With all systems go, 80 young math and science whizzes are headed to West Virginia University this July for the launch of the Governors School for Math and Science. Their mission? To create a space station simulator capable of housing astronauts and collecting data for experiments.
In its third season, the popular summer program draws talented teenagers from nearly every county of the state. Students entering eighth grade in the fall will attend the first session July 5-14; students starting ninth grade will participate in a second session July 18-31.
Working with faculty and student mentors from WVU and other state schools, participants will get a taste of what its like to work for NASA as they use their math and science skills to study space, weather and other dynamics, said GSMS Director Eric Pyle.
By the end of the program, students will have explored all aspects of a space station simulator, including the planning, development and operation, he added, while another key component of the program is teamwork.
While individual effort and interest with respect to mathematics and science is a prerequisite, the fact that most working scientists and mathematicians work in research teams must be driven home to the students if they are to adopt the appropriate mindset to succeed in a scientific or technical career,said Pyle.With students assigned in a research team, each member must not only be able to carry out his or her component of the research project, but also effectively communicate findings and needs to the remainder of the group.
Opening ceremonies will be at 3 p.m. Monday, July 5 (first session), in the Mountainlair Ballrooms. Then the work begins as students take part in 8:45-11:15 a.m. and 12:45-3:15 p.m. sessions and 3:30-5 p.m. activity time.
WebCT training, team building, evening science talks, field trips and social activities, such as a pool party at Morgantowns Marilla Park, are also part of the agenda.
The school concludes with student teams presenting their projects at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 14, at the Stalnaker Dining Annex.
A collaborative effort of education, business/industry and government, the West Virginia Governor’s Schools provide an opportunity to develop the potential of future leaders of West Virginia. Support for GSMS comes from the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation and the WVU provosts office.
For more information, contact Pyle at 304-293-3441 ext. 1310 or 216-1115. On the Net:http://www.wvgovschools.org/mands/
2004 WV GOVERNOR S SCHOOL FOR MATH AND SCIENCE STUDENTS *
*Rising 8th Graders:
Barbour: Jonathan Gregg, Moatsville
Berkeley: Rebecca Posa, Kearneysville
Braxton: Tara Itofe, Gassaway
Fayette: Anthony Shillingburg, Fayetteville; Jennifer Williams, Oak Hill; Tyler Zimm, Fayetteville
Gilmer: Brittany Ellyson, Coxs Mill; Shae Gainer, Burnt House
Hampshire: Timothy Allen, Romney; Julia Barry, Romney
Hancock: John Alatis, Weirton; Corey Keller, Newell; George Magnone, Weirton
Harrison: Thomas Loder, Clarksburg
Jackson: Henry Carpenter, Evans; Nathaniel Robinson, Ripley
Lewis: Allison Hefner, Weston
Lincoln: Nicholas Porter, Branchland
Marion: Seth Bratcher, Monongah; Erin Cunningham, Fairmont
Marshall: Brittany Szafran, Moundsville
Mason: Jamie Bush, Gallipolis Ferry; Kalah Perry, Milton
Mercer: Scott Ferris, Bluefield
Mingo: Timothy Ball, Rawl; Chelsea Phillips, Williamson
Monongalia: Alex Abrahams, Morgantown; Anna Alappat, Morgantown; Jeffery Atkinson, Morgantown; Emily Ngan, Morgantown
Pocahontas: Seth Mitchell, Marlinton
Raleigh: James Duncan, Sophia; Salena Lucus, Beckley
Randolph: Katelyn Demyan, Huttonsville
Tucker: Anna Patrick, Davis
Wayne: Brittany Messer, Prichard
Wetzel: Cassandra Crihfield, Metz; Rachel Hoffman, New Martinsville
Wood: Lucas Pennock, Mineral Wells; Benjamin Province, Mineral Wells
Rising 9th Graders:
Barbour: Jacob Steele, Volga
Berkeley: Lilian Liu, Martinsburg
Boone: Caraline Griffith, Peytona
Braxton: Truman Means, Frametown
Cabell: Ryan Warner, Milton
Calhoun: Beth Richards, Orma
Clay: Christina Tanner, Nebo
Gilmer: Rachel Ramezan, Glenville
Grant: Emily Carver, Scherr
Greenbrier: Jessica Lynch, Lewisburg
Harrison: Alexander Hoskinson, Clarksburg
Jackson: Dennis David, Sherman
Jefferson: Michael Citro, Harpers Ferry
Kanawha: Catherine Briggs, Charleston; Justin Wymer, St. Albans
Lewis: David Smith, Weston
Lincoln: Philip Kirk, Ferrellsburg
Logan: Krysti Sumpter, Chapmanville
Marion: James Haldeman, Baxter
Mason: Shane Huffman, Apple Grove
McDowell: Tiffany Eller, Iaeger
Mineral: Jessica Liller, Keyser
Mingo: Olivia Workman, Delbarton
Monongalia: Adly Noore, Morgantown
Morgan: Michael Roach, Berkeley Springs
Nicholas: Kayla Phillips, Nettie
Ohio: Daniel Turner, Wheeling
Pendleton: Elizabeth Warner, Franklin
Pleasants: Danielle Cox, St. Marys
Putnam: Christopher Lipinski, Hurricane
Raleigh: Catherine Deck, Crab Orchard; Christopher Prelaz, Beckley
Randolph: Holly E. Smith, Valley Bend
Ritchie: James Yost, Harrisville
Summers: Alicia Petrarca, Sandstone
Taylor: Adrienne Duckworth, Grafton
Upshur: Bryce OLoughlin, Buckhannon
Wetzel: Garrett Robinson, New Martinsville
Wirt: Zachary Chancey, Elizabeth
Wood: Alexander Lee, Parkersburg
Wyoming: Jodi Cook, Pineville