Carleton Science Scholars Workshop

Carleton Science Scholars Workshop
November 28 - December 8, 2006

Be a part of a winter-break program for ten first and second year students who are very interested in developing the skills and strategies necessary to be successful in Carleton science and math classes. We are especially looking to support students who had limited access to science and math opportunities in high school.

This program is right for you if you have demonstrated:

• A high school background that provided you with limited access to science/math opportunities. For example, you did not have access to or take IB or AP science/math courses. You might also have had limited access to courses with science labs.

• An interest in taking science/math courses, based on high school and/or college course choices or career aspirations (e.g. careers in science or health-related professions).

• Motivation to succeed in science/math courses. You do not need to plan to major in the sciences/math to participate in this program.

• You are currently enrolled in or have taken a science or math introductory course at Carleton already. Courses in the following departments are acceptable-Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Physics/Astronomy, Math, Computer science, Psychology and ENTS (including first-year seminars in these disciplines).

• Willingness to work hard in your science and math courses.

• Persistence in working through the natural struggles of problem-solving in lab, in the field, in teams, on projects, on problem sets, etc.

Program Highlights:

• Two weeks of half-day problem-solving sessions, led by a team of Carleton science faculty. These sessions will focus on skills necessary for all introductory science/math courses at Carleton. The 2006 teaching team currently includes: Mary Savina, Dani Kohen, Deborah Gross, Bill Titus, Susan Singer, Debby Walser-Kuntz, and Trish Ferrett.

• Two weeks of a half-day assistantship with science/math faculty, working on a variety of projects. Participants will receive a stipend of $1000 for this work. The faculty advisors will probably include: Bob Dobrow, Dani Kohen, Melissa Eblen-Zayas, Joe Chihade, and Cam Davidson.

• Opportunities to learn about the research programs of various science/math faculty.

• Opportunities to interact with faculty from all of the science/math departments, both formally and informally, both inside and outside the science/math classrooms and labs.

• Interaction with several Carleton students who will be peer mentors for the program.

• Workshops with staff, probably from the Academic Support Center, TRIO/SSS, and the Office of Intercultural Life.

• A field trip that is fun and science-related.

• Travel support to return to campus following the Thanksgiving holiday and to go home again following the completion of the program. Please fill out a travel request form found on the Forms page of this site (online form coming soon).

• Paid accommodation and meals on campus for the duration of the program.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in applying to participate in this program, pick up the application forms in the Dean of the College office or download from this site.

The following steps are part of the application process, you will find all forms on the Program Forms page on this site:

• Answers to a series of questions about your interests, your transition from high school to college science/math learning, your experience learning math and science at Carleton, etc.

• You will work on two actual problems as part of your application, to give us a sense for your problem-solving skills and how the workshop staff can best help you.

• Faculty and staff may identify you as someone who could benefit from this program. Conversations with them will be useful.

• An informational meeting will be on Tuesday, October 10 at 8pm, LDC 104. Trish Ferrett and Bill Titus will be present at this meeting.

• A second informational meeting will be held on Wed. October 11 at 7pm at Stimson House. Debby Walser-Kuntz, Arjendu Pattanayak and Science Scholar 2005 Daney Ramirez will be present.

• An October workshop to help you prepare the application on Tuesday, October 17 at 7pm in Scoville 206.

• A recommendation letter from a faculty member in a science or math course you took or have taken (form available under the forms link).

• Submit your application, your problem set and worksheet, and your faculty recommendation to Associate Dean Elizabeth Ciner on to before Tuesday, October 24, 2006.

How Participants will be Chosen:

Preference will be given to students with strong demonstrated interest in science/math and had limited access to robust science/math opportunities in high school. Faculty evaluations will also play a significant role in the selection process. Students will be notified in very early November if they are selected to be 2006 Carleton Science Scholars.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Associate Dean Ciner (eciner@carleton.edu, x4300). If you have questions about the workshop, please contact Sarah Rechtzigel, Science Transitions Administrative Assistant, x4407 or srechtzi@carleton.edu.