We have seven weeks of Cool School this year: two sections every week of Camps on Campus, one for rising grades 1 & 2, and one for grades 2 & 3. 

As usual, we have a different theme each week, but instead of a “Regular” and a “Young Writers” class, this time both sections will be “Regular”.  That means each day has a reading and writing component focused on that week’s special topic, a math component with problem-solving again inspired by the different themes, as well as science and social studies.  Some weeks we will have visiting teachers in Art, Drama or Chess; and library visits, computer lab time, and experts in relevant academic areas will also be scheduled. 

Finally, we can’t omit Dr. Jeff Barto’s ever-popular Kidnetics sessions in the Belk Gym.  Although Cool School headquarters will be in Denny, our youngest college students will be found all over campus this summer!

Candy Land - June 15 - 19

Sugar and spice and everything nice ... you'll find all that and more at Candy Land Camp!  Campers will study the history of candy; how different kinds of candy are made; and what sorts are favorites with children all over the world.   In this yummy camp, children will research candy from every educational angle, including language arts, math, science, health, geography and computers - but don't tell them that!  What a sweet way to start the summer!

Time Travelers - June 22 - 26

Calling all would-be time travelers!  Step into the Cool School Time Machine, and join us as we learn about several exciting periods in US history.  Each day, we'll land in a different decade to discover what it was like to live WAY back then.  What did people wear?  How much was a gallon of milk?  What kind of music did kids listen to?  What new discoveries were made?  What did people do before cell phones, video games, and even computers?  We'll research all these questions and more - it really will be a blast!

Fun Wits, rising grades 2 & 3 - June 22 - 26

This isn't part of COOL SCOOL, but we have put it here as it is also for some of our youngest campers, especially the sporty ones!  In this exciting new camp, a partnership with Matt Belles from the Department of Kinesiology, get a great workout for your brains as well as your muscles!  In the final week of the teacher training course EXER3229, Matt’s 30 college seniors will help him show you how to integrate health content and physical activity with math, science, language arts and social studies. Learn how your muscles and cells work, and what you should eat LESS or MORE of – whether you realize it or not, you’re studying Mathematical Operators here too.  And if you like either math or playing games, you’ll love Nutrition Tag!

All About North Carolina - July 6 - 10

Take a trip through our state to learn its history, geography, cultures, and other important features.  Create kid-friendly maps, and make time-lines showing the most exciting events.  From the coast to the mountains, learn all that North Carolina offers all year round.  Read about famous people from N.C., past and present.  You will even flex your math muscles, as we solve problems about N.C. features. Your final task will be creating a brochure showing off all the great details of our state.

Kids' Community - July 13 - 17

How does a community grow?  Who make the decisions?  What businesses does it need?  Answer these questions as you build your own "kids’ town".  Elect leaders, agree on a budget, create businesses, pass laws - all to make your community the best possible.  Use math to make decisions - should we spend money on better streets, a hospital, a playground or a shopping mall?  Write letters to community leaders here in Charlotte to get good ideas from the experts.  Create a map and write a brochure about your community, and help it grow and prosper!

Sports Study - July 20 - 24

Put on your running shoes and join in the most popular sports and games around the world - and some not so well known!  Meet local Charlotte athletes and learn their keys to success.  Research the science of sports. (Do you know how a pitcher throws a curve ball? We'll experiment – but not with real baseballs!)  Learn about sports math; why are numbers so important?  We’ll even read classic sports literature like Jackie Robinson and "Casey at the Bat".  Finally, we’ll write about our sports experiences in Charlotte, from T-Ball to the motorsports and the NFL.

Problem Solvers - July 27 - 31

This week, give your brain a workout as we learn and play games of strategy.  Use tangrams to create geometric designs and solve spatial problems; play kids' Sudoku and learn the tricks to solving it; create riddles, mysteries, mazes, and puzzles.  Work with manipulative objects that aid in problem-solving.  Learn strategies to make those tricky math problems in school as easy as pie.  Explore games like dominoes, chess, mancala, etc.  Read and write about the history of popular games, and perhaps invent your own game to be played by many for years to come!

Junior Nature Detective - August 3 - 7

Become a CSI (Critter Scene Investigator) as you uncover the fascinating scientific world of Piedmont plants and animals.  Through hands-on activities, computer research, library tours, science games, expert visitors and campus expeditions, your child will explore the 1,000-acre UNC Charlotte environment and the many plants and animals thriving there.  We'll go on a scavenger hunt around the campus and follow the clues in nature to a great week of learning and fun.

COOL SCHOOL SCHEDULES We will repeat the very successful weekly Kidnetics program in the Belk Gym with Dr. Jeff Barto from the UNC Charlotte Department of Kinesiology.  Dr. Barto developed the Kidnetics program to improve children's' athletic ability without the stress of competition.  They play games and sports, and work on motor abilities through balancing, manipulation and locomotion.  This program builds confidence, and replaces competition, pressure and losing with co-operation and self-improvement.  These fine motor skills are even shown to improve writing ability!    Children will also have time scheduled in the College of Education Computer Lab, visits from guest instructors, and trips to various campus facilities.  Please make sure children wear comfortable clothing and shoes that they can move easily in.