Hands-On Research

This course involves students in hands-on, "under-the-glass" research on key environmental research topics being undertaken by B2 scientists, such as agrivoltaics, rain forest and desert droughts, soil composition, succession and soil microbes. Students work with B2 researchers to design and implement their own experiment using the biomes that are housed in the B2 glass enclosure to enhance further the work of the B2 scientists. The students keep a journal and data log throughout the week and give a group scientific presentation before the end of the program.

Students groups are guided throughout the week by Principal Investigators Joost van Haren,  Greg Barron -Gafford, and  Aaron Bugaj, and their grad students who monitor the daily work. Hands-on planning, implementation and analysis allows the students to see an experiment through completion in a short period of time.

Evening leadership activities are connected to the scientific studies to teach students to be leaders in sustaining our planet environmentally. Whether they aim to be future scientists, or simply concerned, informed and action-oriented citizens, this program enriches students with its unique experience into the world of science.