You are invited to the Bethel College Summer Science Institute (BCSSI) for 2024. This institute was held annually on our campus for 20 years and was moved online in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing advantages with both in-person and online events, we are offering in-person and online versions of BCSSI in 2024. These versions are described in the pages linked below, each with a link to the application for that event (choose either in-person or online, not both).

Whether in person or online, the institute offers opportunities to participate in research investigations in several fields of science and mathematics. You will be able to study fascinating and challenging topics that high school courses typically do not cover. The institute will focus on learning how to do research through close interaction with faculty - collecting data, testing hypotheses, using statistical software, writing code, etc. Readings will provide background for laboratory and field study.

Two Bethel professors recently published an article describing the experience and benefits of the Summer Science Institute. In addition, several articles have been jointly published (or are in process) by faculty members and students of the online institute.

https://engage.bethelks.edu/portal/bcssi?tab=in-person

Sunday, June 23 – Friday, June 28, 2024

Each student will be involved in two of the research areas listed below, with assignments based upon the preferences indicated by students on their registration form. Twelve to fifteen students can be accommodated in each area. Thus, early registration is desirable to ensure being able to enroll in the 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.

Research Groups

We plan to offer the following research areas:

Morning:

• Nutritional Chemistry – led by Kathryn Layman, Ph.D. (Professor of Chemistry and Physics, Bethel College).
• Exploring Nature – led by Jean Woods, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor of Biology, Bethel College).
• Psychology of Film – led by Navanté Peacock, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor of Psychology, Bethel College)

Afternoon:

• Probability: Know Your Odds – led by Paul Regier, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor of Mathematics, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma; Bethel alumnus)
• Protein Biochemistry – led by Will Wiebe-Friesen, Ph.D. (Associate Professor of Chemistry, Bethel College)
• Molecular Genetics Methods – led by Francisca Méndez-Harclerode, Ph.D. (Professor of Biology, Bethel College)

More information about the groups is listed on the application. The groups will also involve Bethel science and mathematics students who will serve as assistants.

What to Expect

The complete schedule for the week is below.

June 23

• 3 p.m. Arrival, registration, moving into rooms
• 4:30 p.m. Introductions (Krehbiel Science Center, Room 016)
• 5:30 p.m. Dinner
• 7 p.m. Entertainment and getting acquainted

June 24–27

• 7:30 a.m. Breakfast
• 8:30 a.m. Laboratory sessions, field trips, discussions and lectures
• Noon Lunch
• 1:30 p.m. Laboratory sessions, field trips, discussions and lectures
• 5:30 p.m. Dinner
• 6:30 p.m. Informal discussions, time for reading
• 8 p.m. Entertainment

June 28

• 7:30 a.m. Breakfast
• 8:30 a.m. Preparation of presentations
• Noon Lunch
• 1:00–4:30 p.m. Student presentations

Students will stay in a college residence hall along with Bethel College student counselors, who will also be assistants in the research groups. Meals will be served in the college cafeteria (no extra cost).

Each student is sponsored through a donation from a Bethel science or mathematics graduate. You'll have a chance to communicate with these sponsors to learn about their careers in science, mathematics, medicine, and related fields.

Students who complete all requirements in their area of research will receive a certificate of completion and receive one hour of college credit.

Eligibility

The institute is open to students entering grades 10-12, and if space is available, to 2024 high school graduates.

Application Process

The application process consists of completing the application form, below, and obtaining a recommendation from a science or mathematics teacher who has worked with the student. The letter should be e-mailed to Dwight Krehbiel (krehbiel@bethelks.edu). The deadline for submission of these materials is Monday, April 15.

Criteria

We will select applicants based on their application, recommendations, strengths in science and mathematics, benefits they would be expected to receive, and interest in Bethel's programs in science and mathematics. Preference will be given to students who have just completed the sophomore or junior year of high school. Total enrollment is limited to 40 students since each student is involved in one research group in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Costs

Students who are accepted will be notified by email on or about May 15, 2024. Accepted students must confirm their intention to attend by email and submitting the registration fee of $50 by June 1, 2024 (fee waivers are available for those who are unable to pay; email krehbiel@bethelks.edu to request a waiver). Students who do not confirm their intentions to attend will be dropped from the roster to accommodate others since enrollment is limited, as noted above.

Questions?

Dwight Krehbiel, Ph.D. (krehbiel@bethelks.edu) is the director of Bethel's Summer Science Institute.