FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 8 -- Students from high schools across Silicon Valley are finding out how ping pong balls and catapults are related, among other things, at a "chip camp" being held this week at Lam Research Corp. headquarters in Fremont. The ping-pong ball catapult, part of a lesson about math and measurement, is just one exercise designed to help students explore the science and business of making semiconductors and to expose them to career possibilities in the semiconductor and other high-tech industries. The program, presented by Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) and co-hosted by Lam and Intel Corp., continues through Friday. Piloted in 2001, this is the first of three chip camps to be held in Silicon Valley in the next year. At least eight additional programs are planned nationwide in 2003. For more information, visit: www.semi.org