SSC-9350576 Oklahoma State University Stillwater, Ok Harker, Alan "Exploring Contemporary Biological Dilemmas" The NSF summer science camp will be executed within a larger ongoing program to enhance recruitment and retention of Native American students in the biological sciences. It will employ an investigative approach to a local environmental problem. Interdependent research groups of students will focus on different areas of a common problem and cooperate to propose a solution. The proposed research will combine field and laboratory components. The environmental emphasis will allow students to focus on many disciplines including: life sciences, physical sciences, statistics, engineering, economics, library, writing, and presentation skills. The groups will attend joint meetings once each week to inform others of their progress, share information, and offer suggestions, Students will see how the various disciplines work together using technology to meet the needs of society. Local industry, community, and university professionals will provide diverse presentations on relevant research activities and career opportunities. Local tribes will provide cultural evenings and speakers to address issues relative to the preservation of culture, traditional ways, and tribal views of the environment and science. Advisory boards composed of parents, tribal leaders, teachers, and administrators within the cooperating tribes and school districts will coordinate recruitment of participants. Summer Science Camp activities will be coordinated with school year programs established within the larger program. These include science clubs, equipment loans, speaker programs, problem-oriented curriculum development, etc.
