Students, Teachers Spend Summer Learning Science

HOUSTON -- Students are getting a hands-on science lesson during the summer in a chance to experiment with a potential career, KPRC Local 2, Your Education Station, reported Tuesday.

Karla Trochez, 17, chose to spend her summer conducting experiments in a biomedical research lab working side by side with her high school chemistry teacher.

"I'm just preparing for real life. This is how real life is going to be. You can't be just wasting your summer," she said.

For six weeks, high school students and their teachers are taking part in the intensive Summer Science Institute.

"I get to actually do stuff. In biology, I just read it through a book. Here I get to pursue it and put my hands on it," said Channing Paul, a Cesar Chavez High School senior.

The program is a partnership between Baylor College of Medicine and the Houston A+ Challenge.

"These are things that they're doing that we don't know the answers to, and they're cutting edge," said Laurie Connor, the program director. "It's a hands-on learning experience for these students and teachers."

The research is challenging -- from trying to unlock the mystery of a mental illness such as Fragile X syndrome to conducting experiments on DNA.

When school starts, they will be able to take research skills and knowledge into the classroom. It will help make science more interesting and relevant to students and teachers.

"I'm loving the program. It's very exciting. I'm so happy that I did it. I think it gives me a very good experience as a teacher and gives me a chance to stay on cutting-edge technology," said Andrea Davis, a Cesar Chavez High School biology teacher.

"Our students are going to be able to do real science, real experiments in such a way that is meaningful for them," said Rafael Betancourt, a Furr High School chemistry teacher.

This is the sixth year for the Summer Science Institute.

Directors said one of its most important achievements is showing students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds that they can succeed in college.

All of this year's participants are from HISD's east region and Houston Community College.