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From STEM to STEAM, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Odyssey Science Camps will offer an optional art lab during the summer sessions being held July 20-July 31.

In addition to the camp’s exciting science programming made possible by the SIUE Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Education and Outreach, participants can register for an after-camp art experience hosted by the SIUE Department of Art & Design. They can also exchange a camp recreational period for an art lab.

“The trend across the country is the re-engagement in the value of art,” said Barbara Nwacha, associate professor and chair of the Department of Art & Design at SIUE. “Many institutions are working with STEAM components which use art as a visualization tool in conjunction with science, technology, engineering and math.

“In art classes we do not just draw something or play with clay,” Nwacha continued. “Students are engaged in deep looking and a different method of problem solving. As artists, much like scientists, we are designing a response to a set of parameters and hope to engage the audience through the display of our work.”

Camp organizers emphasize the merging of Art with STEM is a natural fit.

“We are excited about the STEAM sessions,” said Dawn Olive, SIUE Center for STEM. “This is a wonderful opportunity to reach a larger audience and let participants experience both science and art in a new way.”

The art lab will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. daily. STEAM includes a Primary Art Lab for grades 1-2, an Intermediate Art Lab for grades 3-5 and an Advanced Art Lab for grades 6-8.

Odyssey Science Camp costs $225, plus a $25 application fee. The fee for camp-goers to participate in the additional art programming is $75. When taken as a stand-alone course, the lab fee is $115.

Art & Design is also offering a $195 high school session 9 a.m.-noon July 20-31.

For more information or to register for STEAM, click here. Register for Odyssey Science Camp here.