UNSOM Recruitment & Outreach: High School Students: Summer of Discovery
Summer of Discovery
June 23-28, 2013
What is it?
This one-week camp provides 36 Nevada high school students, who are in grades 8 through 10, the chance to become excited about science and their ability to be successful in science. Students spend their time participating in inquiry-based, group activities in science; designing experiments to test hypotheses; and learning about successful scientists. The program’s goal is to increase the number of science courses students take throughout high school and help them learn about the career and educational opportunities in science at the college level.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible students include those students in grades 8 through 10 during the 2012-2013 school year, with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA and students with an interest in science and/or a possible career in science or related fields, such as health care. Applications are encouraged from Black, Native American (Indian), Mexican American, Hispanic and Puerto Rican students; students who will be the first person in their family to go to college; students who attend schools where low numbers of students go on to college; and students from rural Nevada. Applications are due by April 25th, 2013.
Where is the Program?
The program is offered at the Reno Campus of the University of Nevada School of Medicine. Students will participate in activities using the medical school classrooms, group rooms and labs.
What is the Cost of the Program?
A non-refundable deposit of $150 will be requested upon acceptance to the program. This fee includes meals, snacks, all program materials, field trip expenses, and a t-shirt. A limited number of scholarships will be available for students who demonstrate need.
Great News! All students attending Summer of Discovery will be living in the dorms at the University of Nevada, Reno under adult supervision. Housing, meals, and transportation during the program will be provided at no additional cost for all accepted students.
How Do I Apply?
All application material must be received by April 25th, 2013. Students must submit the following:
- Summer of Discovery Application;
- Most current copy of middle or high school transcripts;
- Personal Essay to include:
- What aspects of science do you enjoy the most? Why?
- What career interests do you currently have? Please list them and share why you are interested in each one.
- What are your educational goals?
- Creative Writing Assignment: Please choose the appropriate scenario for your current grade level and write no more than a 200 word response:
- 8th Grade Applicants:
Cell biology is the study of the little cells that make us what we are. Pick your favorite organelle and develop a story about it.
- 9th Grade Applicants:
Forensic science is a fast pace problem solving career. Based on what you know about the field, what interests you about it and how would use your problem solving skills to solve a crime scene?
- 10th Grade Applicants:
Microbiology teaches us about the many microbes within the environment, such as diseases. Read the health section of your local newspaper and discuss a microorganism being presented.
For more information, please contact Andrea Gibbins-Gregg at 775-682-5744 or
algregg@medicine.nevada.edu or Krystal Turgiss at krystalt@medicine.nevada.edu.
What Will Students Do During the Program?
The Summer of Discovery curriculum is designed to meet the National Science Standards in the Life Sciences for grades 5 – 8 and 9 – 12. Each grade level participates in a Desktop Teaching Fair, in which students present a specific topic related to their area of study during the week. They research the information and design a way to teach it to their peers. Students are required to use inquiry-based activities and include correct content. This Fair is an effective way to help them use inquiry and to better learn about a subject. All students also participate, with their peers in their grade level, in designing a presentation for the Science Follies. Parents, friends and family members are invited on the final evening of the program, to attend the Follies. Students develop an artistic way to present the information they learned during the week to the audience. This event is always the highlight of Summer of Discovery, and is effective in connecting families with the program and with science. Refreshments will be served.
In Grade 8, the emphasis is on plant and animal cells. Curriculum in this grade level introduces function on the cellular level. Students begin with simple representations of cells, such as single celled organisms. They then move on to more complex studies using live specimens, cultures, and prepared microscope slides. Students also participate in clinical problem solving, including the diagnosis of a patient with a specific disease.
In Grade 9, students are presented with a forensic mystery where they must apply what they have previously learned to solve the “crime”. Students will use specific lab equipment, microscopes, and testing kits as they decide how to solve this mystery. Grade 9 students will present their mystery findings to a local judge. Based on the evidence presented, the judge will provide them with constructive feedback and an arrest warrant for the suspect.
In Grade 10, students spend the week delving into microbiology. Students explore the complexities of the cell at a molecular level, as they relate to such elements as genetics, DNA and reproductive traits of cells. Students also learn about plate streaking techniques, growing bacteria and proper identification of microbes.
