Summer Experience for Young Scientists

What is it?

In the summer of 2001, faculty at Northern Kentucky University initiated a two-week program called the Summer Experience for Young Scientists (SEYS). Drs. Andy Long (mathematics) and Macel Wheeler (geography), along with special guests from around the campus and the community at large, brought together some exceptional students from local area high schools to engage in hands-on study of various scientific aspects of our communities.

Who was it for?

Ten specially selected sophomore and junior level high school students were invited to attend this "science summer camp". Students who had finished their sophomore year were eligible.

When and where was it held?

SEYS was held at Northern Kentucky University, from 9:00 to 3:00 each weekday over the course of two weeks: June 4th - 15th. Students gathered to investigate scientific issues relevant to their everyday lives.

What did the student get out of it?

1. hands-on training in computer technology:
   • Word processing,
   • GIS - Geographic Information Systems - a software tool for making maps
   • Web-page development
2. examples of the use and value of geography, demography, and urban-planning to better understand each student's own neighborhoods,
3. experience in targeted areas of science (e.g. forestry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics) especially as these apply to each student's life in northern Kentucky.
4. a chance to interact with other young scientists in a cooperative, fun setting.
5. valuable analytical skills.
6. Each student was paid a generous stipend to participate in the ten sessions: $450 upon successful completion of the two-week program. In addition, students received a transportation allowance, and shared a lunch and snacks each day with the group.
7. Fun! This was an enjoyable experience for everyone!

Students worked together to produce web-pages documenting their findings during the camp. Each studied various facets of his or her own neighborhood, creating relevant maps and studying data on aspects of the environment (e.g. green spaces, waste dumps or facilities, problems areas within a neighborhood, etc.).

Year 2001's theme:
	Environmental Justice: Are the costs associated with "the good life" shared equally across society, or are some citizens bearing more than their fair share?

The workshop is over, and we must say that we all had a blast (but are exhausted)! In order to give you some idea of what we did, we've created some pages that you might like to examine. Come back and see us next year, for round two!