The departments of Biology and Chemistry at Bethany College have designed a six week summer program to expose 20-25 high school students (grades 10 and 11) to an interdisiplinary study of a watershed environment that is influenced by agricultural, mining, and societal factors. The project goal is to encourage students from schools with limited facilities or who lack contacts with scientists to consider a career in science or engineering. Each participant will become part of a research team composed of a senior researcher, a high school teacher and college student. After classroom instruction in scientific research methods, the students will gather samples in the field and analyze them in the laboratory. Class topics will include the effects of sewage treatment and mine and agricultural runoff on water quality. Experts in many science disciplines will present seminars on factors that influence water quality.
