The second annual TNT Interdisciplinary Summer Science Camp for Girls continued to boost interest in science through exciting hands-on activities such as making "rovers" and telescopes.

Another fun, enlightening and favorite activity for many of the girls was the egg drop. Campmates Stefanie Gaillard, Martha Mayo and TaAngela Saddler all chimed in to list the materials and the objective of the egg drop. They were given bubble wrap, cloth, string, paper, hamburger boxes, balloons, markers, straws and pipe cleaners. The instructions were then to construct something they thought would protect the egg's yoke from breaking when it was dropped from the second story steps.

"It stayed safe if it was locked in securely," said Stefanie, who will enter seventh grade at Tuskegee Institute Middle School (TIMS) in the fall. "There were two groups that won—ours and another one."

Stefanie, a return camper, also said this year was different because they made more things. "Last year we made rockets. This year we made rovers, telescopes and a nebula," she said. "My favorite activity was working on the rovers. We had to figure out what would let them survive on Mars."

Martha, who will enter sixth grade at TIMS, said she has enjoyed learning about the different discoveries they have made on Mars. "Something new I have learned is that they think Mars has water on it," she said.

And for TaAngela, this camp has served the purposed of expanding an interest that she already had. "Science is one of my favorite subjects, even before coming to the camp," she said. "I like learning about animals and the solar system." She will enter fifth grade at Washington Public Elementary School in Tuskegee.

Pre-services teachers Melissa Rodham and Laura Estill, both seniors majoring in elementary education, said they have benefited from working with the girls on several levels.

"This has been a good experience because it has given me the chance to work in my field with students who I may not normally have the opportunity to work with. It's also good because we only have nine girls and we are able to have a lot of one-on-one interaction, which benefits the girls and they really enjoy it. The girls' all have a positive outlook and are excited to be here," Rodham said. "It has been a challenge because they are at different grade levels and you have to find a way to explain things that they can all understand, but it has been great."

Estill agrees that working with the girls while having fun is the best part, but it is also preparing them to work with future students in their own classrooms. "We have been observed by other teachers—not just our professors—and getting feedback from them about strengthens and areas of improvement. This is also the first time we have had the experience where we are alone with students leading the class and that helps in developing an effective teaching style."

For another perspective about the camp, please read an article written by Opelika-Auburn News reporter Jack Stripling.