FAQs
What will I do at camp?
You will work with statisticians and research scientists to learn about statistical concepts that you may have already learned or will be learning in grades 6 and 7. Through a variety of activities, group projects, and computer programs, you will learn to think like a data detective by asking the right questions, collecting the needed information, analyzing data, and displaying results. Daily activities will revolve around a single concept that will be explored through hands-on group activities, including distribution and outliers, comparisons, bivariate associations, data visualizations, presentations, and game shows.
What are the dates and times?
Two camp sessions are being offered in 2024:
Atlanta, Georgia
July 8-July 12
Hyattsville, Maryland
July 29-August 2
Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST daily, Monday through Friday. Camp staff will meet students at camp drop-off locations beginning at 8:30 a.m. Camp staff will take students to the drop off location for pickup between 4:00-4:30 p.m.
What is the cost?
The camp is free; there is no fee for registering or attending. However, campers must bring their own lunch and water bottle daily.
Who should apply?
Students entering 6th or 7th grade in the Fall of 2024 and who are interested in math or science should apply.
How do I apply?
Applications will be available on the NCHS Data Detectives website in March. The Camper Application Form must be completed by both a parent or guardian and the student. The student’s math or science teacher must complete the Teacher Recommendation Form.
Can students participate in camp again this year?
Unfortunately, students can only attend camp one time. Lots of potential detectives apply each year, and space is limited. Additionally, we teach one comprehensive curriculum covering the same materials each year.
Can homeschooled children participate?
Yes. If homeschooled, please have either a tutor or counselor, or the person who homeschooled your child complete the Teacher Recommendation Form.
Dr. Ryne Paulose, Camp Director
Christine Jones, Director of Communication
Dr. Gladys Martinez, Director of Statistics
Juliana McAllister, Director of Operations
The Data Detectives Camp is conducted by NCHS in collaboration with various statistical organizations, universities, and federal agencies. These partnerships are invaluable for developing and growing the camp. Partner contributions vary, but include assisting with developing lectures and extracurricular activities, providing camp space, funding camp materials, serving as camp counselors, and much more.
The Data Detectives wordmark and the Data Detectives design mark are trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Unauthorized use of the marks is strictly prohibited.