Delaware high school students collect and analyze water samples from a Delaware marsh as part of their investigation of human impacts on the environment through Wesley College’s Summer Scholars program.

A typical high school class schedule leaves little time for getting out into the field for hands-on scientific study of the environment. This summer program helps bring real-world relevance to the study of biology, chemistry, Earth science, and mathematics by providing an opportunity for Delaware high school students to apply their knowledge in these areas and experience an intense week of field and laboratory exploration of the impact humans have on the natural environment.

Over the course of the week, students in the program learn to measure and evaluate the effects of land use and land-use changes on soil, water, and other natural resources. For example, they measure various parameters of water quality and examine their relationship to adjacent agricultural, residential, and natural areas. They evaluate the status of forests and wetlands and compare their current and past condition through a variety of computer and mapping techniques, including the use of global positioning, geographic information systems, and simulation. The focus is on understanding natural cycles and their connection to changing human activities. Along the way, the students acquire insight into the social, political, and ethical aspects of environmental studies as well as knowledge of some of the career opportunities open to them as environmental scientists or resource managers.

The participants live in Wesley College dorms during the program. Tuition and room and board for the program are fully covered by the Delaware EPSCoR Program. Applications for the following summer are generally accepted beginning in the spring semester of each year.