National Center for Health Statistics

Will be accepting applications March 26 – April 30

The NCHS Data Detectives Camp is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) summer camp that focuses on statistics for rising 6th and 7th grade students. This one-week commuter day camp is an exciting opportunity for boys and girls to learn about statistics through a variety of fun, hands-on activities! Statistics and probability concepts are included in K-12 curriculum standards, in particular the Common Core State Standards. Data Detectives Camp activities will specifically cover statistical concepts developed during grades 6th and 7th and will teach kids to think like a data detective by asking the right question, collecting the needed information, analyzing the data, and determining the answer.

The camp is conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics in collaboration with the American Statistical Association, University of Maryland’s School of Public Health, the CDC Museum, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and the Joint Programs in Survey Methodology.

View the camp flyer [PDF]

Application Process

Up to 30 rising 6th and 7th graders will be selected to take part in the one-week summer camp. Those who have participated previously should not apply this year.

We will be accepting applications starting  March 26 , 2018. The application deadline (including receipt of the recommendation form) is  April 30, 2018  at 11:59 PM EST. Decisions will be emailed by  May 14, 2018.

A complete application package includes the online application form and the teacher recommendation form. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Sample Activities

Daily activities will revolve around statistical concepts that will be explored through a variety of activities, group projects, and computer programs.

Distributions and Outliers

Learn about distributions by measuring the height of fellow campers. See how a 7-foot tall basketball player throws off the average height of your class.

Comparisons and Predictions

Collect data to draw comparisons. Compare the mean height of your class to the mean number of siblings. Can you draw any conclusions? Can you predict someone’s height by the number of siblings they have? What if you measured arm span? Which is a better predictor of height?

Visualizing Data

Learn to display your data through figures and charts. How does data visualization allow you to interpret your data and draw conclusions? What are its limitations?

Game Show Friday

Review the concepts you learned on the last day of camp with fun, group trivia games.

Photos from previous years

UMD Gym

Beam time and other data are collected to illustrate the concept of distributions

Lunch Time Fun

Through group learning and activities, campers develop friendships over the course of the week

Presentations

Weekly activities culminated in group presentations to solve a crime

Closing Ceremonies

Campers receive certificates of completion from NCHS Director and staff

Supporting Organizations