KIPPsters keep minds active at science camp

Four KIPP Blytheville students attended the Exxon Mobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp this month in an effort to keep their minds active and ready for the start of school in August.

Kearigan Barton, Riya Mittal, Bryce Trible, and Nakayia Woods all attended the Exxon Mobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for two weeks this month. The students were able to live on a college campus and take a variety of courses, with the goal of enhancing their proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math.

Riya Mittal, class of 2021, was particularly fond of her science class at camp, where she learned how to test the pH level of soil. She was hard-pressed to choose a favorite course though, as she said, "Everything I took was great, I really enjoyed it all."

Barton and Woods, both members of the Class of 2020, were surprised by the incredibly long days, but they were enthusiastic about it all.

"We woke up at 6 a.m.," said Barton, "then ate breakfast and were in classes or with teachers until 9 p.m. on some days."

Both Barton and Woods enjoyed learning advanced skills in their classes.

"It was fun learning to build structures and bridges," said Woods. "We had a limited amount of material to work with, because you can't waste materials in engineering."

Visiting the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs was another highlight for the KIPPsters.

The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp is open to all students entering grades 6, 7 or 8. Eligible students must have a GPA of at least a "B" in all science and math courses and score at the median to superior level on standardized test in science and math. Applicants must also write an admission essay and receive recommendations from their math and science teachers. Fifty students from across Arkansas are chosen each year to participate.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com