Jarrett Nicholas an 8th grader at Calhoun Middle High School has been chosen to attend the Governor's School for Math and Science 2011 term.
Jarret is the 14 year old son of Dean and Jennifer Nicholas of Big Springs. His grandparents are David and Sharon Nicholas of Orma and Alfred and Marlene Kight of Big Springs. Jarrett is also a member of the Calhoun Middle High School Marching Band.
"Forty rising 8th-grade students and 36 rising 9th-grade students will
work in research groups at West Virginia University to learn the math and
physics necessary for their research project, which is "Trains, Cars and
Planes". Students will use biology, ecology, physics, chemistry and many
forms of advanced mathematics to create economical, eco-friendly,
fast-moving transportation systems for the future.
Students will be given the background necessary to succeed in these
projects by using the "jigsaw" model of cooperative learning. Each member
of a research team will attend two inquiry-based classes (no two students
from a group attend the same pair of classes) during the first half of the
session.
These classes in mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry and
engineering will give the students the tools they need to work together to
produce their final project during the second half of the session.
In addition to the classes and projects, students will have an afternoon
recreational activity time daily with at least three activities to choose
from each day. Evening activities will include science lectures by WVU
faculty, visits to the Recreation Center, Mountainlair games area, a
swimming party and a dance.
The resources of West Virginia University are at the disposal of GSMS
faculty, staff, and students. Faculty will be recruited from public
schools and institutions of higher learning throughout West Virginia.
Director of GSMS at WVU is Ms. Gretchen Shaffera Monongalia County
educator and former state Teacher of the Year. Dean of Students is Dr.
Keith Garbutt, dean of the WVU Honors College."
For more about the Governor's School for Math and Science see
www.wvgovschools.org
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