• Win a scholarship to attend multi-week summer science program at UNC.
• Spend six weeks immersed in a learning-for-the-thrill-of-learning, hands-on science program of biology, environmental, engineering, earth, space, and physical sciences.
• Receive an early introduction to college life and to interactions associated with community living.
• Experience educational, personal, and social growth with peers who share similar interests.
• Meet professionals in various scientific fields, discover array of science career opportunities, and assist with on-site field studies in field trips, industrial tours, and seminars.
• Conduct in-depth scientific research, learn to write a scientific paper, design a scientific poster paper and PowerPoint presentation with the guidance of a faculty mentor.
• Earn a minimum $1000 scholarship to attend UNC.

When?

• June 8-July 18, 2008.

Where?

• University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.

Who may apply?

• All students who are now in their sophomore or junior year (10th or 11th grade) in any public, private, or parochial school.

Total student cost?

• $600 non-refundable registration fee (payable at time of scholarship acceptance).

Qualifications needed?

• A strong interest in and aptitude for science, as well as broad interests in all fields of science (scope of work varies from year to year, and is determined by extent of funding).
• A high level of self-discipline, dependability, and social maturity.
• Good physical and mental health.
• A strong desire to challenge yourself through scientific investigations. Overnight field trips (with camping) are mandatory.
• A strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• An appreciation and respect for differences in people, cultures, ideas, and interests.

How do you apply?

1. Complete the application form that accompanies this will be available in Spring 2008. (Schools may duplicate the form or request additional copies from the administrator at the address given below.)
2. Request letters of recommendation from:

   1. One of your science teachers.
   2. One of your English teachers.
   3. Your counselor.
   4. These letters should give an accurate evaluation of your ability to engage in self-directed work, your ability to work in harmony with others, and your dependability as a member of a collaborative group. Three (3) letters are needed to complete your application.
3. Request an official transcript of your high school grades, including grades for the first semester of the current school year, and any available standardized test scores (PSAT or ACT).
4. These materials should be gathered and sent together in one envelope to the address listed below. Due dates will be posted soon

Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

Organization of Program

Our approach is totally different from most high school classes. The Frontiers of Science Institute program consists of a series of daily time blocks involving either single disciplinary or team interdisciplinary teaching, depending on the science topics being taught. Classes will normally involve combinations of discussions and hands-on laboratory emphasizing current leading-edge topics within each of the Institute's science disciplines. On-campus block and laboratory studies are integrated with fieldwork and visits to industrial, governmental, or institutional research and production facilities along Colorado's Front Range.

Another important component of the Institute's varied approach to learning for-the-thrill-of-learning is a series of overnight field trips to the region's representative environmental zones, from the Black Hills of South Dakota to the prairies to the Rocky Mountain tundra. A primary goal of the Institute is to reach beyond the normal high school science curriculum and explore new, exciting Frontiers of Science.

Most students are also involved in a mentored research component where they are matched with a mentor to conduct in-depth scientific research. Most projects fall within the scope of their mentors' current work. Students learn to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and write a scientific paper to build an understanding of how mathematics and written and oral communications help interpret and report research. Students also prepare posters for display, design PowerPoint presentations, and present their findings during a formal talk to their peers, faculty, parents, and sponsors. Through this experience, students learn skills that are valued in the workplace thereby forming connections for summer internships, as well as future vocational opportunities.

Annual trip to Swift Ponds

Science Blocks Offered in 2007

FRONTIERS OF OUR VIOLENT EARTH & DYNAMIC UNIVERSE: In this course, students investigated the natural forces that shape our planet as a product of plate tectonics, including such natural disaster phenomena as volcanoes, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, and floods. Students became familiar with the geologic history of the Earth, and how the study of modern processes allows geologists to piece together what the Earth was like in the long-ago past. Additionally, students were engaged in lively debates about current environmental concerns including nuclear waste disposal and global warming. They examined Earth's place in the Universe, and the current theories regarding the origin and development of the Solar System. And finally, students learned about the history of space exploration and explored the enormous potential that the 21st century has for space, including human colonization of the planets and the search for extraterrestrial life.

FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES: Biology is the study of life and living organisms, and, perhaps most importantly, how we humans interact with and impact the lives of each other and the other organisms that share our earth. By studying the hundreds of thousands of living organisms with which we humans share this earth, biologists try to answer questions about diversity and about the common characteristics of living organisms. We try, in science, to make sense of all we see in our world around us. In this course we looked at some of the themes of biology including: characteristics of life, cellular organization and functions, DNA, energy and metabolism, basic genetics (examining the concepts of phenotypes and genotypes), human structure and function (investigating how our bodies work), plant structure and function (exploring their importance in the environment), the interdependence and diversity of life, and animal behavior and ecology. Through hands-on activities, students developed a new understanding of the world around and within them.

FRONTIERS OF OUR PHYSICAL WORLD: You may recycle aluminum cans or plastic bottles, but do you know what happens to your used containers after you put them in the proper bins? Have you ever wondered what grade of gasoline you should put in your car? How about how your bicycle really works? Or how they measure the number of calories in a bag of potato chips? Our students conducted a variety of experiments to answer these questions about everyday life. Students in this course learned about advanced science topics such as thermochemistry, organic chemistry, oxidation/reduction, kinematics, and Newton's laws. In addition to having fun with chemistry and physics, students gained valuable problem solving, teamwork, and laboratory skills!

FRONTIERS OF MODERN & APPLIED ENGINEERING: Students learned about civil, electrical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering. Students were involved in discussions about engineering ethics and explored the integral role that business plays in engineering. Students researched and reported their findings about emerging technology such as renewable energy, artificial limbs, and quantum computers. A variety of interesting design projects and experiments provided the class with hands-on experiences in each field, e.g., building a Biodome. This course emphasized problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills as essential tools in the development of engineering technology.

Annual trip to Swift Ponds

Evening Seminars

THINK-TANK SEMINARS: Every effort is made to expose FSI students to industrial researchers, professors of science on the UNC campus, and experts from nearby universities. These experts conduct think-tank seminars in many science areas. Such interactions allow elucidation of current research projects, demonstrate how scientists think and work, and provide first-hand insight into careers in science. Seminars are offered on topics concerning the relationship of scientific knowledge and research to societal problems and philosophical questions.

Each student will participate in all activities (field and camping trips, seminars, industrial visits, scientific research, and all science classes). Therefore, students should be willing to explore all areas of science.

Evaluation

Each student's effort is evaluated at the close of the Institute as the instructors jointly write descriptive evaluations. This is retained on file and sent out at the request of the student. Many students ask for these evaluations as a letter of recommendation for college admission or scholarships.

Scholarships to Support Attendance

The Frontiers of Science Institute is sponsored by the University of Northern Colorado and funded by many corporations, foundations, and individuals who choose to promote science youth education. Each year, FSI participants are provided with $3,000 scholarships that pays for room and board charges, resident advisor expenses, and summer administration and instruction costs for the Institute's six-week program. Most FSI scholarships are limited to Colorado residents.

At the time of acceptance, FSI scholarship winners are
required to pay a non-refundable $600 registration fee.

Supplemental University Scholarship

After completing the six-week program, student participants are guaranteed a scholarship to attend UNC should this be their college of choice. Participants who decide to attend UNC as new freshmen after high school graduation are guaranteed a minimum $1000 UNC scholarship. Award amounts for FSI alumni who make UNC their choice for their higher education will be determined at the time of enrollment. Guidelines for each award vary slightly. Information about UNC scholarship programs is available at www.unco.edu/ofa.

Additional Information

Participants in the Frontiers of Science Institute are expected to attend the entire six-week program. Students will NOT be selected who plan to attend other brief programs that interrupt their paticipation in FSI.

All students submitting applications will be notified of their status no later than May 6, 2006

Students selected to attend the 2008 Frontiers of Science Institute will report on Sunday afternoon, June 8th. Classes will begin on June 9th. Specific information concerning reporting to campus and other details will be sent upon final admission to the Institute.

For further information, contact:

Lori K. Ball, Program Administrator
Frontiers of Science Institute
University of Northern Colorado
Campus Box 123
Greeley, CO 80639

lori.ball@unco.edu

970.351.2976