The University of Toledo researchers who monitor summer algal blooms, test water safety for swimmers and advance the fight against invasive Asian carp in the Great Lakes are helping inspire budding scientists this week.

The summer science camp for fourth and fifth graders titled “Nature of Maumee Bay” will take place at the Lake Erie Center, where all week the students will take part in laboratory exercises and outdoor activities, including scavenger hunts and collecting insects.

The media is invited as students get in the pond to collect samples with nets from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 15 at the UT Lake Erie Center, 6200 Bayshore Road in Oregon.

“They’ll be digging through dirt and up to their knees in water,” Rachel Lohner, education program manager at the Lake Erie Center, said. “The kids usually find a lot of tadpoles and small fish.”

Throughout the week-long day camp, students will keep a daily observation journal and use rubber molds to do fish printing on t-shirts.

“This is a great opportunity for kids to explore the world and learn about trees, wildflowers and birds along the way through hands-on experiences while having fun with new friends,” Lohner said. “We hope this creative learning camp helps grow their interest in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering and math. Those jobs are in high demand, and we want to set these students up for success.”

Tags: College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics