INQUIRY + RESEARCH
BERNHEIM ARBORETUM + RESEARCH FOREST
Our partnership with Bernheim is one of the cornerstone collaborations for our students. It has been a source of authentic inquiry for our students and active research. It gives our students access to unique opportunities to do real-world scientific research and answer questions that no one has yet answered with respect to the ecosystem in and surrounding Bernheim Forest.
Each year, teams of students are assigned specific research or product-based projects depending on their interests. These projects have included the following:
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the relationship between water quality and algal bloom growth
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the effect of controlled burns on soil quality in the prairie regions of Bernheim
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assessing the effect of natural pesticides on the health of bee populations within select hives in the forest
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a phenology study to determine the timing of seasonal changes and how they are affected by changes in climate
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the practical use of local herbs in medicinal and food products
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the usefulness of hydroponics as a method for growing plants and food
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techniques for square foot gardening to maximize vegetable yield and variety
GENERAL ELECTRIC
Our strong STEM focus has been strengthened to an even greater degree through our newest partnership with General Electric. With their support and structure, our students have been given the opportunity to engage in real-world engineering methods for problem-solving. We incorporate both fall and winter extended engineering projects into our curriciulm to give BAMS students an even more authentic STEM experience.
KENTUCKY SCIENCE CENTER
Another important collaborator with the BAMS program has been the Kentucky Science Center. It has given our students experience in educational outreach and presentation by providing them a platform to create and implement science programming throughout the year. Students participate in events both in the fall at Boonanza during American Chemistry Week and in the spring during the National Engineers' Week.