WVDE Offers Exciting STEM Program for 7th and 8th graders

GSI 2020 for current 7th graders will be held at WVU.

Current 8th graders will attend GSI at Green Bank Observatory.

Become a Scientist, a Mathematician, or both at GSI

For decades, students were encouraged to learn about science, and they did. They did not, however, experience the excitement of discovery--of proving a theory. Carl Sagan's declaration that we can "do" science fired the movement to make young students actual scientists. Books are still important; they contain necessary, fundamental, background knowledge. With that knowledge, students can soar into the unknown. Recognizing that the scientific and mathematic discoveries have made a difference in the world were developed over long periods of time by motivated, dedicated, thorough, and creative minds, the State of West Virginia offers the Governor's STEM Institute, inviting students to delve into projects that allow them the time and opportunity to think and work like scientists and engineers, using high level mathematics and thinking skills while employing the latest technology. There are two sessions for current 7th graders at WVU. They are June 25-July 3 and July 5-13. Students who are current 8th graders will experience life in the quiet zone at the Green Bank Observatory, June 28-July 11. Students may attend following 7th or 8th grade, but not both.

The theme of GSI for current 7th graders is "The Math and Science of Food." A more developed description will appear later, but students will learn and discover some fun facts about food and food preparation as they work in research groups to solve problems and issues both scientifically and creatively.

Current eighth graders learn about the magic of the universe as they study the mysteries of outer space at the Green Bank Observatory in Pocahontas County. Living for 14 days in a quiet zone, students learn about the constellations, outer space and, perhaps just as importantly, about their inner selves.

Learn more by reading the information on the "Opportunities" link at the bottom of this page.

Do your best on your application, turn it in, and hope that you will be one of the 156 students chosen in 2020. It's like the lottery. You can't win if you don't play.