Library’s Math, Science Camp Combats Summer ‘Brain Drain’ with Fun Activities

By Wolfgang Ehrgott

Posted on July 22, 2016, July 22, 2016

We're all at least slightly familiar with the term 'summer slide' or 'brain drain,''which refers to the general loss of academic progress that can happen to students during the summer months. The Southwest Branch of the Arlington Public'Library has set out to fight that phenomenon in a fun and engaging way through the use of its Summer Math and Science Camp. The camp spans a week where children between the ages of 8 and 12 can expand their minds while having fun at the same time. Activities range from coloring in a picture using'math equations to 3D printer lessons and tutorials. Thursday's activities included math equations and coloring, a blood anatomy demonstration using water tinted with food coloring and circle-shaped cereal pieces to represent blood cells,'and play time with circuitry toys. Miranda Want, the librarian leading the camps, is in her second year at the helm of the program and is extremely pleased with the reception she has received from her students. 'Last year we mostly focused on the math side of things, which was great, but once'we started adding more science experiments the kids got more engaged with what we were doing. The science aspect of the camp brings the kids together to solve problems as a group. They get really excited and cheer each other on, sometimes even racing each other to see who can finish the experiment fastest.'