The College of Arts and Sciences, Oklahoma State University, will implement a three week Young Scholars Program. The program is designed for thirty-six high achieving, high-potential students, grades 9-12. Those who attend will better understand the ways that scientists think and work, will recognize the many opportunities for them in science, and will experience the excitement of interacting with scholar-mentors and other outstanding students in an enriched academic environment. All students will attend morning presentations, workshops, and tours. The schedule is arranged so that the first week of morning sessions deals with information and research, focusing on statistics and mathematics for the scientist. The second week will be devoted to the social implications of scientific study and advancement -- specifically ethical issues. The last week of morning sessions will cover career options, from a variety of perspectives -- discussions with counselors and advisors, completing a career evaluation examination, hearing educators and professionals describe their work, and exploring the sites where scientists go about their jobs. In the afternoons, the students will learn to use the laboratory safely and effectively to complete assignments under the close direction of university faculty. In groups of twelve they will work for one week in the field of chemistry, life sciences, and physics -- rotating each week so that every student visits all laboratories. The academic work in the afternoon sessions will be rigorous, informative, and productive.
