The Science of Discovery
Contemporary research techniques and theory. Group discussion and college-level laboratory experience. Relevant, cutting-edge topics. Scholarships to take your interest in science and humanities to the next level. High school students throughout the region rave about the Three Rivers Symposium. It's a day that will make a huge difference in sharpening your skills, not to mention introducing you to studies at the university level - and you are invited to participate!
Spaces are limited.
This falls's symposium will enroll a maximum of 90 highly qualified students, 20 in each of the five workshops. Participation is limited so you can work in small groups with our university faculty. Contact our office today by calling 260-399-8067 (science), email cexner@sf.edu, or 260-399-8066 (humanities), email aspringer@sf.edu or fill out an application form (pdf).
Fall Symposium Topics
Mudslinging 101: Politics, Propaganda, and Parody
Director: Dr. Andrew Prall
Is Barack Obama really like Britney Spears or Paris Hilton? Why does John McCain enjoy being referred to as a “maverick”?
In this workshop, we’ll look at examples of political ads as a form of propaganda, along with ways in which parodies of these kinds of ads help us understand how to better “read” such advertisements. We’ll begin by looking at some particular political ads, then we’ll look at take-offs or parodies of political ads to see how they use humor to highlight the way that the original ads attempt to manipulate potential voters.
Participants will then have a chance to use their own creative and comic abilities as they record their own parody or “attack ad.” A prize will be awarded to the most creative and effective ad as determined by our own political expert.
Catholics and Politics: From Emperor Constantine to Pope Benedict XVI
Director: Dr. David Fleischacker
The relation of politics and religion is as ancient as human existence. In the 4th century BC, Aristotle said that human beings are both rational and political. Judaism and Christianity would complement this with something even more fundamental, namely that human beings are also religious. We are made in the image of an infinitely intelligent, good and loving God, destined for eternal unity with this Being in a great city and kingdom of all the saints and angels. Yet, in this life, we live in a tension between this eternal destiny and our present condition. How do these two worlds meet in our world today? How should they meet? These basic questions underpin all of the sessions and activities of our workshop.
Forensic Chemistry
Directors: Sr. Carol Meyers and Dr. Gary Bard
Symposium students will explore the contributions of chemistry to the profession of criminal forensics. Participants will examine criminal evidence using emission and absorption spectroscopy, handle and protect forensic material, and analyze evidence in terms of location, timing, and possible motive. The intended outcome will be a plausible reconstruction of a crime scene and likely suspects. Symposium faculty will include a professional forensic investigator.
Math Puzzles and Games
Director: Victor Kutsenok
Do you enjoy playing games with numbers? Do you know strategies to play games using numbers? This symposium will apply our knowledge of mathematics to solve an assortment of puzzles. We will use mathematical strategies to play Sudoku or The Knight’s Trip. We will learn something about the theory that goes into these games and puzzles. You will be introduced to both mathematical tricks and shortcuts. Join us and test your math skills against that of your peers.
Marine Biology
Director: Mr. Warren Pryor and Dr. Larry Wiedman
Come explore the undersea realm with USF's two marine scientists as we investigate the physiology of marine organisms and participate in an ongoing research project on the health of the world's third largest Coral Reef. We will measure the metabolism of sea urchins, examine the anatomy of fishes, and electronically analyze digital underwater images of Bahamian reefs.