Summer may be in full swing, but many diocesan students did not put their thinking caps away.

At The Mary Louis Academy, Jamaica Estates, more than 130 seventh- and eighth-grade girls from elementary schools in Queens took part in Summer Fest 2012. The enrichment program included classes in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and math. It also included subjects in liberal arts areas, such as creative writing, social studies, art, cooking, foreign cultures and more.

The young scientists conducted a variety of experiments in chemistry including a study in chemical combinations to form polymers. In forensic science, the girls learned techniques of fingerprinting and evidence analysis. They also dissected frogs in biology to examine all the organs and compare them to the human systems.

Classes in math provided extra practice and also introduced new concepts of algebra, geometry, finance and investing.

Students also had the opportunity to earn certification in First Aid, CPR and babysitting.