Want to extend your teen's summer of fun, educational and hands-on learning into the fall? The College of Southern Maryland is expanding its Kids/Teen College "Saturday Discoveries" offerings to offer three new all-day Saturday conferences in science and technology at its La Plata, Prince Frederick and Leonardtown campuses.

Middle school students, ages 11 - 14, can not only delve deeper into the science and technology topics they love, but they can also choose their preference of workshops for morning and afternoon sessions. Science and technology offerings include physics, environmental science, programmable robot design, SVG animation, rocketry, chemical engineering, discovering the mysteries of chemistry and video game design.

According to Susan Ross, CSM's director of personal enrichment programs, the college developed these all-day seminars to address the shortage of students pursuing science and technology careers across the country.

During the conferences, "teens will learn science and technology concepts from full-time college professors and part-time faculty in a college lab. The hope is that teens will be enticed to enter these academic disciplines once they learn how creative and fun real science and technology can be," Ross said.

In addition to the new science and technology conferences, the college will continue to offer two "Saturday Discoveries" art and science conferences for kids ages 7 - 10. Conference offerings include sessions on harnessing heat, making Japanese windsocks, basket weaving, learning about acids and bases, building birdhouses and building super structures.

* Saturday Discoveries: Art and Science Conference Dates and Locations
• Oct. 20, Leonardtown Campus
• Nov. 17, La Plata Campus Saturday Discoveries: Science and Technology Conference Dates and Locations
• Oct. 13, Prince Frederick Campus • Oct. 20, Leonardtown Campus
• Nov. 17, La Plata Campus
*Class offerings differ by location.

For information, consult the fall 2007 schedule of classes, call 301-934-7634 or 301-870-3008, Ext. 7634 for Charles County; 240-725-5499, Ext. 7634 for St. Mary's County or 443-550-6199, Ext. 7634 for Calvert County, or visit http://www.csmd.edu/KidsCollege/Fall2007.html#main.

The College of Southern Maryland is a regionally accredited community college that provides programs and services with a special focus on local workforce development to maintain and grow a healthy economy and community. CSM is the 2006 recipient of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Partner in Business Award. For information call 301-934-7765 or 301-870-3008, Ext. 7765 or visit www.csmd.edu.