What is our logo?
Our MRSEC logo shows the arrangement of atoms at the surface of a crystal. Crystals are made up of layers, or "planes" of atoms, perfectly stacked in an ordered pattern. Because this surface has been cut at a slight angle to the crystal planes, it appears "stepped" (we call this type of surface a vicinal surface). Modern scanned-probe microscopes, such as the STM, allow us to see the atoms at the surface of a crystal, producing images very similar to this one.

University of Maryland

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center

Pre-College Summer Camp Programs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page contains answers to the following questions:

• Who is eligible?
• How many students will be admitted?
• How much does camp cost?
• How do I apply?
• How will I know if a camp is still open for registration?
• What time is the camp and how long does it run?
• Can I drop my child off early or pick up late? Is there before or after care?
• Should students bring lunch/snacks?
• When will I be notified of acceptance?
• Who teaches the camps?
• Is the camp fun?
• What should students bring or NOT bring?
• Can you arrange transportation/carpooling?
• What other camps are available at the University of Maryland?
• Is there anything else I need to know?

• Who is eligible?
• Eligibility for each came is listed under the name of the camp in the camp list. Open Pre-College Camps are available to all students in the grades listed. Partner Camps are available for only the students in the schools/programs listed, as they are extensions of academic year curriculum activities.
• How many students will be admitted?
• Camp classes do not exceed 14 children.
• How much does camp cost?
• The National Science Foundation sponsors our MRSEC camps and, therefore, no fee is required.
• How do I apply?
• To apply, an application form must be completed and sent (by fax or mail) to the MRSEC office. You will find the application link on the bottom of each camp description page. Students must write a paragraph explaining why they want to attend the camp.
• How will I know if a camp is still open for registration?
• When registration closes for a camp, it will be marked on the list of camps with "Registration Closed." The website always has the most up-to-date information available.
• What time is the camp and how long does it run?
• The camp will run Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. See individual camps for dates. We ask parents to be prompt in dropping off and picking up campers. We have a full day of activities planned and would not want any child to miss out. As mentioned below, there are no accommodations for after care. Please do not leave your child at the University of Maryland unsupervised.
• Can I drop my child off early or pick up late? Is there before or after care?
• There are no accommodations for before or after care. We ask parents be prompt in dropping off and picking up campers. Please do not leave your child at the University of Maryland unsupervised.
• Should students bring lunch/snacks?
• Students should come to camp prepared with a snack and a bagged lunch including a drink each day. Please note that refrigeration will not be available.
• When will I be notified of acceptance?
• Acceptance and rejection letters go the week of May 2, 2011. In addition to your physical address, please make certain that the email address you provide on your application is correct and legible, and is one you check regularly. You may receive communication from us prior to May 2.
• Is the camp fun?
• Although the primary focus of the camps is science and engineering, fun activities are scheduled.
• What should students bring or NOT bring?
• As mentioned above, students are responsible for bringing a non-refrigerated lunch, snack, and drink each day.
  Other than that, students should not bring anything extra with them unless expressly asked by the instructor. Materials necessary for the camp will be provided.
  Specific items that students should not bring to camp include glass bottles, toys, or electronic games.
• Can you arrange transportation/carpooling?
• MRSEC cannot arrange transportation for students. If you would like to carpool, you must make the arrangements yourself. We cannot give out other participants' information or addresses.
• What other camps are available at the University of Maryland?
• Although we do not have a list of all the camps available on campus, we have compiled the following links for you to try. Please note that these programs are not ours, and we do not have any additional information about them.
  • College Preparation Workshop Series
  • Physics Summer Girls Program
  • Engineering Summer Programs for K-12
  • Entomology Department's Insect Summer Camp
• Is there anything else I need to know?
• Further information on camps including permission slips, dates, location, instructors, and more will be sent out with acceptance letters. Acceptance and rejection letters go out the week of May 2, 2011.