Camp Spartan STEM Track

The Camp Spartan STEM Track is designed for participants who are:

• Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. 
• Interested in attending a four-year college in a degree program.
• Interested in STEM subjects.

The following conditions are also required of all participants:

• Camp Spartan participation requires that a student be able to be picked up by a family member within three hours should an emergency, or dismissal, occur.
• Transportation is not provided for Camp Spartan. Participants may drive themselves or be dropped off during the camp. 
• Participants who take medication must self-administer all medications. Participants are responsible for the proper storage and disposal of all medication.
• Any misconduct outlined in the Camp Spartan Handbook can result in dismissal from participation without a refund.

Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors will have the opportunity to earn micro-credentials in a STEM area by attending workshops taught by AU faculty and completing the necessary requirements. 

Two workshops will be offered during the week of Camp Spartan STEM Track – a morning workshop and an afternoon workshop. You can attend one workshop or both workshops with the opportunity to earn up to two micro-credentials. Micro-credentials can be added to your college applications to highlight the different skills you learned and your college-prep experiences.

Lunch will be provided in the university dining hall for all participants. AU Advising and Career Services staff will be available during lunch as well as faculty from various departments.

You can attend one workshop or both workshops with the opportunity to earn up to two micro-credentials during the week. In order to earn the micro-credential, you must attend all workshops during the week and complete all requirements outlined within the workshop.

Micro-credentials can be added to your college applications to highlight the different skills you learned and your college-prep experiences.

7:45-7:55 a.m. — Arrival

Arrive on campus at the designated location and head to the first workshop.

8-11:30 a.m. — Morning Workshop Taught by AU Faculty

Plastics Everywhere: Polymers in Our Environment

Ever wonder what is plastic? Join AU faculty and their partners in the community in exploring the science behind plastics and the environmental impact they have on our world. In this workshop, you will work in teams to analyze the unique properties of polymers and investigate their impact on ecosystems using modern scientific instrumentation and engaging case studies. Through these investigations, you will gain an understanding of the polymer industry and the sustainability issues that have arisen around their use.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Lunch

Eat lunch in the dining hall with other students from the morning and afternoon workshops. You will also have the opportunity to talk with AU Advising and Career Services staff as well as various faculty members.

12:30-4 p.m. — Afternoon Workshop Taught by AU Faculty

Laugh Your Head Off: Why Laughter is Good for Your Brain

Learn several parts of the brain and the role each plays with regard to emotions, changes in attitude, and health. The firing of the neurons and brain development will be explored, including a close look at how what we see and how it is processed in the brain. You will analyze the use of laughter for improved brain functioning. 

Strategies such as brain mapping will be utilized to get to know one another, organize thoughts and engage in activities during the sessions. You will use a mind mapping tool to explain yourself with a unique mind map. At the end of the week, you will make your very own, very funny brain.

4 p.m. — Departure

Depart campus or head to the designated pick-up area if you did not drive to campus.

• One Workshop: $200
• Two Workshops: $400

Lunch in the dining hall is included.

Applications for Camp Spartan 2023 have closed. Please check back next year for information about our 2024 camps.