2015

GMU

Summer

STEM

Research

Program

Fluency in Science, technology, engi-neering and mathematics (STEM) holds the key to a cutting-edge world. –by Eleanor Smalley and Jim Zebora

George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia

Mission and Goals

Program Overview

Course Requirements

George Mason University’s Global Learning Institute was

founded in 2012 to support the university’s long held goal

of being a “global convener of ideas with impact”. This is

particularly true for Mason’s College of Science which

injects traditional science education with interdisciplinary

scientific domains, resulting in trailblazing students able to

tackle today’s most challenging problems.

During this two week program, students will be engaged in

hands-on, experiential and lab-based intellectual experience

in biology, physics, chemistry and forensic sciences. They

will work closely with STEM faculty members from the

STEM Accelerator team during (10) two-hour modules

(two modules per day) as a team. Along with their content-

based activities, students will collaborate and work in

teams to build a design challenge.

1) Build a Sea Perch ROV, an aquatic rover developed by the

Department of Navy to promote STEM among students

from 8th – university level – building the unit will require

development of basic lab skills. Understanding how the

unit works will be the subject of the Physics of the Sea

Perch discussions. These discussions will include hands-on

lab exercises that examine fundamental physics concepts

essential to the building and use of the Sea Perch.

2) Conduct a biological (aquatic microbiology and ecology)

and chemical (environmental chemistry) investigation of

the ecosystem. Experimentation will include field study as

well as in-lab essential exercises that will develop skills

required to analyze biological and chemical data collected.

3) Students will complete a pre- and post- assessment as well

as write a reflection of the lab experience at the end of the

week. These products will be used for study and to im-

prove the experience for future students.

George Mason University’s Global Learning Institute pro-

vides educational programming tailored to advance stu-

dents’ goals, objectives, and skills while familiarizing them

with Mason’s expertise in today’s most in-demand sub-

jects. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

(STEM) subjects are some of the strongest academic units

at George Mason University, and the GLI is proud to part-

ner with the College of Science to bring these lessons to

students beyond our campus through the 2015 Summer

STEM Research Program.

Discovery in STEMDiscovery in STEM for Your Future!for Your Future!

Mission and Goals

Schedule:

IMPORTANT DATES AT A GLANCE

June 5: Application Deadline

June 10: Final Payment Deadline:

June 21:

Residential Students (Check-in @ Dormitory)

Commuter/Residential Students (Orientation)

June 22: Program Begins @ 10:00AM

July 3:

Last Day of the Program

Poster Presentations

Post-Assessment and Farewells

Residential Students (Check-out)

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Program Dates: June 21, 2015 - July 3, 2015

Program Location: George Mason University

Fairfax Campus

4400 University Drive

Grade Levels: Rising 9th - 12th

Application Requirements:

$50 (non-refundable application fees)

$350 (non-refundable deposit)

Form: http://gli.gmu.edu/stem/

Current school transcript

Program Fees:

Commuter: $2,000 (tuition, lunch, excursions and

insurance)

Residential: $2,950 (tuition, room, meals, pick-up/

drop-off, excursions, insurance)

Financial Aid or Scholarship: None

Application Deadlines: June 5, 2015

AGM Institute, 7700 Little River Turnpike, Suite 407, Annandale, VA 22003 Phone: (877) 212-0011 Fax: (866) 717-0014 Email: contact@agminstitute.org Website: www.agminstitute.org

What is and Why SeaPerch?

a. The SeaPerch Program provides students with the opportunity to

learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics (STEM)

while building an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) as

part of a science and engineering technology curriculum.

b. Throughout the project, students will learn engineering concepts,

problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications.

c. Building a SeaPerch ROV teaches basic skills in ship and submarine

design and encourages students to explore naval architecture and

marine and ocean engineering principles.

d. It also teaches basic science and engineering concepts and tool safety and technical procedures.

e. Students learn important engineering and design skills and are exposed to all the exciting careers that are possi-

ble in naval architecture and naval, ocean, and marine engineering.

SeaPerch is…

A hands-on educational tool

Fun and challenging

A curriculum that meets national learning standards

Integrates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

Teaches the teachers

Builds teamwork and inspires young minds

Introduces STEM career discussions

STEM and the Future of the U.S. Navy

Inspiration, discovery, and innovation are the hallmarks of the Navy's Research Enterprise. Maintaining a technological

edge requires a dynamic portfolio of scientific research and technology development, a culture of innovation, and the

capacity to draw upon diverse ideas and approaches. Tomorrow's scientists and engineers will be at the heart of this in-

novation process. Without a steady stream of civilian and enlisted scientists and engineers, the Navy's ability to main-

tain its Science and Technology superiority will falter over time. Consequently, increasing the STEM pipeline has be-

come a critical priority for the Navy so that we are capable of tackling the challenges of the future.

By offering a broad range of STEM education and outreach programs, the Navy seeks to address the national crisis of

decreasing college enrollments and careers in science and engineering. Through programs like SeaPerch and the

STEM2Stern Program, the goal is to engage and inspire young people by exposing them to exciting, hands-on, and

mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, while at the same time fostering self-

confidence and life skills.

For more detailed information regarding this program, please visit http://gli.gmu.edu/stem/ or http://

www.agminstitute.org/content/2015-gmu-summer-stem-research-program-promotion. You may also

contact AGM Institute by emailing your questions to contact@agminstitute.org or by calling Michelle

Hong at (877) 212-0011, extension 101. Hope you can join us this summer.

Experiential Learning

George Mason University 2015 Summer STEM Research Program

Instructors

Dr. Reid Schwebach

Ed.M., Secondary

Science Education,

Columbia University

Dr. Schwebach is a faculty member of the Biology Undergraduate Pro-

gram. Before coming to Mason, he was an American Association for the

Advancement of Science (AAAS) sponsored "Science and Technology

Policy Fellow" at the National Science Foundation, in The Division of

Research and Learning.

AGM Institute, 7700 Little River Turnpike, Suite 407, Annandale, VA 22003 Phone: (877) 212-0011 Fax: (866) 717-0014 Email: contact@agminstitute.org Website: www.agminstitute.org

Dr. Padmanabhan

Seshaiyer

Ph.D., Applied

Mathematics, UMBC

Dr. Seshaiyer’s research interests are in the broad areas of Computational Mathematics, Scientific Computing, Computational Biomechanics and STEM Education. He has won several prestigious awards, including the President's Excellence Award in Teaching which is the highest award for teaching offered at two different institutions. He is also one of the Nifty-Fifty speakers for the USA Science and Engineering Festival and also has given a TEDx talk.

Dr. Kelly Knight

M.S., Forensic Science,

Virginia Commonwealth

University

Prof. Knight has an educational background in Chemistry, Biology, and

Forensic Science. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses

and is the STEM Accelerator who provides guidance, mentoring, and

recruitment for undergraduate students in the Forensic Science Program.

Dr. Claudette Davis

Ph.D., Molecular,

Cellular and

Developmental Biology,

Dr. Davis teaches undergraduate cell biology and genetics, and serves as the Math and Science Accelerator for Department of Biology.

Dr. Mary Ewell

Ph.D., Physical Sciences

George Mason

University

Dr. Ewell’s research interest is in Astrobiology, specifically theorized Ancient Marian atmospheres and the possibility of life, extant of extinct, on Mars.

Biostatics and Genetics

Biology

Physical Science

Chemistry

Preparing for GMU:

Why should my son/daughter study abroad in high school? a. Programs like the Summer STEM Research Program give

high school students unique insight into college-level aca-demic work and prepare students for the college environment.

b. Students will absorb another culture, learn another language, stand out on college applications, and develop self-reliance and leadership.

Can international students apply to summer program?

a. YES, international students are encour-aged to apply.

b. International students will be on a B1/B2 Visa – application information is found at http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/visit/visitor.html.

Why GMU? a. George Mason University is a growing

research university with a national profile in the sciences. b. GMU is a top 150 university nationally and will be a high-

light in students’ college application. Are scholarship opportunities available?

No, unfortunately there are no scholarships or financial aids avail-able for this program.

Can commuter students bring a car to campus? Yes, however commuters are encouraged to use the Metro-Shuttle

a. Students would take the Orange Line to the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station (final station on the orange line) and pick-up the free shuttle bus to campus.

b. There are temporary parking passes available: i. daily rate ($8.00) ii. weekly rate ($25.00)

When can I arrive for the program? a. Residential students’ check-in begins at 10 am on June 21,

2015. b. Program orientation time will be informed once registered.

Is medical insurance required? This is not required, as ALL students will be enrolled in the group coverage.

Can I opt-out of the group insurance? No, this is a requirement of the program. All participants including international students are signed up for this insurance.

My daughter or son has never been away from home before. Will it be an issue to attend the program?

a. The Global Learning Institute provides extensive oversight and programming, so all students will feel supported through-out the program.

b. Students don’t need prior experience living away from home. c. Students will make friends with other program participants,

staff, and other College of Science summer students through planned activities such as group BBQs and trips to Washing-ton, DC.

Academic Program:

What are the benefits of the program? a. Students will receive a Certificate of Participation upon com-

pletion of the program. b. Students will have an impressive experience for their resume

that showcases advanced academic work and experiential learning.

c. Experience that students can highlight in college application. d. Familiarity with college-level academic work. e. Familiarity with the university environment.

Does this program offer college credits? No, the 2015 Summer STEM Research Program does not offer college credits.

Will you provide my son or daughter with a reference or recom-mendation letter in the future?

Yes, the College of Science STEM Accelerator faculty are willing to provide a recommendation letter upon students’ request.

How many classes will student take during the program? Students will be in academic classes five days a week, with two academic modules per day. i) One academic Module is STEM course work. ii) One academic Module is project-based work.

While On Campus:

Who can parents contact with concerns while students are on campus? a. Michelle Hong ( 703-485-6197, Korean Speak ing) a. James Burke (301-980-4612) Is a laptop mandatory or recommended? No, you do not require your aptop for the program. Is there an ATM available to students on cam-pus? Yes, there are multiple ATMs on-campus. interna-

tional students are available to use ATM card when parents deposit funds into students’ accounts.

Does my daughter or son need a cell phone? If so and my daughter and son does not own one, is it available for pur-chase?

Yes, cell phones are the easiest way to be in contact with your child. There are many Pre-Paid Cell Phone options are availa-ble, which students can purchase on their first day at GMU.

Are meals included in the program? Yes, all three meals are included for residential students, and a lunch is included for commuter students.

What if my daughter or son has dietary restrictions? George Mason University is equipped to handle students with a variety of dietary resections. Please describe necessary accom-modations in an email to James Burke, jburke23@gmu.edu.

How much pocket money will my daughter or son need to bring for the two week period?

It varies from students to students. Most expenses are included in the program fees (meals, housing, etc.), but students may bring proper amount of money for students’ individual needs.

What happen in case of an emergency? a. All participants are covered on GMU’s High School Ex-

change insurance plan. No additional charge. b. This insurance plan covers medical, emergency, and acci-

dental issues. What sort of safety measures are in place on campus?

a. George Mason University is an enclosed campus that is very safe and has 24/7 public safety support.

b. George Mason University has its own police department on-campus, which will respond to all emergencies.

c. Mason provides one Residential Advisors for every 10 students that will oversee programs and activities.

Will students travel alone or with a group? All students will travel as a group with staffs and student-staffs oversight.

Residence Life:

Where is my daughter or son living and with whom? a. Students will be living on-campus at George Mason Univer-

sity’s summer residence halls. b. Rooms are double occupancy. c. Roommates will be randomly assigned- students may re-

quest a roommate, if both parties make the same request. d. Students requesting a single occupancy room will need to

add $550 to their program fees to make this accommoda-tion.

Will my daughter or son have a curfew in the dormitory? Yes, students will need to be in their rooms by 11:30pm.

AGM Institute, 7700 Little River Turnpike, Suite 407, Annandale, VA 22003 Phone: (877) 212-0011 Fax: (866) 717-0014 Email: contact@agminstitute.org Website: www.agminstitute.org