Curriculum

The 2007 PAEMS program will consist of five academic modules: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Mathematics.

The Mathematics and Astronomy modules will generally meet in the mornings, while the Biology and Chemistry modules will usually be taught in the afternoons. Although the PAEMS camp will consist of approximately 22 students, your class sizes will be even smaller in these four modules since students will be divided into two smaller groups of approximately equal size. The Environmental Science module will be taught primarily in the evenings to all students simultaneously. By the end of the camp, everyone will have attended all modules.

Full-time faculty from the Natural and Life Sciences Division of Georgetown College will teach each course. They will be assisted by four college students (majoring in appropriate disciplines) or recent graduates who will serve as teaching assistants during the day and as resident assistants in dormitories at night. With nine faculty/assistants for approximately 22 students, each student will receive a significant amount of individual instruction.

Astronomy Module
Dr. Jonathan Dickinson, Assistant Professor of Physics
In the Astronomy module, we will look to the stars to learn how to learn secrets from our universe. Following in the steps of ancients, we will employ the methodology of science, making observations and measurements of our solar neighborhood. Then, leaving behind traditional conceptions of reality, we will explore relativity and cosmology.

Biology Module
Dr. Mark Johnson, Professor of Biological Sciences
In the Biology component of the program, you will introduce the gene for green fluorescent protein into bacteria, resulting in bacterial colonies that fluoresce bright green. Furthermore, we will purify and concentrate this protein using hydrophobic interaction chromatography. We will also perform a DNA fingerprinting experiment that will involve cutting DNA samples with enzymes, followed by comparison of the DNA using gel electrophoresis. Finally, each student will isolate and extract their own DNA from cheek cells inside their mouth.

Chemistry Module
Dr. Susan Campbell, Associate Professor of Chemistry
The Chemistry portion of the program will involve the synthesis of a variety of inorganic and organic compounds and mixtures, including sparklers, lotion, aspirin, and oil of wintergreen. Additionally, students will analyze complex mixtures (anti-inflammatory drugs) in order to separate and identify the constituent substances through a process called thin-layer chromatography. Students will also be introduced to the study of the interaction of light and matter through discussion and performance of spectroscopic methods including ultra-violet/visible spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The students will use these and other methods to analyze individual “unknown” substances. Additionally, students will be treated to a variety of demonstrations (some “hands-on”) to illustrate the exciting properties of polymers and other substances.

Environmental Science Module
Dr. Rick Kopp, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
The Environmental Science module will introduce you to global environmental issues and then focus on techniques used by field biologists to describe and monitor both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Students will utilize plot sampling techniques to characterize the tree community of an old growth forest remnant in Northern Kentucky. Additionally, students will measure both physical and biological parameters in a stream ecosystem to see how aquatic ecologists can describe and evaluate these sensitive habitats.

Mathematics Module
Dr. William Harris, Associate Professor of Mathematics
The Mathematics module will introduce mathematical modeling using spreadsheets.  We will examine applications of math in a variety of areas, including biology (population growth), physics (projectile motion), and political science (apportionment plans).