STEM Exploration
STEM Exploration
Discover, challenge and learn. A week of hands-on activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Prepare to experience a week of hands-on activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Explorers will expand their knowledge and understanding of various STEM topics while enhancing their critical thinking skills. Expect to sharpen your math skills, dive into the world of DNA, get your hands dirty playing with technology, and discover how to become active participants in the fight against global climate change. Each day of the STEM Exploration Adventure will include instruction on a specialized STEM topic led by expert Wake Forest staff.
At a Glance
*The Summer Exploration Program will not operate for Summer 2023. Students are encouraged to join us for our Summer Immersion Program or Online Immersion Program.
Day Camp Option
Dates: TBD
Who Can Apply?: 6th – 8th grade students
Program Length: Monday – Friday
Program Tuition: TBD
Day or Overnight Program: Day Program
Overnight Option
Dates: TBD
Who Can Apply?: 6th – 8th grade students
Program Length: Sunday – Friday
Program Tuition: TBD
Day or Overnight Program: Overnight Program
*Courses carry no secondary school or college credit. Upon completion of the program, an official Wake Forest University certificate of achievement will be awarded to all STEM Exploration participants.
What You’ll Explore
Topics Covered:
- Statistics
- Chemistry
- Sustainability
- Technology
Hands-On Experiences:
- Makey Makey Lab
- DNA Extraction
- Math Murder Mystery
- Plug Bug Lab
*Hands-on experiences are subject to change.
STEM Exploration Cost
Day Camp | TBD Overnight | TBD
A Day in the Life
Overnight Program
- 8:00 am – Morning Meeting and Breakfast
- 9:00 am – Welcome and Program Introduction
- 9:30 am – Morning Session: Linear Regression Boot Camp
- 11:00 am – Activity: Math Taboo
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 1:00 pm – Outdoor Time: Sand Volleyball
- 2:00 pm – Afternoon Session: WFU Math Department
- 3:00 pm – Team Challenge: Math Murder Mystery
- 3:45 pm – Debrief for Next Day
- 4:00 pm – Return to dorm rooms
- 5:30 pm – Dinner
- 6:30 pm – Evening Activities (Movie Night, Trivia, Karaoke)
- 9:00 pm – Prepare for Bed
- 10:00 pm – Lights Out
*The “A Day in the Life” sample schedule is subject to change.
Day Program
- 8:30 – 8:45 am – Drop Off
- 9:00 am – Welcome and Program Introduction
- 9:30 am – Morning Session: Linear Regression Boot Camp
- 11:00 am – Activity: Math Taboo
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 1:00 pm – Outdoor Time: Sand Volleyball
- 2:00 pm – Afternoon Session: WFU Math Department
- 3:00 pm – Team Challenge: Math Murder Mystery
- 3:45 pm – Debrief for Next Day
- 4:00 pm – Pick Up
*The “A Day in the Life” sample schedule is subject to change.
Meet Your Guides
Paul Whitener
Academic Guide
Paul Whitener is the Assistant Director of Digital Fabrication and Maker Education at Wake Forest University. As an Information Systems staff member assigned to the Wake Forest Wakerspace, the WakerSpace, Paul is involved in technology and making, which is used to teach students in and out of the classroom. With a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a Television Production Concentration and an Associate’s Degree in Electronic Engineering, Paul brings over 30 years of experience, all based on technology, to the program. In his current role, Paul works with students on a daily basis helping them to utilize various technologies in their classwork. He also co-teaches the Computer Science STEM Robotics course as well as leads many “pop-up” labs geared toward extracurricular learning for the WFU community. These labs include Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Makey Makey, laser cutting, and 3D printing technologies. In the spirit of Pro Humanitate, Paul is also involved in many technology outreaches to middle and high school students.
Brian Cohen
Academic Guide
Brian Cohen is the Program Coordinator for the Office of Sustainability. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Bucknell University and a Master of Environmental Management degree from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. Cohen has worked in higher education for the past five years, serving as an assistant tennis coach at both Old Dominion University and Washington & Lee University, while also becoming involved in campus sustainability. He helped introduce a number of environmental initiatives to the athletic departments at both schools and served as the Athletic Department Liaison for Environmental Initiatives at W&L. In addition, Cohen has multiple years of environmental conservation experience with two nonprofits: SeaWeb and the Ocean Conservancy. He enjoys working with students, faculty, and staff who share a passion for sustainability, even if they have yet to discover it.