BIOC 592: Innovative Summer Program Design
| Dates: | June 23-30, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Cost: | $40.00 |
There are still openings remaining at this time.
Instructor: Benjamin Benson
Dates: June 23, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Location: Sisseton Wahpeton College, 12572 BIA HWY 700, Agency Village, SD 57262
Credits: 1
Fee: $40
Course Description: This three-day professional development course introduces secondary educators to the power and potential of Informal Science Education (ISE). While many students thrive in traditional classroom settings, research and experience show that others are most engaged when learning is experiential, immersive, and hands-on. Informal science experiences—whether a one-hour activity or a week-long camp—can spark curiosity, inspire career exploration, and build lasting connections to STEM fields.
Over 15 hours, participants will explore the methods and strategies that Ben Benson and Louisa Otto have used to design and refine successful summer science camps over the past seven years. These programs continue to grow and evolve, inspiring cohorts of students to pursue science beyond high school. As a result, participants in these camps have earned scholarships to major universities and entered high-demand career pathways, including healthcare—one of South Dakota’s largest employment sectors.
Attendees will gather at Sisseton Wahpeton College from June 23–25 to explore regional resources, connect with STEM professionals, and observe how the PROMISE Team from Sanford Research designs and facilitates a summer camp for middle school students.
On June 23, participants will be introduced to the foundations of Informal Science Education and its role in increasing student engagement. On June 24, they will observe informal science education in action by networking with partners and engaging with a live, student-facing summer camp hosted at the same location. On June 25, participants will apply what they have learned by designing a STEM event tailored to their own school or community.
Dates: June 23, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Location: Sisseton Wahpeton College, 12572 BIA HWY 700, Agency Village, SD 57262
Credits: 1
Fee: $40
Course Description: This three-day professional development course introduces secondary educators to the power and potential of Informal Science Education (ISE). While many students thrive in traditional classroom settings, research and experience show that others are most engaged when learning is experiential, immersive, and hands-on. Informal science experiences—whether a one-hour activity or a week-long camp—can spark curiosity, inspire career exploration, and build lasting connections to STEM fields.
Over 15 hours, participants will explore the methods and strategies that Ben Benson and Louisa Otto have used to design and refine successful summer science camps over the past seven years. These programs continue to grow and evolve, inspiring cohorts of students to pursue science beyond high school. As a result, participants in these camps have earned scholarships to major universities and entered high-demand career pathways, including healthcare—one of South Dakota’s largest employment sectors.
Attendees will gather at Sisseton Wahpeton College from June 23–25 to explore regional resources, connect with STEM professionals, and observe how the PROMISE Team from Sanford Research designs and facilitates a summer camp for middle school students.
On June 23, participants will be introduced to the foundations of Informal Science Education and its role in increasing student engagement. On June 24, they will observe informal science education in action by networking with partners and engaging with a live, student-facing summer camp hosted at the same location. On June 25, participants will apply what they have learned by designing a STEM event tailored to their own school or community.
| Fee: | $40.00 |
|---|
Ben Benson