Summer Residential Governor’s School: Academic Programs

Summer Residential Governor’s School: Academic Programs Humanities Math, Science, and Technology (MST) Agriculture Mentorships Medicine and Health Science (MHS) NASA/NIA Engineering Mentorship Marine Science (VIMS) Mentorship

Eligibility A student must be neither a current applicant to a 2019 Governor's Foreign Language Academy or other Summer Residential Governor’s School, nor a former participant in these programs. A student may attend only one Foreign Language Academy or Summer Residential Governor’s School program during his or her high school career. A student who participates in one of the 19 Academic-Year Governor's Schools or who has participated in one of the 20 Summer Regional Governor's Schools MAY apply. A student must be genuinely interested in attending the Governor's School and have the emotional maturity, stability, and self-discipline to live away from home for an extended period.  A student must be eligible for a free, public education in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Summer Residential Governor’s School: Academic Programs Application process The application process is highly competitive. Students should work with Ms. Gordon in order to ensure completeness and accuracy of their applications.   Students should only consider applying for SRGS if they can make the commitment to attend the program if accepted.

Student Area(s) of Interest Guide AG HUM MST Agricultural Economics Anthropology Anatomy and Physiology Agricultural Engineering Economics Astronomy Animal Science History Computer Programming Environmental Engineering Literature Geology Technology Media Hydrology Food Science Philosophy Hypermedia Plant Science Political Science Physics Psychology Upper Level Mathematics Sociology

Student Area(s) of Interest Guide MHS NASA/NIA VIMS Biology Aeronautical Engineering Coastal Law Chemistry Computer Science – Advanced Fisheries Science Computer Science Applications Electrical Engineering Marine Resources Management Dentistry Materials Science Oceanography Environmental Science Mechanical Engineering Wetlands Ecology Forensics Medicine Physics

Summer Residential Governor’s School: Academic Programs Numbers of students accepted into each program are from across the state of Virginia. PWCS students' applications are reviewed and ranked by a committee to select applications to send to the state selection process.  25 Agriculture 51 total Academic (HUM, MST, VIMS, Engineering, MHS) 70 Arts (14 in each art area)

Humanities (June 23--July 20, 2019) Accepts approximately 200 students Areas of Study: Anthropology Economics History Literature Media Philosophy Political Science Psychology Sociology

Humanities, cont’d. Stimulate your imagination Think creatively and productively Readings, discussions, seminars and lectures explore: how modern society requires, encourages and restricts creative potential humanities in the digital age Obtain a better understanding of yourself, your future role and the effect of your voice on society

Math, Science, and Technology (June 30 – July 27, 2019) Accepts approximately 160 students Areas of Study: Anatomy and Physiology Astronomy Computer Programming Geology Hydrology Hypermedia Physics Upper-level mathematics

Math, Science, and Technology cont’d. Theme: “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” ~Marie Curie Learn a substantial amount about a particular area in mathematics, science, and/or technology Consider the ever-increasing interdisciplinary nature of modern science, mathematics, and engineering. Hands-on laboratory and multimedia-based instruction Explore a series of interdisciplinary questions pertaining to the nature of science the design of scientific experiments the respective roles of logic and mathematics in science public-policy aspects of science and technology. Observe the interplay between experimentation, imagination, and logic.

Agriculture June 23--July 20, 2019 Accepts approximately 100 students Ideal for students interested in biological sciences. Areas of study: Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering Agricultural Economics Animal Science Food Science Plant Science

Agriculture, cont’d. Interdisciplinary curriculum related to agriculture in its broadest sense Emphasis on field experiences to investigate: Environmental implications Resource management Biotechnology Political and economic implications of trade Support systems within agribusiness

Medical and Health Sciences Mentorship (June 30– July 27, 2019) Only accepts 26 students Areas of study: Biology Chemistry Computer Science Applications Environmental Science Forensics Medicine Physics

Medical and Health Sciences cont’d. Explore the health sciences and medicine through a systems-based, problem-solving approach that utilizes Case studies Laboratory investigations Real-world shadowing experiences See the connections among the patient, the community and the health scientist. Engage in hands-on classroom activities and laboratory exercises that will prepare you for the problem-solving case studies. Rotate through three modules, each lasting five days Work with mentor teachers as you learn techniques and concepts unique to each area of study. Shadow professional surgeons, physicians and other health care providers involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the VCU Medical Center

Medical and Health Sciences cont’d. Students should only consider applying for this program if they have prior experience in working, volunteering, and/or studying in a medical setting. Students who do not have this experience but are interested in medicine and health should consider applying for Agriculture to focus on biological sciences.

Engineering: NASA Mentorship through the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) at Christopher Newport University (July 7– August 3, 2019) 6 -12 students accepted Explores: Aeronautical engineering Advanced Computer Science Electrical Engineering Materials Science Mechanical Engineering

NASA, cont’d. Mentorship with NASA/NIA researchers Opportunity to: View engineering and research from unique perspective Become familiar with career options in aerospace field Work in labs/other facilities from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., five days a week throughout four-week program Access to personal computer required NASA requires students to be 16 years old and a U.S. citizens to participate Hosted by CNU, with daily transportation to NASA Langley Research Center/National Institute of Aerospace

NASA, cont’d. Students Should have prior experience studying engineering outside of school curriculum and  Must be able to demonstrate use of a research design such as the one required by the Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS) or the International Science and Engineering (ISEF) competitions. 

NASA, cont’d. Work in concert with NASA/NIA mentors and staff in a team-oriented approach to the learning experiences. Mentorships change each year based upon availability of NASA/NIA volunteer researchers. Mentorships assigned based on student interest and experience. Occasionally, mentorships offered outside of a student's expectation and/or comfort zone.  This program is best suited for students who are willing to be flexible and are excited about the opportunity to work with/for NASA.

Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS) Mentorship hosted by Christopher Newport University (July 7—August 3, 2019) Accepts 6 students Areas of study: Biological, chemical, geological and physical oceanography Wetlands ecology Fisheries science Coastal law Marine resource management Advisory services

VIMS, cont’d. Join existing teams of professors and graduate students conducting research and field studies At the conclusion Compose college-level research paper Deliver oral presentation about your research activities to VIMS mentors and research staff, and other Governor's School students Access to personal computer required Hosted by CNU with daily transportation to mentorship site Location: in the estuaries and tidal basins, and of the Chesapeake Bay.

VIMS, cont’d. Students should Have prior experience studying marine sciences outside of school curriculum Be able to demonstrate use of a research design such as the one required by the Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS) or the International Science and Engineering (ISEF) competitions.

Application Process Extremely Selective Includes review of: Relevant activities, research and honors Essay Teacher recommendations Aptitude and achievement Standardized test scores Grades Course difficulty Early College Scholars Agreement

Application Process Timeline Academic Timeline By December 1: Complete ONLINE NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY to Ms. Gordon December 1: Request teacher recommendations December 20: Application due to Ms. Gordon December-January: Testing completed at school if necessary Early March: Students notified if application sent to state as county finalist Mid-April: State notification of acceptance

Academic Applications Must be typed All parent and student signatures must be "live" (not photocopied) and are on pages 1 and 4. Students who are not identified as gifted must complete the identification process if their application is sent to the state. They are not required to participate in the PWCS gifted program, but must be identified as gifted.

Academic Applications Page 1 Personal and Demographic Information Page 2 Activities, Research, and Honors Please consult the Page 2 Scoring Rubric Document. All acronyms must be written out. Include detailed information about each item. Items must be linked to application area in order to receive points. Only 3 items can be used in each category. (18 points total).

Page 2: Activities/Research/Honors Activity and Organization Position Held Time Involved Year 1. 2. 3. Study/Brief Description Teacher Organization Time 1. 2. 3. Honor/Recognition Level of Competition – Regional, State, National, International Year 1. 2. 3.

Page 2, cont’d. Activity and Organization Position Held Time Involved Year Bad Example: B.S.A. None 4 hours/month 2016 Good Example: Boy Scouts of America: Performing community service, promoting citizenship, and mentoring younger scouts Eagle Scout Mentor 2 hours/month 2016-2018 Study/Brief Description Teacher Organization Time Bad Example: 11th grade research paper Smith HS 4 weeks Good Example: Analyzing the effects of biomedical pollutants on aquatic life in mid-Atlantic vernal ponds, research paper and presentation Mr. Smith, IB Biology Gar-Field Sr. HS 3rd Semester, 2016-2017

Page 2, cont’d. Honor/Recognition Level of Competition – Regional, State, National, International Year Bad Example: Academic Award Class 2017 Good Example: Gar-Field High School IB Student of the Year: Chosen for academic performance, community service, and leadership in the IB Programme Local 2018

Academic Applications Page 3 Essay Limited to 500 words. The county committee will consider an essay up to 2 pages of 12 pt. font, double space, 1 inch margins. (24 points total) Page 4 Student and parent signatures/initials

Academic Applications Teacher Recommendations: Teacher A must be a current teacher in a subject area directly related to area of application. Teacher B can be any adult (non-parent) that can attest to your academic capabilities in your application area. Teachers must complete a rating scale and narrative (letter). You MUST notify Ms. Gordon who your Teacher A and Teacher B are (26 points total)

Academic Applications Grades: Current year GPA in core classes is considered. (8 points) Course Challenge: Level of course challenge is considered. Students completing an Early College Scholars Agreement earn the full 8 points.

Academic Applications Test Score 1: Aptitude or achievement test used in gifted identification. (8 points) Test Score 2: Test score within the past 3 years. SOL and AP tests are not considered. PSAT, SAT, ACT and other nationally normed achievement or aptitude tests are considered. If either test score is not available, the Gifted Education Resource Teacher for the school will administer tests to the student with parent permission.

Questions Ms. Gordon gordondk@pwcs.edu