Summer Science Institute 2011
June 5-10
Entering grades 10-12 or graduating high school senior
The institute offers opportunities to participate in research investigations in a number of areas of science, including biology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry and computer science. You will have opportunities to study fascinating and challenging topics that high school courses typically do not cover. The particular topics studied will depend on the interests of students who enroll. For all topics, the institute will focus on learning how to do research through close interaction with Bethel faculty.
Cost and Registration
- $50 for students, whether residing on campus or at home. Fee includes lodging in Bethel residence halls, meals in the dining hall, readings, a T-shirt and one hour of college credit. Amount is due at the time of registration and is not refundable after May 15.
- Additional camper expenses are sponsored by a Bethel science or mathematics graduate. Students will have the opportunity to communicate with these sponsors to learn about their careers in science, mathematics, medicine and related fields.
- Enrollment is limited to 30 students and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. However, preference will be given to students who have just completed their sophomore or junior year of high school.
Contact
For more information contact Marilyn Flaming at 1-800-522-1887 ext. 229 or by e-mail. Information regarding subject matter of the institute may be obtained from Jon Piper or Dwight Krehbiel, co-directors of the institute.Registration Form (pdf)
2010 Photo Gallery
Faculty
- Karl Friesen, M.S., assistant professor of computer science
- Gary Histand, Ph.D., professor of chemistry
- Dwight Krehbiel, Ph.D., professor of psychology (co-director of institute)
- Paul Lewis, Ph.D., professor of psychology
- Francisca Méndez-Harclerode, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology
- Jon Piper, Ph.D., professor of biology (co-director of institute)
- Several Bethel science students will assist the faculty.
Features
Considering the interests and preferences of the registrants, we will choose from among the following research areas:
- Child Psychology – Understanding the Behavior of Others: You will learn how people come to appreciate the minds of others by observing and interacting with young children. You will record observations, conduct interviews, and analyze results.
- Molecular Genetics: Students will acquire hands-on experience performing a variety of molecular techniques, such as DNA isolation, amplification of DNA target regions by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and visualization of DNA fragments via gel electrophoresis.
- Nutritional Chemistry: We will investigate the composition of various samples, for example, the metal and/or vitamin C content in organic foods as compared to nonorganic foods. Techniques used may include acid digestion, titration, atomic absorption spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy. We will also spend some time experiencing and learning how to perform some chemical demonstrations.
- Physiology and Psychology of Sleep and Dreaming: Students will investigate changes that occur as people go to sleep. Various physiological changes will be recorded–brain electrical activity, eye movements, skeletal muscle activity, skin temperature, respiratory rate, etc. We will also collect some dream reports and analyze them using a standard coding system.
- Programming Unplugged!: Programming without a computer? You do it more often than you might think! Join us as we learn about the fundamentals of programming, and what makes some programs fly while others crash. You may even be able to demonstrate your skill in a game of RoboRally™.
You'll be asked on the registration form to indicate your interests. (Interests will be matched to offerings as closely as possible.) Readings will provide background for laboratory and field study.
Students in all areas will come together for some sessions. Activities in these joint sessions will help you learn more about the nature of science and particularly about the areas of science featured in the institute.
The institute will conclude with presentations of your experimental results to a joint meeting of all participants.
Schedule
June 5 | |
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3 p.m. | Arrival, registration, moving into rooms |
4:30 p.m. | Introductions |
6 p.m. | Dinner |
7 p.m. | Entertainment and getting acquainted |
June 6-9 | |
7:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
8:30 a.m. | Laboratory sessions, field trips, discussions and lectures, time for reading |
Noon | Lunch |
1:30 p.m. | Laboratory sessions, field trips, discussions and lectures, time for reading |
5:30 p.m. | Dinner |
6:30 p.m. | Informal discussions |
8 p.m. | Entertainment and sleep studies |
June 10 | |
7:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
8:30 a.m. | Preparation of presentations |
Noon | Lunch |
1:30-4:30 p.m. | Student presentations |