Program Information:
- Get a taste of what being a real scientist is like
- Use our Vermont environment as a laboratory
- Meet other Vermont high school students interested in science
Understanding Where You Are: The Vermont Environment
is the focus of this one-week Science & Technology Institute in which students experience first-hand the many facets of
scientific research. Thirty-six students will explore local Vermont landscapes by conducting outdoor field research. We use field
observations, technology, and computers to better understand the natural science of our surroundings.
Using the University of Vermont campus in Burlington as a base, the week begins with field studies of unique Vermont environments.
Students integrate many environmental themes such as: soils, geology, botany, landscape analysis, hydrology, and water chemistry.
The group will collect physical, chemical, and biological information from several field areas, prepare maps and computer images,
and use a scanning electron microscope and other instruments to explore the microscopic and chemical nature of their samples.
Students will specialize in one or more topics but be part of integrative teams that address local environmental issues.
Our week of learning will produce interpretive brochures and trailside signs that educate and inform the public about the environment.
On a typical day, students might spend the morning probing the depths of Lake Champlain from the RV Melosira,
the afternoon hiking through diverse plant communities or monitoring stream chemistry, and the evening learning about computer science
techniques. The Science & Technology (SAT) Institute blends field research, high-technology measurement making, and state-of-the-art
computing to give a taste of what scientists really think about and do.
Learn about the Oakledge Project from 2003!
For more information, check out the student- and staff-made Science & Technology web site.
Attention Vermont high school science teachers:
Find out how you can be a Lead Learner at the 2008 Institute!
Get more information (PDF, 234K)
and download an application (PDF, 101K).
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