The Great Lakes Aerospace Science and Education Center (GLASEC) at Spaceport Sheboygan will host six space–themed educational "camps" throughout July and early–August. They will be two and three–day classes running from 9 AM to 4 PM.

The two and three–day classes will use hands–on, interactive programs to teach about the solar system, eating in space, the effects of microgravity on the human body, astronomy and the constellations, and one focusing on the planet Mars.

Fewer than 33% of U.S. 4th and 8th graders now perform "proficiently" in mathematics on international standardized tests. U.S. 12th graders performed "below average" among a 21–nation test of general knowledge of math and science. In 2004, China graduated over 600,000 engineers, India 350,000, and America, just 70,000. "The future of American economic growth and national security lies in our ability to create high-paying technology jobs and to protect ourselves with science. These statistics are also relevant to the kinds of companies and jobs that will be available in Sheboygan County for our children and grandchildren," said Demetree Gaines, the new Director of Space Science Education at Spaceport Sheboygan.

Director Gaines has created six camp programs: The Solar System is a program about our Earth and the other planets in our solar system. Space Food is about growing and preparing food in outer space during long journeys to Mars and back. Living in Space explores daily life as an astronaut and answers the important question "How DO they go to the bathroom?" Countdown to Mars will study everything about the Red Planet except the little green men. Constellation explores each stage of space travel from low Earth orbit to journeying between planets. And Space Science Art is for students who want to create works of art in various media that are space–themed.

Classes range between $60 and $85 and are grade–group specific. For registration and information please contact Demetree Gaines, Director of Space Science Education at (620) 200–8379. You can also register at the Spaceport's website: www.spaceportsheboygan.org

"We are going to have a great inaugural summer of space-camps," says GLASEC board member Gary Dulmes."We believe that the future of America's and Sheboygan County's technical education depends on sparking a dream in children when they are young. The dream will begin for many of them at a Spaceport Sheboygan summer camp."