SSC-9450417 Stanislaus County Office of Education Modesto, CA Byrd, Jim and Diggle, Pamela "Project WATER" The Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) will operate a Summer Science Camp (SSC) for 50 minority students from 1994 through 1996. Certificated Science/Math teachers will provide instruction emphasizing the hands-on approach involving student activities and projects. Learning activities will center on the theme of WATER, its multitude of uses and how it impacts our daily lives. Students will be housed in the Outdoor Education Center which is located in the Sierra foothills. This is an area rich in geological examples, fossils, environmental issues, power generating facilities and scientific stimuli. Professional scientists, mathematicians, engineers and individuals from related fields will participate in the instructional program and serve as mentors. They will focus upon the importance of remaining in school, the selection of science and math courses and the choice of careers available if the students pursue the path of learning. Selected students will matched with a control group on the basis of ethnicity, gender, age, and community type (urban, small community, and rural). Comparisons will be made over a five-year span on frequency of dropouts, selection of science and math courses in high school, grades in these courses, attendance, and frequency of attendance in higher education institutions. The results of this study will be disseminated to cooperating school districts, supporting organizations, the National Science Foundation and minority organizations such as the NAACP, the Hispanic Leadership Council, The Asian Coalition, etc. ***
