STAC Offers Forensic Science Summer Program for Middle School Students

Program Develops Science and Math Skills for Those Entering 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Grades

(Sparkill, New York—June 24, 2015)-- St. Thomas Aquinas College will be offering a premier science/math enrichment program July 20-24, 2015, 9:00 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. daily, for students who will be entering the
6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in September 2015, announces Dr. Suzanne Reynolds, assistant dean in the School of Education. This year’s program will focus on forensic science investigations. Students will have the opportunity to analyze soil, hair and fiber samples, blood splatter patterns, fingerprints, and more. The camp is made possible through the support of Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.

This program is designed to give potential young scientists the opportunity to develop their interest in the practices of scientific inquiry by: working in newly renovated, state-of-the-art college science labs; using appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze and interpret data; thinking critically and logically; communicating scientific procedures and explanations; and using mathematics in scientific exploration. Small groups are supervised by college faculty from the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Education. Qualified pre-service teachers and volunteers from the forensic science club will also assist with supervision and instruction.

“This is a fun and engaging way for students to learn basic lab skills,” says Dr. Reynolds. “The conclusion of the program has the students solving an actual “Who Did It?” case, bringing a blend of real-world case study together with classroom learning.”

This is an inclusive program that is open to all students who will be entering the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade in September 2015. A limited number of students can be accepted so parents are urged to apply as early as possible. Program cost is $400 ($50 off total registration for siblings). As part of registration, students will receive a lab coat, goggles and program t-shirt.

For more information or to apply, visit: http://www.stac.edu/summerforensicscience/ or contact at sreynold@stac.edu.

St. Thomas Aquinas College is an independent liberal arts college located on 60 acres in Rockland County, NY which provides education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The College’s 2,800 full and part time students can choose from more than 100 different majors, minors, specializations, and dual degree programs across three Schools: Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education. The College is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the Top-Tier for Regional Universities, by Colleges of Distinction in both its New York and Catholic editions, by Affordable Colleges Online as a top College in New York for Return on Investment, and is included as a Military Friendly School®. St. Thomas Aquinas College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; its School of Education is accredited by National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); and its School of Business is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). For more information, visit www.stac.edu.