The Science Challenge Program of Columbus College is designed to expose promising precollege science students (9-12 grades) to scientists in a variety of disciplines and to join them in making observation provide opportunities for, questioning, experimental design, sampling, management of data, analysis of results, drawing inferences and presentation of findings. Using stream ecosystems as an operational milieu, participants will take measurements, use instrumentation, and topographic maps, exercise personal leadership, employ personal computers as research tools, design studies, collect and process samples, manage results, design tables and graphs, draw inferences, and report findings. Three faculty will provide careful, individualized guidance throughout the project. Ideas regarding scientific ethics and career opportunities in science will be woven into the fabric of the 6-week program. Faculty, who possess a record of effective work with female and minority students will make an assertive effort to maximize participation by these populations which are poorly represented in scientific professions.
