Summer Science Program in astronomy, calculus, and physics

see www.summerscience.org
Applications Open for 46th Summer Science Program
Applications are now open for the 46th Summer Science Program (SSP), one of
the oldest and most prestigious science enrichment programs for high school
students. SSP 2004 will be held on two campuses: a private boarding school
in Ojai, California, and New Mexico Tech in Socorro, New Mexico.

Since 1959, bright teenagers from around the world have come to SSP to spend
their days in college-level lectures on physics, astronomy, math, and
computer programming, and their nights observing the speck of light from a
distant asteroid. By the end of the sixth week, each team of three students
has calculated their asteroid's orbit using their own observations,
measurements, and software. Their observations are then archived at the
Minor Planet Center of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

Students describe SSP as an intense, exhilarating intellectual and social
environment, "the educational experience of a lifetime." Emphasis is on
teamwork and cooperation; neither grades nor formal credit are given.
Enrollment is limited to 36 per campus, and seven faculty members live
on-site with the students.

Participants also enjoy the opportunity to meet prominent scientists and
other professionals (many of whom are themselves alumni), who deliver guest
lectures on a wide range of subjects. Field trips to places like the "Very
Large Array" of radio telescopes and NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab round out the
program.

Students, parents, and teachers are encouraged to visit
www.summerscience.org for a detailed description, comments from recent
alumni and their parents, and a downloadable application. The application
deadlines are February 27 (early) and March 19 (final).

SSP is operated by an independent non-profit corporation, managed and
largely funded by its own alumni, and established in cooperation with
California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Harvey Mudd
College, New Mexico Tech, Pomona College, Stanford University, and UCLA.