Ride's annual science camp ready to blast off

"Astronaut Sally Ride will launch another mission this summer: the Sally Ride Science Camp for girls in grades sixth through nine, to be held at the University of San Diego (USD).

Young scientists at the camp will delve into the worlds of astronomy, marine science or robotics through hands-on experiments, labs, workshops, guest lectures and field trips.

Young astronomers will learn how to safely launch and retrieve eggstronauts.

Marine biologists will dissect a fish or mollusk.

Budding robotic technicians will build a robot.

The overnight camp aims to inspire middle-school girls through the community of peer scientists and by interaction with female role models in science and engineering fields.

Stereotypes often paint science as a male-orientated dominion, according to spokeswoman Francis French.

"[Stereotypes say] it doesn’t look fun; it doesn’t look female-orientated; it doesn’t look hands-on,” French said. “We try to show that it's really fun; it's really relevant and it's something they can do in the future."

Camp founder Ride, the first American woman in space, teaches physics at the University of California, San Diego. She also directs the California Space Institute, a research institute at the University of California.

The camp is open to sixth- and seventh-graders from July 16 to 22 (cost $1,375) and for eighth- and ninth-graders from July 16 to 25 ($1,790). Need-based aid is available and all students are encouraged to apply.

For more information call (800) 548-6612 or visit www.sallyridecamps.com