OSU-OKC partners with Hough Ear Institute Science Day Camp for middle school students
Friday, June 12, 2026
Media Contact: Page Mindedahl | Communications Coordinator | 405-945-6733 | page.mindedahl@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City welcomed middle school students from across the region Friday for the Hough Science Day Camp.
Hosted in partnership with the Hough Ear Institute, the one-day camp provided students ages 11-14 with opportunities to explore college-level learning environments while participating in interactive activities led by professionals and mentors.
“At OSU-OKC, we believe the best way to inspire future scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals and innovators is to let students experience discovery firsthand,” said Dr. Evan Burkala, OSU-OKC vice provost. “We're proud to partner with the Hough Ear Institute to provide meaningful learning opportunities that spark curiosity and help students envision what's possible for their future.”
Throughout the day, students rotated through six learning labs focused on anatomy and physiology, DNA extraction and molecular science, engineering and circuitry, forensic science, sound science and hearing exploration, and creative arts and scientific design. The activities encouraged participants to experiment, build, test and collaborate while applying scientific concepts through hands-on learning.
For 11-year-old Jayce Brewer, one of the highlights was learning about DNA through a hands-on activity that allowed students to create DNA necklaces.
“Making the DNA necklaces was so much fun,” Brewer said. “Looking at our DNA and the little necklaces was really interesting. I learned what DNA looks like, and it's not just this big white blob of nothing.”
Another participant, 11-year-old Enola Heitman, who traveled from Missouri for the camp, said she especially enjoyed the sound science and hearing exploration lab.
“I really liked learning more about ears and looking in ears,” Heitman said. “That's what my grandpa does for work, so I really wanted to know more. I learned about the stuff inside the ear, like the eardrum, and also the stuff that you can't see, like the cochlea.”
The camp's curriculum emphasized the connection between creativity and scientific discovery, integrating artistic elements into lessons and projects. Organizers designed the experience to help students develop problem-solving skills, confidence and a deeper understanding of how science and technology influence everyday life.
By hosting the camp on the OSU-OKC campus, students gained exposure to higher education facilities and resources while exploring potential academic and career pathways. The program also aimed to remove barriers to enrichment opportunities by offering the experience at no cost to families.
The Hough Science Day Camp reflects a shared commitment by OSU-OKC and the Hough Ear Institute to expand access to educational opportunities and inspire the next generation of innovators, scientists and community leaders.