setting sails, navigating, learning the arts of a sailor, and helping with the duties of keeping the boat ship-shape. What’s more, you will set the stage for becoming a marine scientist!

All meals will be provided during this program. You will need to bring sleeping bags as you will be sleeping aboard the Tall Ship Seaward on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Cost: $825 per person

Please note: This program is for grades 7-10.

 Saturday, August 4 –
 Monday, August 6,
 2012


Living Classrooms Foundation
- Baltimore, MD

The Chesapeake Bay is both a national treasure and a regional economic engine. This amazing program takes place on board Living Classrooms Foundation’s historic skipjack Sigsbee as families delve into issues threatening the Bay How should we respond to the decline in blue crabs? What is the role of oysters in the Bay’s health and should we introduce heartier Asian varieties? Is urban or agricultural runoff more responsible for declining Bay health? Throughout this unique program, participants wrestle with critical questions affecting this complex ecosystem. While on board, you employ scientific equipment to analyze water and marine life. You will meet and learn from scientists, watermen, and government officials, and apply your new knowledge in real-world settings. Each day, you share responsibility of setting up and striking camp, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the ship. While on shore, you will perform lab work and investigations to explore topics such as crab anatomy, physiology, and behavior; estuarine interactions; predator-prey relationships; and the ecological role of the oyster beds. Evening activities may include night hikes, games, and campfires. Families will learn about the watershed, water parameters, and water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. You will leave with a better understanding of the interplay among man, economics, science, and the environment.

No previous sailing experience is necessary, but this is a physically demanding course that requires a certain level of fitness. Please note: This program will include all meals for the length of the program. Participants should bring sleeping bags, mats, and pillows as you will be sleeping in tents. Evenings will be spent at primitive campsites along the way. Camping facilities will vary, but all will be basic—a few have showers, most will not. Fresh water will be available for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and personal hygiene. More specific information about campsites and activities will be available upon registration.

Cost: $675 per person

Please note: This program is for grades 7-10.

 Monday, August 20 – 
 Friday, August 24, 
 2012


Registration Information
At least one parent or guardian must register and attend with the student(s). Siblings will be admitted only if they have been registered for the event, and,in general, only if their age is within two years of the program grade limit. Registration is strictly limited, and participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. These are popular events, and locations fill up quickly. Please watch this website for the most up-to-date information of program details and site closings.

You may register for the above programs by registering online.

Payment Information
Payments submitted will be processed automatically upon receipt. However, your family's reservation is secured only when you receive your written confirmation. In the event that the program is filled, you will be issued a complete credit and put on a waiting list. Please do not purchase non-refundable airline tickets or hotel reservations until you receive your registration confirmation.

Please note that all past due balances (for any CTY program) must be paid prior to registration for a Family Academic Program. All payments will be applied to past due balances first.

Cancellation Policy
For cancellations made 30 days or more prior to the event, registrants will be charged a processing fee of $25 per family for one-day events and $250 per family for extended programs. From 29 to 15 days prior, registrants will be charged one-half of the total amount paid. There will be no credit for any cancellations received less than 15 days before the event.

Logistics
Specific information pertinent to your location, including exact times and directions to the event, will be mailed to you prior to the program date. Information about lunch will be provided in the confirmation materials.

Parents! We need your support to volunteer at our events. Please fill out this form for more information on how to help.

Additional Opportunities
Please visit Educational Travel Programs to explore additional opportunities for 5th - 12th graders and their families.

Questions? Please call 410-735-6115, 8:30-5:00 EST, or e-mail ctyfam@jhu.edu

Individuals with Learning, Physical, or Medical Disabilities
CTY is committed to providing reasonable, appropriate, and necessary accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities or other health impairments. For information about requesting accommodations, please visit CTY's Disability Services web page.

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Family Academic Programs

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