Oak Lake Science Camp offers outdoor lessons for middle school students

SDSU professor Kent Jensen shows campers the identifying marks on a cedar waxwing. Courtesy photo

 BROOKINGS – The South Dakota State University Oak Lake Science Camp matches middle school students who want to learn science skills with a fertile environment rich in plants and wildlife.

The camp begins Sunday, Aug. 5, and continues through Friday, Aug.10, at the Oak Lake Field Station outside of Astoria.

The weeklong learning about environmental science and biology from experienced professionals includes room, meals, snacks and recreation, but has limited availability. Early registration is encouraged.

The South Dakota State University Oak Lake Field Station offers a hands-on, small group learning experience in environmental science and biology for students in middle school grades six through eight.  Investigative activities are planned and led by professionals in the fields of study.

Activities include viewing prairie weather extremes by using GIS and GPS to study natural phenomena; observing prairie plant diversity; studying the role of insects in prairie systems; recognizing and banding prairie birds; and encountering mammal habitat use as well as the ecology of lake organisms.

During free time, students take part in recreational activities that include hiking, canoeing, swimming and observing area wildlife.

Cost for the camp is $250 with a $25 registration fee. Housing and three meals per day with snacks are included.

The South Dakota State University Oak Lake Field Station is located northeast of Brookings near Astoria.

For more information on the camp, interested people can contact Nels Troelstrup at 605-688-5503 or email Nels.Troelstrup@sdstate.edu.

Applications are found at http://bit.ly/JVWDz2 under Quick Links on the right-hand side of the page. Registration must be mailed to Nels Troelstrup at the address identified in the brochure.