Summer biology camp reaches out to eastern NC

East Carolina University’s PIRATES Summer Science Camp offered 36 students from rural eastern North Carolina a chance to learn about science. PIRATES, an acronym for Partnering with Industrial and Regional Assets for Teaching and Enrichment in Science, aimed to expose students to new scientific experiences in both the laboratory and the field.

Enderle, the director of the program, and Mary Farwell, ECU biology instructor, worked with students to teach them scientific methods not typically offered in the high school classroom. On ECU’s campus, students performed investigations into concepts from varied scientific disciplines. Field trips, such as a trip to Lake Matamuskeet, allowed students to observe science in a natural environment.

The camp encouraged students to pursue scientific study and career paths available in the region. Students shared knowledge with parents and school officials through poster presentations at the end of the camp.