Chemistry & Forensics

Our chemistry programs are positively exploding with fun educational activities for young scientists. Where else are goggles and a labcoat the fashion of the day? Whether your child wants to create a little molecular mayhem or smash some atoms, we have a program that is sure to help them discover the magic of chemistry. We even offer a few single gender opportunities. As with all of our programs, safety is a top priority. With the privilege of working in a university level laboratory comes the responsibility of following all of our rules and instructions. And if you don’t, our top notch forensics folks will find out who dunnit?

Summer registration is now open!

The following information applies to all of our chemistry and forensics camps Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $215 before June 1st; $235 after June 1st
Location: UNCW Dobo Hall, Laboratory 126

To register, call 910.962.3195 or click on the individual camp names below

Positively Reactive! (Coed, ages 7-9) June 17-21

Curious about the chemistry behind magic? Want to discover what's in your favorite fictional wizard's potions? Learn the magic of chemistry during a week of pure science fun in a real college laboratory! Investigate the magic of chemical reactions as substances change color, turn into slime, and your concoctions go boom! You will be involved with safe, hands-on experiments learning the fundamentals of elements, compounds and reaction mixtures.

The Big Bang (Coed, ages 10-14) June 24-28

Join us as we investigate the chemistry and physics popularized by those crazy scientists on the Big Bang Theory TV comedy. Explore the amazing chemical reactions of earth and space. Discover how scientists determine the chemical composition of stars and planets. Get involved in learning about the latest chemistry research into everyday consumer products, environmental problems of our oceans and rivers, and medicines. Use advanced college-level instruments and learn basic concepts to give you an edge in high school chemistry classes and beyond.

Forensics: Port City CSI (Coed, ages 10-14)July 8-12

Get involved in an exciting week learning advanced methods and techniques used by real crime scene investigators in solving a crime.  This camp will teach you the behind-the-scenes chemistry of forensics and you will have the opportunity to use current forensic techniques, including DNA analysis.  Learn how to make predictions, use advanced college-level instruments to analyze data, and draw conclusions to provide you with the essentials for becoming a forensic scientist!

Girls in Charge! (Girls, ages 7-9) July 15-19

Hey girls, get charged up about chemistry and experience the exciting facets of the chemistry of a girl’s world! Discover the chemistry behind girls’ cosmetics, perfume, flavors, paints and dyes. Create your own jewelry, crystals, and lots of arts and crafts! Women instructors will guide you in the essentials for becoming a young scientist!

Bond Girls (Girls, ages 10-14) July 22-29

Spend a week doing a little undercover investigating of women in chemistry. Learn about some famous female pioneers and study along side of some present day women scientists who are conducting research in environmental, medicinal, cosmetic and textile chemistry. Discover how they serve as agents for change in a world facing such issues as global warming, pollution, and developing medicines. Explore some of the analytical equipment that helps them conduct their research. Take a leadership role in learning about chemistry problems and solutions for our world. Women mentors will help guide you towards your future science career aspirations.

Criminal Solutions (Coed, ages 7-9) July 29-August 2

Calling all crime scene investigators! Grab your gloves and evidence bags as we go sleuthing for criminal solutions. Join us for an exciting week of gathering clues, chemically analyzing and testing data, and using deductive reasoning to solve a crime – just like a real forensic scientist. In this camp you will get the opportunity to learn all the skills necessary to detect "who dunnit" using the science of chemistry!