Summer Science Institute

June 2–7
Entering grades 10–12 or graduating high school senior

The Summer Science Institute offers opportunities for research investigations in a number of areas of science, including biology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry and computer science. You will be able to study fascinating and challenging topics that high school courses typically do not cover, with a focus on learning how to do research through close interaction with faculty. Readings will provide background for laboratory and field study.

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 16.
• 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)

Faculty

• Nancy Rempel-Clower, Ph.D., Bethel alumna and Associate Professor of Psychology at Grinnell (Iowa) College
• Francisca Méndez-Harclerode, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology
• Bradley Celestin, B.A., Adjunct Laboratory Instructor in Cognitive Psychology
• Kathryn Layman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physics
• Dwight Krehbiel, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology (Co-Director)
• Jon Piper, Ph.D., Professor of Biology (Co-Director)
• Several Bethel science students will assist the faculty. Also assisting will be mathematics alumnus Gary Lyndaker, retired Chief Information Office of the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

Features

We plan to offer the following research areas:

• Listening to the Brains of Bugs and Worms We will record responses from the nervous systems of cockroaches and other invertebrates — bursts of sound that can be recorded, analyzed and played back on smartphones or computers. Experiments will be designed to study how different stimuli affect the responses.
• Molecular Genetics You’ll acquire hands-on experience with 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.
• Understanding and Measuring Biased Attitudes We’ll measure bias with simple tests that help distinguish between conscious and unconscious prejudice, and design experiments to change these biases. Our findings will lead to discussion of the causes and effects of prejudice and how prejudice may be reduced.
• Nutritional Chemistry We will investigate the composition of various samples, such as the metal and/or vitamin C content in organic as compared to nonorganic foods. Techniques used may include acid digestion, titration, atomic absorption spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Patterns vs. Chance: Understanding Results of Experiments and Surveys You’ll gather data and explore exercises and readings in Chance News, a web-based magazine. Our goal will be to understand how to decide whether a scientific finding is repeatable (part of a pattern) or just a chance occurrence. We may also help other institute groups analyze their results.
• Biology in the Wild! We’ll conduct field-based exercises to test hypotheses about the natural world. We’ll visit local prairies, forests and aquatic habitats to make environmental measurements, and conduct biodiversity surveys focusing on insects as key indicators of environmental health.

Each student will be involved in two of the research areas listed above, assigned on a first-come-first-served basis from the preferences indicated on the registration form. Up to 10 students can be accommodated in each area, so early registration ensures your preferred areas.

Students in all areas will come together for some joint sessions that will help you learn more about the nature of science, particularly those areas featured in the institute.

Schedule