BERLIN–While some teenagers pass the summer months lounging on the beach or playing video games, a small group of students are learning about aeronautics, aerospace engineering, rocketry, and acquiring other technological skills at Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin.
Twenty-five students are participating in the SDHS Summer Academy, a four-week program with a cross-curricular approach to learning, which began on June 23 and runs through July 18.
Students are reading excerpts from Homer Hickman’s bestselling memoir, “Rocket Boys,” photographing their activities, narrating their experiences using iPhoto, and applying their math and science skills while researching, constructing and launching rockets.
Additionally, students traveled to NASA Wallops Flight Facility where they had the opportunity to tour the Range Control Center and NASA Exhibit Hall.
“It’s been a great summer experience,” junior Olivia Stinebiser said. “I love how the teachers work together. I get to see so many different perspectives to a topic and I have learned so much.”
The Stephen Decatur High School Summer Academy program is open to all incoming and returning students. While there is always a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) component, a different curriculum is adopted each summer for the high schools in the Worcester County Public Schools system.
“Research suggests that students lose both reading and mathematical computation skills during the summer,” said Curriculum Resource Teacher Mary Berquist. “It’s our goal to combine fun with a truly enriching experience so that students do not suffer a lapse in learning during the summer months.”