About 700 students this summer participated in the Technion’s science workshops and “SciTech” youth summer camp
Approximately 700 students, from all over the north of the country, from 5th grade through to 12th grade, participated in two summer sessions given by the Science Programs for Youth division of the Technion. In addition, 44 young people participated in the international science camp, “SciTech 2011”.
This year the Science Programs for Youth division offered a range of programs in the areas of medicine, genetic engineering, developing mathematical thinking, aviation sciences, architecture, robotics, nano worlds and more. About 40 different classes were run and the most popular classes, by far, were the ones in robotics and architecture.
Classes were given in three different areas: natural sciences and engineering, basic skills and engineering and technology.
The classes are given by Technion students studying in different faculties who believe that in science and teaching, they are also conveying an important message to the young participants. In addition to the classes, the participants in the Science Programs for Youth also received a discount on entry fees to the Technion swimming pool and thus were able to enjoy the summer to the fullest.
The “SciTech” summer camp is an international science camp that takes place every summer at the Technion. This year’s camp marks its 18th year. About 44 young men and women from Europe, Asia, the U.S. and Israel came to the Technion camp, which is aimed at youth aged 16-18 with a proven aptitude in science and technology who strive for academic excellence at the highest level. The camp is about four weeks long and combines scientific research with cultural and social activities. Afternoons and evenings are devoted to social activities and on certain days, the participants are taken on outings to see the country. This year’s tours were to Jerusalem, Caesarea, Kfar Blum, the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa and many other places.
The main objective of the camp is to expose young talented people to scientific and technological activity and research, as well as allow them an opportunity to work under the supervision of professional staff from the Technion, to build a bridge between science and the different cultures, to create relationships among students from all over world and to expose them to different aspects of Israeli society and history.
During the camp, the students work in pairs on projects at the cutting edge of Technion research, using the Technion’s equipment and labs. Toward the end of the camp, participants present their research projects by submitting a comprehensive report, a scientific poster presentation and a visual presentation.
The audience at these presentations is made up of the camp participants, the mentors, the academic staff and guests. The audience participates in choosing the best presentation in every scientific field.
The posters are displayed at a special exhibition during the camp’s closing ceremony. They are judged by a committee comprising senior scientists from the Technion as well as experts. The committee members select the best poster in each scientific field, with each winner getting a prize. The reports and posters appear in the annual “SciTech” review.