Science can be fun, especially when it's hands on.

Last week, over 30 soon-to-be fourth grade students in the Panther Valley School District learned all about weather and natural disasters through an annual science camp, held at PV Elementary in Nesquehoning. This year's theme was weather.During the week-long camp, the students received the opportunity to learn how to measure rain, determine which way the wind is blowing, make weather predictions, and erupt homemade volcanoes.The camp was led by Mindy Penberth, fourth grade elementary teacher, and Amber Forster, third grade elementary teacher, who teamed up to teach the students about all things weather and help them retain the information they learned during the school year.Penberth said the camp is something the students look forward to participating in."It's a fun week," she said. "It's good to have that extra science in the summer."Forster added that she enjoys the summer camp."The kids seem to have a good time," she said. "They get an education and have fun at the same time."In addition to weather-based projects, the students were treated to a special guest, James V. Hearity, regional manager for Seitz Bros. of Tamaqua.Hearity spoke to the students about the bugs of the seasons and weather plays a role in the bugs life cycles.The kids eagerly answered questions about types of bugs and some were a little squeamish when shown the creepy crawly creatures.Thomas Greco, a science camp participant last year, had so much fun participating that he volunteered his time this year this year. He helped Penberth and Forster, as well as Hearity during his presentation.The students also participated in a T-shirt design contest. The winning design, created by Matthew Kokinda, was printed on shirts that all students received at the end of the week.The annual science camp is made possible by funding through the Panther Valley Foundation.