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“We really tried to make learning fun with a lot of games,” says Socorro teacher Elizabeth Crosse, who along with teacher Raymond Bonilla coordinated the camp. “On Wednesday, for example, we celebrated p day since it was 3-14. We did activities in the classes that involved p and during lunch we gave them apple and lemon pies.” For four days March 13-16, third, fourth and fifth graders engaged in educational activities and hands-on projects that provided enrichment for skills in science, math, reading comprehension, internet, educational software, digital cameras and multimedia presentations. And all the activities were led by Socorro High COSMOS (Career Opportunities for Science and Math Oriented Students) seniors. “I really like technology and it’s really neat to teach the young kids,” says Socorro senior Viviar Carbajal. “I’ve been teaching them how to work with PowerPoint and how to do online research. They are really picking it up fast and they are really eager to come back to class to learn more.” About 90% of the Socorro COSMOS students taught in the camp, with over 80 elementary students throughout Socorro ISD participating. “I was having problems with fractions,” said Myrtle Cooper Elementary fifth grader Edgar Boisselier. “I asked my parents for permission to attend. They thought it was a good idea. I think I will do better in math now.” “I was struggling with Least Common Multiples,” added Socorro Middle sixth grader Eddie Hinojos. “My teacher suggested I try out the SMRT camp and my aunt enrolled me. I know how to convert the LCMs now. I can’t wait to go show my teacher.” And even though the younger students are receiving wonderful educational and academic benefits, according to Crosse, some of the high school seniors enjoyed teaching so much they are now considering the education as a career. “I have never worked with kids before,” says senior Jorge Rosales. “But it was really exciting to teach them. They really want to learn. And it’s great to see them actually learn and help each other. It was really fun.”
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