2017 Sternberg Museum of Natural History CAMPS by Fort Hays State University

SCIENCE EDUCATION CAMPS AND PROGRAMS SUMMER 2017

WELCOME

CALENDAR

CAMP STAFF

Sternberg Museum Science Camps: Education by Adventure!

Find the dates for all of the camps we are offering this year.

We have a excellent staff of educators and professional scientists who work with students during our camps programs.

10 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL All camps take place at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, where we explore topics in the Earth and life sciences.

14 MIDDLE SCHOOL One week outdoor camp programs focusing on biology, paleontology, and geology.

16 HIGH SCHOOL Challenging 1 to 2 week camps programs for high school students who are interested in learning more about how Earth and life science is done by professionals.

REGISTRATION INFO

REGISTRATION FORMS

FINANCIAL AID

Details regarding camps logistics, from sign up to drop off to pick up.

Mail in your registration paperwork, or register online.

We offer financial aid opportunities for all of our camps programs. If you aren’t sure you qualify, contact us. We’d be happy to answer your questions.

31 MEMBERSHIP There are lots of benefits to being a Sternberg Museum Member, including discounted rates on your camp registration.

WELCOME TO STERNBERG MISSION OF STERNBERG MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

The Sternberg Museum of Natural History advances an appreciation and understanding of Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural history and the evolutionary forces that impact it. With an emphasis on the Great Plains, our goals are accomplished through research, publications, collections, interpretive exhibits and educational programs created by our staff, colleagues and community. 4

Greetings from the Sternberg Museum of Natural History! We are excited to offer our 2017 Summer Science Camps and Programs designed to immerse students in the wonders of earth and life science! Using spectacular natural history resources of Kansas, the southwestern United States, and abroad, the Sternberg Museum education and science staff presents experience-driven lessons and activities that get students directly involved in the process of science. We emphasize building knowledge, skills and the mental tools to deal with information and questions in a scientific manner. Outdoor exploration is at the heart of our science camps and programs. Getting students outside interacting with nature, each other and instructors helps to anchor our lessons with powerful firsthand experiences. We look forward to sharing the wonder of science and exploration with you this summer! Sincerely, David Levering Education and Outreach Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Eh2MnhJrzc

CAMP CALENDAR

Field Naturalist Camp (Middle School)

Paleontology Expedition Camp

JUNE

(Middle School)

Sternberg Paleontology Camp (High School)

456789

Southwest Biology Camp (High School) Expedition Ecuador Camp

(High School)

Insects, and Spiders

(Elementary School)

Minerals Rock!

Trees, Flowers, and Grasses

(Elementary School)

JULY

Bird Biologists

(Elementary School)

234567

Sea Creatures of Kansas

(Elementary School)

Reptiles and Amphibians (Elementary School)

Evolution and Ecology Camp 91

(High School)

)

Digging Up Dinosaurs 18

(Elementary School)

) Marvelous Mammals 23

(Elementary School

Gone Fishing

(Elementary School)

LAND USE ACCESS We at the Museum are looking to grow our relationships with our community and state of Kansas. Part of this goal is strengthening our ties with local and regional landowners. We are looking for individuals, families or other groups who control lands with wildlife and/or fossils who are interested in working with the Sternberg Museum to forward our research and public education mission.

FOSSIL RESOURCES If you have fossil resources you would like to allow the Sternberg Museum to use for research and education, please contact Curator of Paleontology Dr. Laura Wilson: lewilson6@fhsu.edu (785-650-2447).

WILDLIFE RESOURCES If you have wildlife resources you would like to allow the Sternberg Museum to use for research and education, please contact Curator of Zoology Curtis Schmidt: cjschmidt@fhsu.edu (785-650-2447).

LAND USE If you would like to discuss how you can become involved with Sternberg Museum education goals through land use permission, please contact Director of Education David Levering: dalevering@fhsu.edu (785-639-5249). We look forward to hearing from you and discussing how you can help improve knowledge and appreciation of Kansas natural history! 7

DAVID LEVERING

CAMP STAFF DAVID LEVERING Education Director David joined the Museum staff in August 2013 as the Museum Educator. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in geology in 2007, and worked as a teaching assistant in the Zoology department at Oklahoma State University from 2010 to 2013, where he graduated with a Master’s of Science. David worked for The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry outdoor science education camps for four summers. He also worked three summers with the National Park Service at Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument in southern Idaho. There, he carried out paleontology field and lab work and worked with kids showing them geology and paleontology. David is the primary instructor for the middle and high school Sternberg Museum Summer Science Camps and Programs.

DR. LAURA WILSON Museum Curator of Paleontology Laura joined the Museum staff in July 2012 as the Sternberg’s paleontologist. She received her M.S. from Montana State University (2006) and her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, Boulder (2012). Her research focuses on reconstructing ecosystems from the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway, with a particular interest in using bone histology to study vertebrate paleobiology. As the Curator of Paleontology, Laura is committed to safeguarding fossil specimens 8

CURTIS SCHMIDT

DR. REESE BARRI

and their associated data housed at the Sternberg Museum as well as utilizing the museum’s fossil collections for public education and outreach.

CURTIS SCHMIDT Museum Curator of Zoology Curtis became the museum’s first official Zoological Collections Manager in 2011. A Hays native and FHSU grad, Curtis received his B.S. in biological sciences in 1999 and his M.S. in 2004. Curtis is no stranger to the museum, as he began as a curatorial assistant in Herpetology in 1998, eventually becoming associate curator of Herpetology and Mammalogy before being appointed Zoological Collections Manager. Because of his involvement in many research projects, Curtis’ contributions to the Herpetology and Mammalogy collections are numerous. As Zoological Collections Manager, his primary responsibilities are the Entomology, Herpetology, Ichthyology, Mammalogy and Ornithology Collections. Curtis also plays an active part in educational programming and exhibits.

DR. REESE BARRICK Museum Director From the small town of Osage, Iowa, Reese achieved his Master’s and Ph.D. at the University of Southern California. Reese has been serving as the Sternberg Museum Director since 2009, bringing in new exhibits, improving the collections management team and improving the overall vision for the museum.

ICK

DR. LAURA WILSON

BRENT SCHULZE

BRENT SCHULZE Brent Schulze is an experienced field biologist and educator with a BS in biological sciences and an emphasis in zoology. Brent has diverse experience working in wildlife biology, and has formal training in venomous reptiles, birds, insects, mammals, as well as plants. Brent holds a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, and has an excellent track record of safely conducting wildlife fieldwork in remote and semi-remote locations. He has worked on seven different grant funded research projects since 2011, including endangered species conservation research for the Denver Zoo, Department of Wildlife and Parks multi-species surveys, private consulting for gas and oil companies, and the Bureau of Land Management on endangered species conservation. In 2016, Brent worked as a co-instructor for the junior high Field Naturalist camp trip to Utah. We are excited to have him back on the Field Naturalist camp in 2017, and to have him signed on to co-instruct the Expedition Ecuador high school student trip.

MELANIE FALCON

BRIANNA MCHORSE

Science Olympiad, and Envirothon competitions. She and her students often collaborate with Wilson Elementary teachers and have started a mentoring partnership between the elementary and high school students. Melanie is the primary instructor for the elementary school Sternberg Museum Summer Science Camps and Programs.

BRIANNA MCHORSE Brianna is a PhD candidate at Harvard University in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, where she studies fossil horse evolution and has designed and taught a semester-long lab on mammalogy. She received her biology degree in 2013 from the University of Oregon, where she assisted with summer paleontology field work for four years. She has taught and designed science camps or courses for levels from elementary school to college. Brianna will be joining the Paleobiology Research Methods Camp as a co-instructor.

MELANIE FALCON Melanie is a science teacher at Wilson Jr/Sr High School in Wilson, KS. After graduating from FHSU in 2007 with her BS in biological sciences and secondary education, she began teaching at WJ/SHS. She has taught a variety of classes including general science, life science, earth-space science, field science, biology, advanced biology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry. Melanie is also the sponsor of the Wilson High School science club, which participates in ECO-Meet, 9

“I believe the Sternberg Camps can give me the tools I need to achieve a career in the Earth sciences. Being a veteran of these camps, I know not only my knowledge, but my love for this field will grow. I consider the Paleontology Camp 2015 experience one of the best of my life and look forward to adding more of these Sternberg experiences to my repertoire of great events in the path to my future paleontology career. So, thank you for the opportunity to once again participate in the Sternberg Museum’s camp program and enabling me to increase my involvement in the world of science.”

MARJIE CONE, ILLINOIS Sternberg Paleontology Camp 2015, Southwest Biology Camp 2016, Middle School Camps counselor 2016

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Elementary camps are for children ages 6-10 as of June 2017. Drop off is 9 a.m. on the day of the program. Pick up is 3 p.m. on the same day. Maximum class size is 12 children per class. Fees are $60 per member, and $70 per non-member. REGISTER ONLINE AT http://webapps.fhsu.edu/sternbergPrograms/

CHECKLIST

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REGISTRATION FORMS p. 26-27

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WAIVER AND RELEASE FORMS p. 28

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STERNBERG MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (optional)

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FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION (optional) p. 30

BIRD BIOLOGISTS June 16, 2017 Do you love birds? If so, we have got a day of fun and fascination in store for you! The Sternberg museum has an incredible collection of bird specimens from all over the world (though most are from right here in Kansas). Learn the structure and types of feathers and how flight works. We will explore the evolution of birds from small carnivorous dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago. Students will get to do simple flight experiments and become “bird biologists” as they look for birds on our nature trails using binoculars.

MINERALS ROCK! June 19, 2017 We all know that geology “rocks”, but there’s more to earth science than just dirt and volcanoes. We’ll explore the rock cycle, learn the difference between a rock and a mineral, and talk about how the continents actually move around the earth! We will learn about what makes volcanoes erupt and the different ways in which they do it. Did you know that volcanoes that don’t erupt lava can sometimes be the most dangerous? Shake, rattle, and roll with earth science and learn how millions of years ago the oceans of Kansas left behind a stunning record in the rocks. Rock on, geologists!

DIGGING UP DINOSAURS June 20, 2017 Go back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the earth! Students will explore the rulers of the Mesozoic, from their appearance in the Triassic to their near-extinction at the end of the Cretaceous. We will dive into the diet of these amazing creatures, examining their teeth and skulls for clues about what dinosaurs eat, and how we know. Come find out what prehistoric animals are often mistaken for dinosaurs, and which living animals are actually dinosaurs in disguise! (No really, we still have dinosaurs around today!) Along the way we’ll be doing arts and crafts, interactive activities, and exploring the Museum in our quest to learn more about these spectacular beasts. 13

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS June 22, 2017 From snakes to tortoises to poison arrow frogs, the Sternberg Museum has an incredible collection of live reptiles and amphibians. Come learn about the rattlesnakes of North America, see our poison arrow frogs eat tiny insects, and check out Darius and Pebbles, our giant tortoises! Students will have a chance to handle live snakes (non-venomous, of course) with the help of our education staff. We will also venture out into our nature trails to hunt for reptiles and amphibians, and learn all about their biology and ecology!

INSECTS AND SPIDERS June 23, 2017 Come out on our nature trails with us as we investigate the world of insects and spiders! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do insect catch-and-release to identify as many species as possible, and talk about just why insects are so darn diverse. Did you know there are more species of beetle than any other group of insect? Now you do! While we explore insects, we will also talk about pollinators, and why insects are so important for the fruits and vegetables we eat. Spiders, we will learn, are also our friends! They eat all kinds of insects that we sometimes find pesky. Students will also get to visit our giant collection of insects in the Sternberg Zoology Collections!

GONE FISHING June 26, 2017 From sharks to seahorses, fish are pretty amazing and diverse group of animals. Spend a day with us at the Museum learning about the evolution and adaptations of our fishy friends, who have been swimming around for over five hundred million years! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look at some prehistoric fish, and find out what made them so unique, and important to the evolution of other groups of animals. Students will also learn how to identify some of the common fish found here in Kansas, and different methods for catching fish. 14

SEA CREATURES OF KANSAS June 27, 2017

Join us on a journey into the past, and explore the fossils of the Cretaceous Interior Seaway! Students will see specimens from our world-class fossil collection, from sharks and swimming birds to giant mosasaurs. Our fossil galleries have amazing specimens around every turn, and we’ll dive right into the paleontology of Cretaceous Kansas! Before the end of the day, students will also get to make and paint their own shark tooth fossil casts. Students will also get to see and handle real fossil bones from our teaching collection! From Tylosaurus to Pteranodon, we’ll discover just how incredible the fossil creatures of Kansas are!

MARVELOUS MAMMALS June 29, 2017 We have all kinds of cool mammals living in Kansas today: cats, dogs, horses, cows, mice, raccoons, opossums, and people just to name a few. In this program, we’ll learn about what makes mammals the furry, warm-blooded animals we know and love today. Students will get to investigate mammal skeletons, and learn about how useful teeth are in distinguishing species of mammals, and telling what they eat! We will also talk about the evolution of mammals using our Museum fossil collection and our modern zoology collection. Finally, we’ll get outside and look for different mammals, and mammal tracks, around our nature trails and by our pond!

TREES, FLOWERS & GRASSES June 30, 2017 Head out to the Sternberg Museum’s Howard Reynolds Nature Trails to explore the incredible world of plants! We will spend time out on the trails finding and identifying trees and other wild plants before collecting some leaves and flowers for activities. Back in the classroom, we will go over how to tell apart different plant structures, from leaves and stems to flowers and roots. Students will also learn about fruits and seeds, why there plants parts come in so many shapes and sizes, and what they do. Did you know that a spicy pepper is painful for mammals to eat, but not for birds? Birds eat the peppers and spread the seeds, allowing new plants to grow in different places. Pretty cool!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year I attended Sternberg Biology Camp. It was the best week of my life. While at camp I had many firsts. I got to explore the White Sands National Monument. I learned how animals evolve to be more successful in their environment. I walked along ancient lava beds. I took part in a scientific study on bats. I learned how to make notes in the field for the study. I got to see many animals: rattle snakes, lizards, toads, scorpions, and many species of bats. Most importantly, I realized that someday I could have a job in the field of biology.â&#x20AC;?

JACKSON STANTON, KANSAS Field Naturalists Camp 2014, Southwest Biology Camp 2015-2016

FIELD NATURALIST CAMP June 11 – 16, 2017 This summer we will be driving from Hays, Kansas to Arches National Monument in Utah! On our way, we will explore wildlife and ecosystems from prairie to mountains to rocky deserts. We will camp at different locations along the way, and use tools such as GPS units, black lights, spotting scopes, and aspirators (tiny insect vacuums) to learn about how professional scientists investigate the natural world. Students will explore how plant and animal life interacts in remarkable, unique ways bursting with opportunities for discovery! We will also introduce essential concepts in ecology and evolution that are key to understanding how living systems and organisms work, change, and interact. Along the way, we will emphasize discussion of ideas and critical thinking skills, helping students build knowledge as well as mental tools to tackle complex subjects. This camp is perfect for any middle school students with a love for wildlife and the outdoors. We can’t wait for you to join us! Fees are $605 per member, and $665 per non-member.

PALEONTOLOGY EXPEDITION CAMP June 4 – 9, 2017 Come explore the fossils of Kansas! Sharks, ammonites, giant clams, ancient sea turtles, fossilized ferns, and giant mosasaurs are only the beginning of the incredible diversity of fossil organisms found here. In this camp, students will be introduced to paleontology field work done right. Using professional field equipment, we will prospect for surface fossils, document sites, and learn how to correctly and safely excavate fossil material. Along the way, students will learn how to identify fossil material, and be introduced to the basics of sedimentary geology. Discussion and building critical thinking skills are also emphasized as we learn about the geologic record, and explore the evidence for evolution we find preserved in the rocks! Fees are $600 per member, and $660 per non-member. 18

MIDDLE SCHOOL Drop off is 8 a.m. on the first day of the program. Pick up is 5 p.m. on the last day of the program. Maximum class size is 10 students per camp. ****The field camps will include moderate hiking during the day in mid summer. Students should plan on being outside in the heat for 4-5 days a week during the field camp programs. A list of required and suggested equipment will be sent out after your student has registered. Students must provide a detailed self-written letter of application (2-3 pages), and a letter of recommendation from a high school science teacher with the registration form. REGISTER ONLINE AT http://webapps.fhsu.edu/sternbergPrograms/

CHECKLIST 

REGISTRATION FORMS p. 26-27

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WAIVER AND RELEASE FORMS p. 28



STUDENT LETTER OF INTEREST

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LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FROM TEACHER

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STERNBERG MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (optional)

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FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION (optional) p. 30 19

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year I went with the staff of the Field Naturalist Camp to New Mexico. It was one of the most fun and exciting trips of my life! We all had a great time traveling around the state and learning about all of the different kinds of wildlife there. One of the main parts of the trip was catching bats, which meant we had to stay up after dark and wait for them. We set nets and then assisted in collecting and recording data. Among all of the things I noticed while we were there, I still am astonished at how bright and clear the stars were. Aside from all of the wildlife and nature, we also learned other skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and teamwork. I really enjoyed spending some time with other people who share my passion for animals.â&#x20AC;?

TRENTON HOWELL, KANSAS Field Naturalist Camp 2014-2016 20

HIGH SCHOOL Drop off is 8 a.m. on the first day of the program. Pick up is 5 p.m. on the last day of the program. Maximum class size is 10 students per camp. ****The field camps will include moderate hiking during the day in mid summer. Students should plan on being outside in the heat for 4-5 days a week during the field camp programs. A list of required and suggested equipment will be sent out after your student has registered. Students must provide a detailed self-written letter of application (2-3 pages), and a letter of recommendation from a high school science teacher with the registration form. REGISTER ONLINE AT http://webapps.fhsu.edu/sternbergPrograms/

CHECKLIST



REGISTRATION FORMS p. 26-27



WAIVER AND RELEASE FORMS p. 28



STUDENT LETTER OF INTEREST



LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FROM TEACHER



STERNBERG MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (optional)

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FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION (optional) p. 30

STERNBERG PALEONTOLOGY CAMP July 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 28, 2017 The Sternberg Paleontology Camp (SPC) is for students who seriously enjoy the great outdoors and paleontology! We will spend nine days exploring the paleontology and natural history of Kansas out in the field camping. Students will get to investigate the paleontology and ecology of ancient Kansas that once included forests of ferns, and a sea of sharks, flightless birds, and immense marine reptiles! Along the way, we will also visit a Miocene fossil site called Minium Quarry, famous for its prolific mammal and plant fossils. During fieldwork, students will learn how to find and collect fossil material as paleontologists do, using the same tools as professional researchers. Students will learn to take field notes, use GPS units, map and compass skills, and proper methods of fossil collection to preserve as much information as possible. The SPC students will also spend four days working at the Sternberg Museum and at Fort Hays State University, in a laboratory portion of the camp. During this labs portion, students will be staying at the FHSU dorms under the supervision of Museum education staff. At the Sternberg Museum, SPC students will learn about fossil preparation and museum fossil collections. Techniques and training in fossil prep will be hands on, working with collected fossils and professional tools. Students will also be introduced to critical concepts and techniques in modern paleontology through guided exercises and discussions. We will also visit the comparative anatomy lab at FHSU to explore the evolution of the vertebrate skeleton. Overarching themes of the SPC will include critical thinking skills, use of the scientific method, understanding the process of biological evolution through natural selection, applied geology, ecology, and generating an informed argument through the use of evidence. The SPC camp is designed to be an immersive learning experience for students interested in biology, geology, or paleontology. Our goal is to make sure any student planning to pursue a career in life or earth science will leave our camp with relevant, practical skills and knowledge in both scientific disciplines. Fees are $1240 per member, and $1380 per non-member.

SOUTHWEST BIOLOGY CAMP July 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14, 2017 Interested in modern organisms and ecosystems? The Southwest Biology Camp (SBC) students will take a trip to New Mexico to work with biologists from the Sternberg Museum and University Nebraska: Kearney on ongoing bat research! Using professional tools and techniques, we will investigate insect, fish, mammal, bird, reptile, and plant communities and populations. These investigations will include capturing and documenting a number of different species/organisms, and collecting GPS data on captures which will be incorporated into a Sternberg Museum biological specimen database. Students will have the opportunity to use Sherman traps to catch rodents, survey birds using a spotting scope, hunt for scorpions using UV lights, perform nocturnal animal surveys using spotlights, and net bats, among other unique field lessons and activities. In 2015, students documented ten different bat species during our netting surveys! In 2016 we spotted an elegant trogan, one of the rarest birds in North America. We are proud of this incredible collaborative program and the remarkable experiences it provides for our students. Overarching themes of the SBC will include critical thinking skills, use of the scientific method, understanding the process of biological evolution through natural selection, ecology, and generating an informed argument through the use of evidence. The SBC is designed to be an immersive learning experience for students interested in biology and ecology. Our goal is to make sure any student planning to pursue a career in life science will leave our camp with relevant, practical skills and knowledge they can apply in their future coursework. Fees are $600 per member, and $660 per non-member.

EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY CAMP June 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16, 2017 The Evolution and Ecology camp was created for students who want to challenge themselves with advanced biology content and exercises. This one week program, based out of the Fort Hays State University campus, takes students on a journey into the nuts and bolts of how living systems function, and change through time. We focus on the mechanisms of evolution, relating genetic code to the forms and functions of organisms we see today. Along the way, we will explore how the code in DNA can tell us about relationships of organisms, and how that understanding is improved using the fossil record. To provide context for genetic changes that define evolution, we will explore the ecology of populations of species, and how their interactions in communities drives evolutionary change. This is a fast-paced program that challenges students with advanced concepts while introducing them to computer tools used by professional scientists. Students can expect full days of lessons and activities, followed by evening discussion sessions where instructors answer student questions about topics in science and academics. The Evolution and Ecology program emphasizes critical thinking skills, use of the scientific method, generating an informed argument through the use of evidence, and the process of informed, concise inquiry. Fees are $600 per member, and $660 per non-member. During this camp, students will stay in the FHSU residence halls and have their meals in the residence hall cafeteria. Students will be split into boys and girls halls, with each overseen by one of the camp instructors.

EXPEDITION ECUADOR CAMP June 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30 Ready for an adventure? The Sternberg Museum is proud to offer Expedition: Ecuador (EEC), a two week program that will take students deep into the cloud forest of the Ecuadorian Andes on a hunt for wildlife of all shapes and sizes.Working with local guides, and Sternberg Museum educators and field scientists, students will participate in a sight-survey of plants and animals high in the mountains. This region is home to hundreds of species of birds, insects, amphibians and reptiles, mammals, and new plants around every turn. Students will learn how to take field notes, create field sketches, and use field equipment to document the amazing biodiversity of this incredible ecosystem. Along the way, students will learn about evolutionary process and mechanisms of natural selection through the unique wildlife we see and document. This camp is part of what will be a multi-year project to survey wildlife in the cloud forest at different elevations, providing valuable data in a time of shifting climates. Students will help enter sighting data onto online databases used by practicing scientists, including iNaturalist.org and eBird.org. Data collected by students, including notes, photos, and videos, will be used to create Next Generation Science Standard-aligned learning resources for K-12 educators, which will include credits for participating students. Our team will be based out of a lodge located in the cloud forest, which will serve as our base of operations while we are in Ecuador. All meals are provided during this program. Students who register and are accepted for the program will receive a comprehensive equipment list and additional logistical details. We pride ourselves on providing incredible educational experiences for our student participants in an environment where they are encouraged to learn, grow, and take on new challenges and responsibilities. 26

Due to the nature of this camp program, all students will need to arrange for an over the phone or virtual chat interview with the Education Director prior to their registration being fully approved. All students must also have an official United States passport that is current with at least eight months remaining at the time of the trip before it expires. This is in addition to the standard requirements for registration to our high school camps programs. *Pricing does not include cost of airfare to and from the group meeting point at Miami airport. We will have a group flight of instructional staff and students from Miami airport on June 18th to fly to Quito. We will fly back to Miami airport from Quito, arriving on June 30th. Parents/guardians are responsible for student travel to and from Miami airport. Participants will be provided specific flight logistics information to ensure students arrive at Miami airport well in advance of our international flight to Ecuador. Baggage charges, trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance, and personal expenses are also excluded from the program fee. Travel should be coordinated well in advance with the Museum Education Director David Levering (DALevering@fhsu.edu) once your student is fully registered. For additional information about this exciting new program, please visit the Sternberg Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at http://sternberg. fhsu.edu/active-learning/camps/high-school-science-camps/ expedition-ecuador/. Ensuring student safety and well being in the field is a primary concern for all program staff, all of whom have substantial field experience and first-aid training. In addition to maintaining a safe, secure environment, students are specifically trained and informed in how to properly conduct themselves and avoid unnecessary risk in the field. We will be at high altitude, away from areas where yellow fever and zika virus are known to occur. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ ecuador Fees are $3,000 per member, and $3,300 per non-member. 27

“I go to a small school in rural West Michigan and I never meet anyone with similar interests to mine, so it was nice for me to hang out with kids who do share the same interests. The biology camp was a valuable experience for me because I have been trying to decide whether to get a major in biology or geology in college, so the biology camp was important because I was able to see an actual biologist working in the field. I also attended the paleontology camp, which was my favorite of the two camps. I’ve wanted to be a paleontologist for as long as I can remember, so I was very excited. Even though I attended the paleontology camp last summer, I learned even more this year. I am so happy and lucky to have been able to attend Sternberg’s summer camps. It is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Because of Sternberg, I know that I can fulfill my dream of becoming a paleontologist.”

ARABELLE KONRAD, MICHIGAN Sternberg Paleontology Camp 2015-2016, Southwest Biology Camp 2016 29

TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS Over the past three years of Sternberg Science Camps, we’ve had many excellent middle and high school students join us from outside of Kansas. From California to Maine, Oklahoma to Michigan, we are proud to have become a destination for top science students from across the country. We’ve had a lot of questions from students and their parents about traveling to Hays for our camps programs. We’ve put together a list of common questions and answers here to help you plan your student’s travel. Of course, you are always welcome to directly contact our Education Director David Levering at DALevering@FHSU.edu, or 785-639-5249 with questions about the camp programs and travel for attendance. We have also added some information regarding travel for international programs. Additional information regarding students flying alone: http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/ mcgee/2016/02/03/unaccompanied-minors/79703136/ http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/kidsalone.pdf

Q: My student is interested in attending one of your residential camp programs. We would like to fly in the day before the camp starts. Which airport should we use? 30

A: The Sternberg Museum is in Hays, Kansas, which has a small airport with flights to and from Denver International Airport twice a day. This would be the easiest choice for getting yourself to Hays. Once here, there are cab services available to take you to a hotel. There are also two rental car agencies in Hays (Enterprise and Hertz), which are a good option if you are looking to do some additional exploring around Hays after you arrive. We have also had parents fly in with their student to the Wichita airport, and use a rental car to drive in from Hays. Depending on where you are coming from, this may be a less expensive option to consider.

Q: My student needs to arrive before the start of camp to make the flights work. Will someone be able to pick them up at the Hays airport? Are there accommodations they can stay at overnight? A: We are happy to arrange for pickup of students traveling solo to Hays for one of our camps programs. The student will be picked up by their camp instructor or TA, or another member of the Sternberg Museum full time staff. Students arriving early can use the Fort Hays State University dormitories prior to the start of their camp program. We do charge a $50 per-night fee for use of the dorms prior to the start of camp. They will be picked up early on

the morning their camp program begins, and transported with their gear to the Sternberg Museum to meet the rest of the students and instructional staff for departure. Any students under the age of 18 are required to fill out and return an unaccompanied minor form from the FHSU dormitories in advance of their arrival. If you make arrangements with the Education Director for your student to arrive early, they will provide a copy of this form to you.

Q: I am planning on having my student fly to Hays alone. Will this be a problem? A: It is absolutely not a problem for the Museum staff to have students fly in alone. Keep in mind that students under 18 flying without a parent may be subject to an unaccompanied minor fee by the airline. Be sure to check with the airline you are using prior to your studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s departure, and plan accordingly.

Q: Is it alright for me to drive down with my student, drop them off the morning camp starts, and then check out the Museum after the students and staff depart? A: Yes, absolutely. There are plenty of hotels here in Hays to choose from if you arrive the day before the camp program starts. You are also more than welcome to explore the Museum after dropping

your student off. The instructor or TA can get you cleared by the front desk staff.

Q: My student needs to depart the camp early to make a flight. Will this be a problem? A: No, this is not a problem. We can provide transport to the Hays airport for their flight, or make sure your student is at the Museum with their gear at the pre-arranged early pickup time. Early departures tend to be very case-by-case, depending on the travel requirements and the camp being participated in. Please communicate in advance with the Education Director regarding any early departure arrangements that need to be made.

Q: Whoa! You are doing international programs now? My student would love to attend, but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live in Kansas. Help! A: For travel logistics questions regarding our new international expedition programs for high school students, please directly contact our Education Director at DALevering@FHSU.edu. They will be able to make recommendations specific to your travel situation. We have also included some travel details on the program page, which you can explore here. 31

REGISTRATION INFO REGISTRATION

DEADLINES – INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

To register, complete the forms on pages 34, 35, 36 and 37. To sign up for a membership and receive a museum member discount, complete the form on page 18. Separate registrations must be submitted for each participant. Photocopied forms are acceptable. Registration cannot be completed by phone. You may submit the camp’s registration forms with full payment and optional membership form by:

For international programs, the Sternberg Museum requires registration and payment of the deposit to be complete by January 6th, 2017. If your application is accepted, the deposit becomes non-refundable. The deposit is used to hold the student’s place in the program, and cover a deposit fee with the guide service we are operating the trip through. For accepted applications, payment must be completed by March 3rd, 2017.

• Hand-delivering to the front desk at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Mailing to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History care • of the Education Department, 3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays, KS 67601 • Online at: http://webapps.fhsu.edu/sternbergPrograms/

REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL AID DEADLINES The Sternberg Museum Education Department must receive your completed registration forms and financial aid application with full payment at least 10 days before the start of the camp(s) for which you are registering. Register and apply for financial aid early. There is no guarantee that financial aid will be available.

CONFIRMATION All applicants will receive notification within two weeks of the Sternberg Museum receiving the completed registration and medical history forms. If no email address is provided, confirmation will be sent to the applicant’s home address. Your status will be listed as “enrolled” or “waiting” if the camp you have tried to register for is already full. You will then be placed on a waiting list or may select a different camp of the same cost to attend. If an opening occurs in a camp you are waitlisted for, you will receive an e-mail or phone call to verify your participation. Please do not consider your child as enrolled until you have received verification from the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

LOST AND FOUND

CONTACTING YOUR CHILD

See item 5 on the Parental Waiver and Release Form on page 15.

Out of concern for homesickness issues, we ask that you do not call, text or message your child or encourage them to call, text or message you during the camp program. We will be very busy with exciting activities and programs during the camps, and homesickness is usually alleviated. You are welcome to send mail. We ask you include a return address in case the student has departed by the time the mail arrives. Please do not mail money. Mail should be sent to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, addressed to the camper, care of the Education Department.

REFUND POLICY Cancellations must be submitted in writing, email or handwritten is acceptable. Each camp registration is held to a 20-percent cancellation fee. If you cancel 30 to 10 days prior to the start of a program, half of the total fee is refundable. If you cancel 9 or fewer days prior to the start of the program, no amount of the fee is refundable. Registration fees are non-transferable between applicants.

REFUND POLICY – INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Cancellations and withdrawals must be submitted in writing, via email or handwritten letter. Up to the registration deadline of January 6th, 2017, the deposit is fully refundable. After January 6th, 2017, the deposit becomes non-refundable. The remaining registration fee is due by March 3rd, 2017, 2017. The registration fee, excluding the deposit amount, is fully refundable until March 3rd, 2017. After March 3rd, the registration fee is only 50% refundable. After April 7th, the registration fee is nonrefundable.

CONTACTING YOUR CHILD – INTERNATIONAL CAMPS During international programs, education staff will do their best to provide status updates for the trip via Museum Twitter and Instagram (@SternbergMuseum) accounts. Access to wireless internet or cellular data will be unpredictable. Please assume no news is good news if there are gaps in our online updates. Along with this, please do not count on being able to reach your student by phone reliably. If you need to contact your child during the program, please email them or the Education Director (DALevering@FHSU.edu). If you email the Education Director, he will transmit your message to your student, and follow up however necessary.

FOOD Food is provided for students at all overnight camps. Food is prepared by camp education staff in the field; some programs will use the FHSU dorms dining hall as well. In each case, vegetarian options are available, as well as dining options for students with lactose intolerance or food allergies. Such accommodations will require advance notice. See the registration form on page 23. Food on international trips is prepared by guides, service staff, or Museum education staff. We will do our best during international trips to coordinate with our guides and lodges we are staying in to accommodate dietary restrictions.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation is provided from the Sternberg Museum to our program sites for all Middle School and High School camps. Camp start dates are listed in the catalog. Students should be dropped off at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History on the start date of their camp no later than 8:50 a.m. for elementary school camps, and 7:50 a.m. for middle school and high school camps. Pickup time on the last day of each program is 5 p.m.

TRANSPORTATION – INTERNATIONAL CAMPS Transportation for international programs is program-specific. Please see the individual program description, and contact the Education Director (DALevering@FHSU.edu). 33

Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Summer Science Camps Registration Form Name of Participant:

Age as of June 1, 2017:

Sex:  M

F

(Please print clearly.)

Primary Contact: Address: Secondary Contact: Emergency Contact: Parent/Guardian Email Address: Has your child attended a summer camp before?

Work Phone: State: Work Phone: Work Phone:

Home Phone: City: Home Phone: Home Phone:  Yes

Cell Phone: ZIP: Cell Phone: Cell Phone:

 No

T-Shirt Size:  Youth M  Youth L  Adult S  Adult M  Adult L  Adult XL Where did you hear about Sternberg Museum Science Camps? (Check one)

 Member Newsletter  Sternberg Website  Past Experience

 Facebook  Museum Staff  Newspaper

 Friend/Family  Teacher  Other

MANDATORY MEDICAL INFORMATION (attach additional sheets as needed) Please check if the participating student is subject to the following. Please attach an explanation to the registration forms.  ADD/ADHD  Bed Wetting  Depression  Seizures  Asthma  Blindness  Diabetes  Sleepwalking  Autism  Deafness  Heart Trouble  Other_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Is your child current on all school-required immunizations?  Yes Date of last tetanus inoculation: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 No

Please describe any medical or physical restrictions that could affect the participant’s involvement in camp activities: Please describe any special accomodations necessary to assist the student participate in camp activities and programs: List any/all medications, what time(s) they are taken and for what reason/condition: List any allergies the participant has (food, animals, plants, medications, etc): Describe any participant dietary restrictions or considerations (vegetarian, vegan, etc.): Describe any participant behaviors that may be disruptive to the camp group learning environment: 34

 Check the box if your child may NOT recieve an ageappropriate dose of over-the-counter pain medication for minor injuries and insect bites.

Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Summer Contract, Parent Waiver and Release Form As the parent/guardian(s) of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (insert child’s name), I consent to my child’s participation in the Sternberg Museum Science Camp_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (name of camp being registered for) for the dates of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (time period) conducted by the Sternberg Museum of Natural History of Fort Hays State University (FHSU). By signing below, I agree to the following: 1. I understand that FHSU has no obligation to provide health, accident, disability or hospitalization insurance for my child and that FHSU will not be responsible for the costs of any health care provided to my child during Sternberg Museum Science Camps. 2. I give permission for FHSU to discuss my child’s medical condition among staff members responsible for my child’s care. This information will be disclosed only when medically necessary. 3. I authorize any representative of FHSU to provide or secure emergency medical and/or dental treatment for my child if he/ she is injured or becomes ill while participating in the program. Any representative of FHSU may sign authorization forms necessary to obtain treatment. I understand that FHSU staff will make every effort to contact me should an emergency arise. 4. Unless I have provided FHSU and the Sternberg Museum Science Camps with information and instructions relating to required medications or other necessary care for my child during the camp on the form below, I represent that my child has no medical condition that either requires medication or care during the camp or that will interfere with or prohibit my child from fully and safely participating in the camp. By signing below, I represent that my child is capable of participating in the camp and all activities and requirements relating thereto. 5. I understand that FHSU does not insure and is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged (from any cause) personal property. The safekeeping of property during the camp is the responsibility of each individual student. It is the family’s responsibility to claim personal items upon the end of the Sternberg Museum Science Camps program; items left unclaimed after 4 months may be disposed of at 36

the discretion of FHSU. 6. By signing below, I hereby assume, on behalf of my child, any and all risks associated with my child’s participation in Sternberg Museum Science Camps, travel, hiking and camping over the time period of the camp. I also agree to release FHSU and all landowners cooperating with Sternberg Museum Science Camps, and any of their agents, employees, trustees, or representatives, and to hold the same harmless, from any and all claims, including claims for negligence, arising out of my child’s participation in Science Camp. 7. I understand that my student is expected to behave in a manner that is respectful and considerate to the other students, the staff, and any individuals or groups we are working with. Use of derogatory or abusive language, physical violence, and/or threatening another student, staff, or cooperating individual(s) is not tolerated within the Sternberg Science Camps. Use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco is not permitted during Sternberg Science Camps programs. Camps staff will provide a reasonable measure of leniency in addressing student behavior issues, as follows: • First offense: verbal warning. • Second offense, following verbal warning: Contacting parents. • Third offense: Student will be sent home at parent or guardian’s expense. In this circumstance, the parent(s) or guardian(s) are fully responsible for the supervision, transportation, and expense of the student’s immediate return home. This applies to both international and domestic camps programs. The camps staff reserve the right to apply other intervening steps within this general framework, or to skip steps depending on the severity of an infraction.  By checking this box, I indicate that I understand and accept these terms.

Refund policies Domestic Programs: For programs taking place within the United States, cancellations must be submitted in writing, email or be handwritten. Each camp registration is held to a 20-percent cancellation fee. If you cancel 30 to 10 days prior to the start of a program, half of the total fee

is refundable. If you cancel 9 or fewer days prior to the start of the program, no amount of the fee is refundable. Registration fees are non-transferable between applicants. International Programs: Cancellations and withdrawals must be submitted in writing, via email or handwritten letter. Up to the registration deadline of January 6th, 2017, the deposit is fully refundable. After January 6th, 2017, the deposit becomes non-refundable. The remaining registration fee is due by March 3rd, 2017. The remaining registration fee, which excludes the deposit amount, is fully refundable until March 3rd, 2017. After March 3rd, the registration fee is only 50% refundable. After April 7th, the registration fee is non-refundable.  By checking this box, I indicate that I understand and accept these terms.

Registration information required for international programs (all items required, leave blank if registering for a domestic program) 1) Student passport number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2) Passport expiration date: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3) Student is up to date on the following vaccines (all must be checked to proceed): •  Mumps-measeles-rubella (MMR) vaccine •  Diptheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine •  Polio vaccine •  Chicken pox vaccine (varicella) 4) Name and phone number of student’s primary care physician. __________________ 5)  I have read and am aware of the travel insurance requirement for my student’s attendance (can be found here). I understand the my student’s registration will not be finalized until I have provided proof of travel insurance to the trip leader (DALevering@fhsu.edu). 6)  I am aware that airfare to and from the group departure and arrival airport is not included in the program fee. I understand that I am responsible for purchasing airfare to get my student to and from this airport. (Specific travel arrangements should be discussed in advance, in detail, with the trip leader, prior to airfare purchase.) 7)  I am aware that I am responsible for getting my student to the group departure airport well in advance of the group international flight. 8)  I am aware that parents/guardians are responsible for all

additional costs and fees during the trip not included in the program outline. This includes any and all baggage fees, and souvenirs.

Media Release Throughout the Sternberg Museum Science Camps programs, we may interview, photograph or videotape your student for use in publications, television reports, newsletters, brochures, websites and public presentations. FHSU and the media may also wish to use your student’s work for educational or promotional reasons. Please provide your permission that your child’s photograph, work or voice may be used for promotional and educational purposes by checking the appropriate box and initialing by the statement:

I give permission for FHSU and the media to use film, videotape, digital audio and visual recordings, and photograph images of my student for educational or promotional purposes. I understand that my student’s voice and/or student work may also be used for educational or promotional purposes. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (initials)

I do not give permission for FHSU and the media to use film, videotape and photograph images of my student for educational or promotional purposes. I understand that my student’s voice and/ or student work will not be used for educational or promotional purposes. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (initials) We have carefully read this contract. We understand and voluntarily agree to be bound by the provisions of this contract and associated policies of FHSU, including but not limited to Sternberg Museum policies and procedures, Science Camp policies and procedures, and Emergency procedures:

Date:_ _____________________________________________ Student’s printed name:_______________________________ Student’s signature:__________________________________ Parent/Guardian printed name:_________________________ Parent/Guardian signature:____________________________ Parent/Guardian printed name:_________________________ Parent/Guardian signature:____________________________

Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Summer Science Camps Financial Aid Application Please complete a separate application for each participant. Name of Participant:

Thanks to generous donations from our community, The Sternberg Museum Science Camps are able to offer a small number of financial aid opportunities for the summer of 2017.

Birthdate:

(Please print clearly.)

Name of Parent/Guardian:

Address: City:

State:

We are still receiving donations through our ongoing fundraising campaign, which may increase the amount of financial aid available. All aid is awarded based on merit and economic need. To be eligible, applicants must turn in the completed camp registration forms, a signed copy of the waiver and release form, the completed financial aid application form and any special required documents listed in the scholarship description. Students who do not receive a scholarship may register for camps at the listed rates, provided there are slots remaining.

ZIP:

Parent/Guardian Signature: Age as of June 1, 2016:

Sex:  M

F

Email Home Phone: Work Phone: Date:

The Sternberg Museum of Natural History is committed to providing excellent science education opportunities through all of its programs, camps and community events, irrespective of race, gender, religion, disability or economic status. Financial aid awards are predominantly based on need and merit of the applying student.

Please fill out completely Based on your annual household income: Does your child qualify for reduced price lunches at school?

 Yes  No

Does your child qualify for free lunches at school?

 Yes  No

Camp/Program financial aid is to be applied to:

Your application for financial aid will not be considered without : 1.) Completed Financial Aid Application Form 2.) Completed Camp(s) Registration Forms 3.) Additional Aid-Specific Documents* 38

Applications are due by Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m. Please apply early, as funds are very limited.

If you need information or assistance with your financial aid application materials, please contact the Education Director at dalevering@fhsu.edu. *All financial aid applications require a letter of application from the student, which should outline why they wish to go to the camp(s) they are signing up for. Elementary school student letters of application should be 1-2 paragraphs.For the middle and high school students, this is the same letter required to register for the middle and high school camps.

BECOME A MEMBER! With a membership at the Sternberg Museum, you can stretch your family vacation dollars with FREE admission to museums and science centers worldwide, and enjoy the everchanging exhibitions at Sternberg Museum with FREE admission. Bring your kids or grandkids to venture through lost worlds or explore the Discovery Room, and support the important cultural, educational and research programs of a dynamic nonprofit institution. http://sternberg.fhsu.edu/get-involved/become-a-member/ http://webapps.fhsu.edu/sternbergMembership/

ALL LEVELS •

• • • • • • •

Free admission to Sternberg Museum and more than 250 museums and science centers worldwide 10% discount at Excavations Gift Shop The Pteranodon online newsletter Invitations to members-only events Personalized membership card List of ASTC reciprocating museums Priority reservations for events and programs Member benefits for twelve months

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

SPONSOR’S CLUB

$35 • Regular benefits

$125 • Family level benefits • Free admission for two guests each visit • Name listed on plaque near the museum entrance • Free admission to behind-the-scenes tours of museum collections

*SENIOR/STUDENT MEMBERSHIP $25 • Regular benefits

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP

CURATOR’S CLUB

$65 • Regular benefits • Free admission to the museum for 2 adults and all children age 17 and younger living in the same household

$275 • Family level benefits • Free admission for four guests each visit • Name listed on plaque near the museum entrance • Free admission to behind-the-scenes tours of museum collections

SENIOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP $55 • Regular benefits • Free admission to the museum for 2 grandparents and their grandchildren 17 and younger

LIFETIME FAMILY MEMBERSHIP $1000 • Family level benefits • No need to renew for life!

DIRECTOR’S CLUB $550 • Family level benefits • Free admission for eight guests each visit • Name listed on plaque near the museum entrance • Free admission to behind-the-scenes tours of museum collections 39

Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Open Mondays from April through September For questions about the Sternberg Science Camps, contact the education director at dalevering@fhsu.edu, or by phone at 785-639-5249. REGISTER ONLINE AT http://webapps.fhsu.edu/sternbergPrograms/ http://sternberg.fhsu.edu/active-learning/camps f https://www.facebook.com/sternberg.museum L @SternbergMuseum Sternberg Museum of Natural History 3000 Sternberg Drive Hays, KS 67601