Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES)
Program Description
In 2007, the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology began a community outreach education program for high school students. The Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science Program (TREES) is a unique summer research and mentorship program offering hands-on environmental research opportunities to motivated high school students. Each summer, approximately six high school students work one-on-one with mentors on projects that they choose and design.
During the first week of the program, students attend mini-courses on environmental science. In the first two weeks they also receive hands-on instruction in basic laboratory skills that they will use later in their projects. From working on their projects, they learn a multi-faceted approach towards a problem by conducting in-depth library research, training in scientific methodology, carrying out hands-on bench science and where, possible, field work. Additionally, several projects are carried out as team projects involving multiple students. At the end of the program, students write a research report and present their projects with posters and a PowerPoint presentation. After the program, students are encouraged to present their science projects in their schools and enter them in science competitions. Past researchers from the lab have won awards and scholarships at their schools and also in local, state, regional and national science competitions for their work.
In addition, experts give seminars on Cutting-Edge topics including environmental health and toxicology. Once a week the students take a field trip to a site of environmental interest. Other activities include workshops on college admissions, science and engineering career exploration, and writing and presentation skills. In addition, participants participate in a variety of social and cultural activities, including viewing and discussing environmentally-themed movies.
- Tuition-free rigorous five-week research program, from June 29 to July 31, 2009 (Students will be responsible for transportation, lunches, and project supplies)
- Open to high school students with at least 3.0 GPA and one year of study
- Opportunity to explore various careers in science, medicine, and engineering
- Parental consent required
- Candidates from under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to apply
Students will also have opportunities to:
- Develop special research projects based on their own ideas
- Work together with a diverse group of researchers from high school, college and professional schools
- Be mentored by professional scientists, students and faculty from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
- Learn and apply the process of scientific research
- Communicate their science findings in presentations and written reports
- Learn from experts in many fields of environmental science, such as epidemiology, toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and education
Typical daily schedule for the first two weeks:
9:00 am - 10 am Classroom
10 am - 12:00 pm Structured laboratory exercise
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Independent library research
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Group Projects, lab maintenance
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Wrap up, next day planning
The Friday schedule will be modified based on scheduled field trips. Special Cutting-Edge seminars followed by a discussion take place on Tuesday mornings.
After the first two weeks, structured laboratory exercises and library research will be replaced by independent research on individual projects.
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Program Overview
The industrial revolution brought about many changes ranging from industrial scale farming to automobiles, computers, and cell phones, to revolutionary medicines. But these changes have taken a heavy toll on the planet, leading to the depletion of natural resources, the accumulation of toxic compounds, and antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases. The next generation will have to deal with novel energy sources and unexpected toxic exposures. Each summer, program participants will learn about some of these problems, how they can be measured, and most importantly, get a glimpse of how we can fix them.
Student Goals:
Learn the scientific method.
Learn how to develop a testable hypothesis.
Develop the protocols to test the hypothesis and interpret the results.
Learn to live greener.
Educational Activities:
Science, Engineering, and Medical Career Exploration
College Admissions Discussions
Strengthening Writing Skills
Presentation Skills
Scientific Research Methods
Library Literature Research
Cultural and Social Activities
Green parties
Environmentally-themed movies
Picnics
Field Trips
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Application Process - The deadline for applications has been extended to April 15th, 2009 (Early Decision March 1)
Application
Download or print out application
To submit, either
- Email your application and supporting materials to mytrees@mail.med.upenn.edu, or
- Mail or fax your application and supporting materials to the TREES Office:
TREES Program
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
130D John Morgan Building
3620 Hamilton Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104
FAX: 215-573-2236
Supporting materials include:
- A current OFFICIAL copy of your high school transcript(s)
- Recommendation Forms from two teachers. Recommendation Forms should be submitted by the teacher, separately from your application
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Other Information
Mentor/Program Assistant Positions
Frequently Asked Questions for High School Students
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