Highlights from 2009

Summer Honors 2009 participants included high school students from throughout the United States as well as several other countries.

Highlights from Summer Honors 2009 seminars are listed below. Many of these seminars will be returning for Summer Honors 2010.

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ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS

In this seminar, students explored astronomy and astrophysics through hands-on learning. Activities included daytime as well as nighttime observational astronomy at the University's John Hook Memorial Observatory.

Telescopes used included a Meade 14" LX200 GPS telescope, a Meade 10" telescope, a 9" Unitron refracting telescope and two smaller Qestar telescopes.

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AVIATION

In this seminar, students explored the field of aviation and what it takes to become a pilot. Students had opportunities to:

• Test basic aerodynamic theories by building and modifying a rubber band powered balsa wood flyer.
• Fly ISU's flight simulators.
• Perform an airport inspection.
• Pilot a Cessna 172 on a cross-country flight under the watchful eye of one of the Department's certified flight instructors.

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CANCER RESEARCH

In this seminar, students learned introductory methods in modern biological research that can be applied to a wide variety of biological research programs, especially cancer research.

The theoretical and practical techniques learned will benefit students throughout their training as researchers of the future, and will be especially helpful for those students who either have the goal of attending medical school or pursuing careers in the medical research field after achieving their bachelor degrees.

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COMPUTERIZED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

This seminar introduced the overall design and construction processes of buildings using computer graphics software.

Each student built his or her own building using the three dimensional objects of columns, beams, walls and roofs in the virtual space of computer while learning about how the components are put together.

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DRUGS, PHARMACEUTICALS, AND MEDICINALS

In this seminar, students obtained an understanding of essential concepts related to drugs and bioactive compounds.

Students learn about natural and man-made drugs and pharmaceuticals, and how they elicit their effects in man. Students also learn about prescription and the more familiar over-the-counter drugs.

This seminar included a classroom component and a hands-on laboratory component.

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ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

In this seminar, students explored the process, art, and science of planning and implementing instruction for young children.

After collaborating with peers and professionals to plan innovative learning activities for elementary students, participants taught local elementary students in a summer program on the campus of Indiana State University.

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FORENSIC FACIAL RECONSTRUCTION

This seminar introduced students to a fascinating aspect of forensic science. Of the many specializations in this field, facial reconstruction is the only one that provides information on physical appearance, which is significant for identification.

Students learned and applied the same methodology professionals use to reconstruct a human face. As they completed their own facial reconstruction, students also became familiar with how this science makes valuable contributions to criminal investigations.

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GLOBAL POLITICS AND GLOBAL WARMING

If global warming is such a threat to our global environment, why aren't all countries cooperating to end this threat? Why do the great powers such as the U.S. get their way so often? Do international organizations and international agreements matter?

Using the issue of global warming and the Kyoto Protocol as a case study, this seminar introduced students to the dynamics of world politics, and answered these and other important questions.

In order to practice what they learned, students engaged in a diplomatic simulation exercise that attempted to negotiate an update to the Kyoto Protocol.

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HEALTH CAREERS

The Health Career Seminar provided students with an overview of health professions with an emphasis on nursing and social work.

Students learned through classroom settings and agency-based volunteer experiences, including visits to a variety of health and social service agencies in the community.

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INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN

This seminar introduced students to the discipline of interior architecture/design and showcased opportunities for success within this profession.

Projects addressing the built environment were based upon the Net Zero Energy Healthy House Project and shelters, which integrate beauty, accessibility, sustainability, and technical sophistication.

In addition to these projects, other activities included local architectural walking tours and a field trip to Indianapolis to visit an architectural firm and view some of its projects.

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MEDIEVAL HISTORY: WARS, WITCHES, AND WONDERS

Long shrouded in an aura of mystery, the Middle Ages has captured the imagination of countless generations since its own passing half a millennium ago.

In this seminar, students explored both the marvels and catastrophes of medieval culture, with a special focus on the Crusades, the Inquisition, daily life, Gothic cathedrals, universities, sainthood, technology, the Black Death, and the arts.

Through lectures, films, readings, discussions, field trips, and hands-on research projects and presentations, students explored not only the complexities of medieval life, but also the continuing legacies of the Middle Ages to their own lives.

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PHOTOGRAPHY AND GRAPHIC DESIGN

In this seminar, students learned the process, application, and design principles of publications.

They also received a thorough introduction to the field of graphic design based on the exploration of formal values in design and its relationships to concept communication.

Through the use of hands-on techniques, students developed sharp computer skills and a deeper knowledge of typography, design, methodology, and concept communication.

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SPORTS INJURY PREVENTION AND CARE

This seminar covered everything from physicals to wound care and from forearm casting to emergency planning—all in relation to the world of sports injuries.

Through hands-on laboratory activities, participants investigated the areas of sport epidemiology, injury prevention, and emergency management.

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