About the GSMS Program
Home to the world-class Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) provides a perfect setting for learning and exploration. The 2,700-acre NRAO facility is situated in a community contiguous with the Monongahela National Forest. The contrast between high-tech scientific instruments and the natural laboratory of the National Forest provides unique intellectual opportunities for the GSMS students.
To achieve the goals of GSMS, students will pursue a research theme that links the concept of the nature of science with hands-on research in radio astronomy. The students will use a 40-foot diameter radio telescope to investigate open-ended research problems that are designed to cover a variety of research situations. Projects will range from measuring the hydrogen gas in the Milky Way to attempting to detect radio emission from the planets, to measuring the emission from black holes in distant galaxies. Student teams will be given free access to the telescope for observing and collecting data. NRAO staff scientists will act as advisors to the research teams, guiding students by asking question rather than giving answers.
The central research themes will be enhanced with academic enrichment experiences including guest lectures, field trips and other activities that broaden students' understanding of the role of scientific research in society. Two or three nationally recognized experts will present guest lectures.
Academic activities will be supplemented with challenging outdoor activities designed to help students build self-confidence and gain an appreciation of the recreational activities available in West Virginia. NRAO recreation areas include a swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court and picnic shelter.
Joining NRAO as host is the National Youth Science Foundation. School dean is Dr. Andrew Blackwood. The education officer at NRAO is Ms. Sue Ann Heatherly.
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.
Students will live in Honors Hall, the newest and most comfortable residence hall on campus. They will be housed in double rooms, with two rooms sharing restroom facilities. The Honors Hall has lounges and study rooms on each floor for social gatherings. Meals will be eaten in the adjacent dinning hall.
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 Stude nts is Dr. Keith Garbutt, dean of the WVU Honors College.
GSMS is open to all current seventh-and eighth-grade students who are residents of West Virginia and attend school in West Virginia. While attending GSMS, they will be referred to as rising 8th graders and rising ninth graders. The term "school" includes public, private and home schools. See Student Qualifications for more information. Eighth-grade students who attended GSMS as seventh graders are NOT eligible to attend the WVU session; however, they are eligible to attend the session at the NRAO, which is for current 8th graders only.
There is no cost to students or their families for their families for tuition, room, meals, activities, books or instructional materials. Students and their families are responsible only for health and accident insurance and transportation to and from the site of the School.
Students must work through the school principal or a person designated by the principal (often the school counselor) to apply to GSMS. Check with the counselor to see if you have the qualifying scores and grades. If you qualify, read all of the directions, fill out the application, and get the required references. Students turn in applications to the school. The school submits applications to the county office, and by April15, 2011 , the County Superintendent sends in the top students from each grade to
Sherry Keffer, Director
of Governor's Schools
Department of Education and the Arts
Building 5, Room 205
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
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