The Governor's School Update

• January 25 & 26 - Professional Development (NHREC/GSST - No Students)
• January 29 - Third Quarter Begins
• February 9 - Last Day to Register for Spring Dual Enrollment Courses
• February 16 @ Noon - Last day to Drop Spring Dual Enrollment Courses
• February 19 - President's Day (NHREC/GSST School & Office Closed)

• May 30 - Senior Recognition Night (6:00 - 7:30 Butler Farm Campus)

The Girls Who Code club members at the Governor's School (GSST) not only excel in their coding skills but also serve as student ambassadors, playing a crucial role in promoting computer science education within and beyond the school community. In addition to their regular activities, these dedicated students recently organized a coding camp on December 8, which proved to be a tremendous success.

The coding camp attracted 32 enthusiastic elementary and middle school students from various school districts, providing them with an opportunity to delve into the world of computer science. The workshop focused on imparting basic programming skills using Python, employing engaging games and competitions to make the learning experience both educational and enjoyable.

The Girls Who Code members, acting as student ambassadors, not only facilitated the camp but also contributed to the inclusive and welcoming environment. Their passion for coding and commitment to fostering an interest in computer science among younger students were evident throughout the event.

This initiative would not have been possible without the support of GSST sponsors, Dr. Bedir and Dr. Patterson, whose encouragement and dedication to advancing STEM education played a pivotal role in the success of the coding camp. The Girls Who Code club at GSST continues to make significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of computer science, inspiring the next generation of young minds.

The start of December at the Governor's School for Science & Technology (GSST) was marked by an enriching and inspiring experience as Dr. Kevin Jacobson, a distinguished NASA Langley Research Aerospace Engineer, graced GSST as a guest speaker. Dr. Jacobson, whose expertise lies in optimization, brought a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the students.

During his presentation, Dr. Jacobson delved into the practical applications of optimization in his day-to-day work at NASA, providing valuable insights into how this critical field contributes to aerospace engineering. His use of constructed animations and models served as a captivating visual aid, effectively connecting his engineering work with the students' current and future learning endeavors.

Dr. Jacobson also highlighted the intersectionality of computer science and physics in his research, emphasizing how these disciplines play an integral role in advancing aerospace engineering. His ability to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications resonated well with the students, offering them a glimpse into the exciting possibilities within the field.

The engagement with a speaker of Dr. Jacobson's caliber not only broadened the students' understanding of aerospace engineering but also served as a source of inspiration for those considering future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The Governor's School for Science & Technology remains committed to providing its students with unique opportunities to interact with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into cutting-edge research and applications.

A special acknowledgment goes to Ms. Kenya Whitney, the Governor's School Advanced Math Instructor for her exceptional efforts in coordinating and organizing the event featuring Dr. Kevin Jacobson from NASA.

The week of December 11 at the Governor's School for Science & Technology (GSST) was a festive time as students and faculty came together to celebrate the upcoming winter break. GSST embraced the holiday spirit by sponsoring a week-long 'Holiday Spirit Week,' filled with exciting themed days that brought cheer to the school community.

The festivities began with 'Holiday Hat Day,' where students showcased their creativity with festive headwear. 'Cozy Pajama Day' provided a comfortable and laid-back atmosphere, which was warmly welcomed by students and faculty. The much-anticipated 'Ugly Sweater Day' added a touch of humor and lightheartedness to the week as participants donned their most festive and amusing holiday sweaters.

The celebratory week reached its pinnacle on December 15 with a student celebration that featured a delightful mix of activities. From food offerings to engaging crafts, games, and even karaoke, the event provided a festive and inclusive space for students to unwind, connect, and share in the holiday joy.

A heartfelt acknowledgment goes out to the dedicated faculty at the Governor's School for Science & Technology (GSST) for their coordination and support in making the 'Holiday Spirit Week' and the culminating student celebration a resounding success.

In multivariable calculus, students have learned how to evaluate line integrals and surface integrals and their applications: work and flux. They have expanded on these topics and learned about the relationship between different types of integrals as described by Green’s, Stokes’, and Divergence Theorem.

Students worked in collaborative groups to find the volumes of solids. First, given a list of functions, students identified the region used to create the solid. Then, students were given a line to rotate that region around that would create a 3D shape. Students were asked to calculate the solid that would be created by using the slicing and shells techniques. As part of their conversations, they had to identify the appropriate value needed for the calculation, integral bounds, and the appropriate formulas for each technique.

Image 1: Ian (York High), Lana (York High), and Seth (Smithfield)

Image 2: Samaa (Grafton), Gabby (Smithfield), and Unkara (Smithfield)

Calculus students collaborate to learn how integral formulas produce volumes of known cross sections & construct models of those solids.

The senior students in the Engineering/Physics program at GSST are concluding the first semester with an in-depth exploration of cosmology within the framework of Einstein's general theory of relativity. This challenging study provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the universe's large-scale structure and dynamics.

As they wrap up their exploration of cosmology, these senior students are gearing up for another intellectually stimulating semester. In the upcoming term, they will delve into the intricate world of quantum mechanics, a fascinating field that challenges conventional notions of reality at the microscopic level.

The curriculum's progression from general relativity to quantum mechanics showcases the depth of the scientific topics covered in the course. The senior students are poised to embark on a journey of mind-bending concepts and complex theories, further solidifying their foundation in advanced physics and engineering.

In December, Biology students studied Cell Cycle Regulation and how mutations in regulatory genes can lead to cancer. An insect tumor cell line was cultured in lab and its growth monitored through sampling and cell counting in hemacytometers. Meanwhile, student groups learned about bioengineering in the field of cancer treatment. In January, with their knowledge of the cell cycle, students began to learn about genetically inherited traits. They extracted their own DNA from their cheek epithelial cells, amplified it using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and analyzed Restriction Fragments using Gel Electrophoresis.

The computational physics students have been exploring “green” or renewable energy. Renewable energy is energy from renewable resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale. Renewable resources include sunlight, wind, the movement of water, and geothermal heat. When asked 'Is it possible to build a car that runs on water?' The answer was 'Absolutely!' By utilizing fuel cells, students constructed cars that operate on H2O. With the assistance of solar panels, water can be separated into hydrogen and oxygen. These fuel cells are then able to unite both elements, producing electricity to drive the motor. Pictured above: Thatcher (Poquoson HS), John (Jamestown HS), Musie (Phoebus HS), Brianna (Warhill HS), and Caitlin (Tabb HS).

Students in University Physics I collaborated on the problem: “Which way does gravity pull inside of a hollow planet?” This activity was derived from their study of the Universal Law of Gravity. Up next - Fluid Mechanics.

Seniors in computer science analyze various bodies of text to identify emotion, context, relevance of words, and importance in documents. Text analysis is an essential topic in data science. It is typically used by marketers, advertisers, social media companies, industry, etc., to gauge public opinion on different issues, products, and matters.

Dr. Weygand, the instructor for Calculus-based Engineering Physics at GSST, recently shared his expertise with the Senior Research course. In his presentation, he delved into the Monte Carlo Technique, offering insights into this powerful and widely used computational method.

The Monte Carlo Technique is a statistical method employed in various fields, including physics, engineering, finance, and computer science. It involves using random sampling to obtain numerical results for complex problems that might be deterministic in principle but are difficult to solve analytically.

The basic idea behind the technique is to simulate random sampling of inputs to a mathematical model to calculate outputs. By performing these simulations numerous times, the method provides an approximation of the desired result, allowing researchers to gain insights into complex systems or problems that may not have a straightforward analytical solution.

Dr. Weygand's presentation highlighted the versatility of the Monte Carlo Technique, showcasing its applications in physics and engineering research. This technique has proven invaluable for solving problems involving uncertainty, randomness, and intricate mathematical models, making it a valuable tool in scientific investigations.

The junior class at GSST has been actively engaged in their Independent Research Projects, with Dr. Patterson's lab bustling with scientific activity. Students are immersed in their projects, seeking advice and utilizing various materials and equipment available in the Biology lab. The lab is equipped with essential tools such as a Compound light microscope, Vortex Genie, Autoclave, Incubator, Micropipettes, and Stirring Hot Plate.

In the midst of experimentation, the photo captures Isabella from Grafton HS, Samaa from Grafton HS, Zach from Jamestown HS, Teagan from Jamestown HS, and Karen from Poquoson HS, diligently conducting their experiments. This hands-on experience not only allows students to apply theoretical knowledge but also fosters a deeper understanding of scientific research processes. The collaborative environment in Dr. Patterson's lab provides a rich learning experience for the aspiring researchers at GSST.

Governor's School for Science & Technology (GSST) is actively engaging in student recruitment efforts, hosting Parent Information Sessions for prospective students in grades 8 - 10. Families interested in learning more about GSST have received informative newsletters titled 'How to Apply' and 'Follow-Up' to guide them through the application process.

For those aware of families seeking valuable information about GSST, please feel free to share these newsletters. By doing so, you contribute to spreading awareness and facilitating access to the enriching educational opportunities provided by GSST. Together, we can inspire and support the next generation of talented and motivated students in their pursuit of academic excellence at the Governor's School.

How to Apply (for 10th graders)

Follow-Up Newsletter