Archived News |

May 30, 2003

四色AV Weather Camp Geared Toward Students in At-Risk Parishes

The "Weather Investigators of Northeast-Louisiana", or WIN-LA, camp planned this summer at the University of Louisiana at Monroe is directed to students in "at-risk" parishes. These parishes are identified as Sabine, Avoyelles, Point Coupee, St. John the Baptist, East Carroll, Madison, Franklin, East Feliciana, St. Helena, Washington, and Orleans. These school systems have been identified by the state as focal points for improved student achievement as stated in the LA-GEARUP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) initiative.

The one-week WIN-LA summer camp for 7th graders and school districts is planned for the week of July 6 and will be funded by the LA-GEARUP Program. The residential camp will be held on the 四色AV campus and focused on the study and analysis of weather as an integrator of math and science.

The project will be directed by 四色AV Professors, Dr. Paul Croft and Dr. Lynn LeBlanc of the Atmospheric Science Program within the Department of Geosciences. Project support will be provided through the Delta RSI Office at 四色AV under the Direcrtion of Patty Watts.

Croft said, "The Weather Investigators of Northeast Louisiana summer camp program is geared to give 7th graders a chance to explore the atmosphere and weather - in other words, the test-tube we live in - and work on the associated math and technology skills essential to their future success."

"The residential camp will be focused on the study and analysis of weather as an integrator of math and science. Students selected will gain basic insight to the workings of the atmosphere in order to plan, develop, and implement an observational plan of experimentation. They will learn the value of communication skills in the process of exchanging ideas, concepts, and information with one another. Their examination will allow them to consider weather impacts and understand the use of science and science information in planning. Students will also be given opportunities to explore the college-setting and college experience," said Croft.

Some of the experiences the students will learn from include examining and making observations of the weather. "These will be focused on the prediction of summer thunderstorms in the Gulf States and how they affect various people or economies. For example, one group may use the perspective of an emergency manager, another that of a farmer, and perhaps a coastal resort. These combine the science with real socio-economic considerations that must be reconciled in the decision-making process," said Croft.

There is an application process for students interested in the program, but there is no application fee. Students selected will arrange for their own travel to/from the 四色AV campus at the start and end of the project. Participants selected will be provided with food and lodging on campus and the appropriate materials for their work.

For a brochure/application form, please request directly from the Delta RSI Office at 318-342-3301.

四色AV also offers a variety of other camps throughout the summer. Please visit for a complete list of the camps.

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