Columbia, SC (WLTX)- Midlands students learned how science and math in the summer can be a good combination.
"I expected it to be really boring," said Meagan Greene."I didn't think I would learn anything."
But it didn't take long for students like Greene to want to learn more about science and math.
"It turned out to be fun and I learned about the payload and how they are far out in space and a cargo box comes out and get them."
More than 100 students came to W-A Perry Middle School in Columbia for the Summer of Innovation Program sponsored by NASA.
"We learned about the robotics and we had to do a hands on experiment, it was called snap circuits and we built an electric motor using snap circuits," said Marquise Albert.
"My favorite part was when we were controlling the shuttle, like when they launch so they won't collide," said N'kosi Ellis.
This wasn't your typical summer camp. Sponsored by NASA students got to meet the man in charge, Charles Bolden.
"I just want to let them know that they can do just what I have done. I studied hard and worked hard for it and I think they will see the same thing will happen for them," said Bolden.
W.A. Perry is Bolden's Alma Matter.
"It was an honor to be in his presence, like all the things he has done for WA Perry," said Albert.
Students like Amari Grevious and Robert Hutto say the speech was inspirational.
"To stay in school and always be focused and motivated," said Grevious.
"To keep us heading forward and for us to know that it is us that is keeping us from doing what we can do," said Hutto.
For Camryn Maybank, that inspiration made her decide what she wants to be when she grows up.
"As of today I want to be an astronaut because it seems fun," said Maybank.