Education » Pre-College Students & Teachers » Water Technology & Education Camp (WaterTEC) for High School Students
The world is facing unprecedented challenges to its supply of clean water. In Pakistan alone water borne diseases are responsible for 80% of illness and death, killing a child every eight seconds. By 2025 much of the potable water of the will be stressed by the combined effects of climate change, population growth, and industrial pollution. Current methods of water purification are either inadequate or too expensive for the majority of the people in the world. The WaterCAMPWS is developing new materials and systems to address this problem--materials such as DNA lead sensors tailored to field use and TiON fibers developed for chlorine resistant pathogens. Come to WaterTEC 2009 and learn about state of the art water purification research. WaterTEC is a one-week program full of educational and fun activities for students interested in learning water information, experimentation, and recreation. Through field trips and classroom sessions students will explore nearby streams, fire institutes, and laboratories to learn how current technology and research affects water treatment and delivery for public use. Students will also learn about the vital roles that science, technology, and engineering play in water quality, safety and conservation. Meet the researchers, do laboratories, experience field work, live in dorms and have fun while being immersed in WaterCAMPWS projects. Campers will have action packed days with mornings devoted to field work, afternoons to laboratory work and evenings to Survivor Competition held at Robert Allerton Park, Monticello, IL.
What Students Will Learn
Through science experiments, education sessions, and field trips students will learn:
1. Why clean water is so important for health and economy of all people and nations.
2. How water has shaped life around the globe.
3. Why science and engineering are so important for finding new ways to clean water.
4. The science and technology behind water purification.
5. About careers in science, particularly in the exciting areas of water research and education.
6. Leadership skills critical for involvement in water policy at local, state, national, and global levels in the future.
7. The methods and goals of conservation practices, contaminant reduction, and other important water management activities.
Field Trips and Activities
Through hands-on activities students will:
- Go to a dive-in movie in an Olympic-size swimming pool (be sure to bring your bathing suit).
- Visit laboratories on the cutting edge of water quality research.
- Have behind-the-scenes tours of a public swimming pool and municipal water system.
- Determine the purity of different types of streams by testing the water for pollutants.
- Learn about water-based ecosystems through electrofishing and trips to local wetlands.
The daily schedules for WaterTEC 2009 will be available as PDFs for downloading soon.
Eligibility
To attend WaterTEC you must:
- Be entering the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the fall OR have taken chemistry.
- Be interested in science and engineering.
- Have a letter of recommendation from a teacher.
- Write a statement of purpose (200 word essay) of your reason for attending.
Camp Cost and Scholarships
The cost of the camp is $450.00 for the week which includes all food and housing, as well as all activities that will take place during the week. Scholarships are available, and will be based on nominations from teachers. Scholarships will cover the cost of housing, meals, educational sessions, and recreational activities. A $50 refundable deposit is required to hold a space.
For More Information and to Apply
For information about WaterTEC or for individuals who may have special needs while attending the camp, phone (217) 333-2633 or e-mail watercampws @uiuc.edu.
WaterTEC Downloadable Application Form
WaterTEC Downloadable Application Form
Remember to send application, teacher recommendation, essay, and deposit to: WaterTEC @ WaterCAMPWS, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 W. Green, MC 244, Urbana IL 61801
