The ever-popular Summer of Science series is back, offering kids a chance to delve into a number of scientific fields from herpetology to microbiology with the help of experts in their fields.

University of Vermont Extension 4-H is sponsoring this free learning opportunity for students entering Grades 7-12 in the fall. The series also includes one workshop for Grade 9-12 students on rocketry and another for Grades 2-5 on bees.

Space is limited for these hands-on, in-person sessions, so early registration is advised. Registration for each workshop closes one week in advance to allow organizers time to send required paperwork, directions and additional information. 

For full workshop descriptions or to sign up, go to https://go.uvm.edu/4h-sos. If a program is full, contact us to be placed on a waiting list. If requiring a disability-related accommodation to participate, please contact her three weeks prior to the workshop date.

Dates, topics and locations for workshops are as follows:

  • June 22: Rockin' around Champlain (geology of lakeshore), 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., North Beach Shelter, Burlington. In the event of severe weather, this program will take place on June 28.
  • June 24 and 25: Snakes! Lizards! Amphibians! Oh My! (herpetology focusing on Vermont reptiles and amphibians), noon-4 p.m., Ethan Allen Homestead Pavilion, Burlington. Severe weather date: July 14 or 15.
  • June 29, July 6 and 13: Plant Biology Series, 9-11 a.m., Ethan Allen Homestead Pavilion, Burlington. Students may sign up for one or more sessions in this series. Collect, Dissect and Discover: Plants! (June 29); the Power of Pollinators (July 6); Ecology and Engineering (July 13). Severe weather date: July 14 or 15.
  • June 30 (remote, 1-4 p.m.) and July 21 (in-person, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.): Build-A-Rocket! Open to youths entering Grades 9-12 only. Participants will design, build and test a small hybrid rocket engine. Benchmark Space Systems, South Burlington. Launch rain date: July 22.
  • July 17: Natural Resources Management Academy, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Green Mountain Conservation Camp, Woodbury. The academy will provide an opportunity for extensive in-the-field exploration of aquatic ecology, forestry, watershed science and plants in a changing climate, among other topics. Severe weather date: July 24.
  • July 19 and 20: Biology Series, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Rotary Park Pavilion, Barre. Students may register for one or both sessions. Intro to Biology and Science Career Pathways (July 19), Intro to Virology, Microbiology and Bugs (July 20).
  • July 28 and 29: Microbes in the World Around You (exploration and experiments with microbes), noon-4 p.m., Ethan Allen Homestead Pavilion, Burlington.
  • August 7: Busy Bees! (close-up look at bees), 9-11 a.m., Ethan Allen Homestead Pavilion, Burlington. For students entering Grades 2-5 in the fall.