Summer Science Institute 2012

• Downloadable photos: Local photographer Vada Snider took pictures at Summer Science Institute and has made available some of her photos for download or printing.

• Gary Histand, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, Bethel College
• Dwight Krehbiel, Ph.D., professor of psychology (institute co-director), Bethel College
• Jon Piper, Ph.D., professor of biology (institute co-director), Bethel College
• Richard Platt, Ph.D., associate professor psychology, St. Mary's College of Maryland (Bethel alumnus)
• Gary Lyndaker, IT specialist, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri (Bethel alumnus)
• Darrell Wiens, Ph.D., professor of biology, University of Northern Iowa (Bethel alumnus)
• Several Bethel science students will assist the faculty.

We plan to offer the following research areas:

• Chemical analysis of biological samples: We will investigate the composition of various samples – for example, the metal and/or Vitamin C content in foods or biological samples such as leaves, other plant structures or water. Techniques used may include acid digestion, titration, atomic absorption spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Science of music: We will study musical sounds and how people respond to them. You will choose music and measure emotional and physiological responses such as heart-rate changes with an overall goal to better understand our liking for particular pieces of music.
• Biology in the wild!: You will conduct field-based exercises to test hypotheses about the natural world. We will visit local prairies, forests and aquatic habitats to make environmental measurements and conduct biodiversity surveys focusing on insects as key indicators of environmental health.
• Understanding memory: We will examine the nature of human memory. Some possible topics for exploration include memory improvement, autobiographical memory, eyewitness memory, false memories and the impact of memory on decision-making. You will develop memory experiments that allow you to explore the topic of your choice in more detail.
• Mathematical puzzles and games: You will learn problem- and puzzle-solving techniques and experience the fun of working together on mathematical problems. We hope to give you a taste of the strategies and conditions that college students experience as they prepare for problem-solving contests.
• Developing embryos: The origin and early changes of the organs: When does the heart first appear and start to beat? How does the brain originate and form its subdivisions? Where do the eyes and limbs come from? Chick embryos model human development, so we will incubate hens' eggs for varying periods of time, take out the embryos and examine and photograph them.

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

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.