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Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College
Columbia University

The Hollingworth Center :: Hollingworth Science Camp

Hollingworth Science Camp


The Hollingworth Center maintains a deep commitment to the development of exemplary science curricula for young children.  Recognizing that talent development in science is often a neglected area in the early grades, the Center designs and field tests innovative, hands-on, developmentally appropriate science curriculum for young children in kindergarten through the fourth grade.  Each summer 200 learners from a wide range of schools and neighborhoods participate in this enriched curriculum. While at  Teachers College, the children are afforded the opportunity to develop their scientific interests in small, child-centered classes.  The evaluation of this program indicates that the children's  scientific potential is enhanced as is their ability to work collaboratively on challenging, meaningful problems. The work of the Hollingworth Science Camp has been presented at state and national conferences, and the curriculum is shared with local and international educators who visit the site each summer. Over 35 Teachers College graduate students design curriculum and teach in the Hollingworth Science Camp each July. These  salaried positions support the professional development of the  students and are regarded as a valuable component of their graduate  studies. The Hollingworth Science Camp also hosts student teaching and field placements from students in Curriculum and Teaching and Science  Education.

The Hollingworth Science Camp is a unique blend of dynamic, interactive, creative learning experiences combined with camp activities that children traditionally associate with summer fun! Through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes the doing of science, the children:

  • Use creative problem solving and critical thinking strategies
  • Raise questions and search for answers with their teachers and peers in an effort to satisfy their scientific curiosity
  • Participate in small group scientific investigations
  • Perform age-appropriate experiments under the guidance and supervision of the teacher
  • Understand and incorporate the scientific method through high interest, hands-on explorations
  • Interact with a vast array of science materials especially suited to young creative, and curious learners
  • Pursue individual interests when appropriate
  • Develop a scientist's "eye" and see the wonder of science in everyday life
The themes investigated in the Hollingworth Science Camp are designed to introduce the children to and develop and appreciation for life science, physical science, biological science and environmental science and to help them make the connection among these areas. Past themes that the Hollingworth Campers have investigated include botany, simple machines, power and energy, aquatic life, the human body, structures, color and light, flight, life cycles, and geology.

CAMP CALENDAR

Hollingworth Science Camp typically begins end of June and continues through July.

FORMAT OF THE CAMP DAY

Hollingworth Science Camp begins at 8:45 a.m. each day, Monday through Friday, and concludes at 3:15 p.m. (Optional Before and After Camp Care programs are available). A typical day for the campers includes interactive, developmentally appropriate, child-responsive activities. Daily activities vary depending on the age of the campers, but are typically chosen from the following:
  • Hands-on science lessons
  • Indoor and outdoor science experiments
  • Free choice time for play, games, and science stations
  • Outdoor play
  • Music and art
  • Swimming
  • Story time
  • Lunch and snack

FACILITIES AND LOCATION

The Hollingworth Science Camp is located on the campus of Teachers College, Columbia University between Broadway and Amsterdam at West 120th Street.  Transportation toand from the camp is the responsibility of the parents.  Children must be dropped off at their classrooms.  The camp is easily accessible by the M11, M4, and Ml04 buses, and by the #1 subway.

The camp occupies a number of spacious, air conditioned rooms at the College. The rooms are equipped with furnishings and materials suitable for young children. The campers use the Teachers College pool and the campus for outdoor activities.

BEFORE AND AFTER CAMP CARE

Before and After Camp Care programs are available for an additional fee. Before Camp Care is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., Monday through Friday. After Camp Care is available from 3:15 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Before care includes an optional breakfast of cold cereal and juice. After care includes a nutritious snack and juice. Please note that these programs are offered only if a minimum enrollment of 12 is achieved.

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCESS

Hollingworth Science Camp is available to children currently in kindergarten, first, second, third, and fourth grades. Qualified applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The application process includes a completed application form and the deposit. Applicants who did not attend the Science Camp during the prior year must also submit the Teacher Recommendation Form.

Qualified children who attended camp during the prior year have the opportunity to pre-apply. 
The Hollingworth Center will automatically send you an application in early fall. If you do not receive one by October, please contact the office.
 
All other qualified applicants who did not attend the Hollingworth Science Camp during the prior year are awarded a space on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications for these campers are typically available mid-November.  Please contact the office after Labor Day for exact dates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have any questions concerning the Hollingworth Science Camp, please phone (212) 678-3851 Monday through Thursday. If you reach our voice mail, please leave a message. Your call will be returned promptly. Thank you for considering our camp!


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