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Hidden Science Wizards: How do PGSS students show their talents in this competitive summer?
Since 1982, the Pennsylvania Governor's School of Science (PGSS) has been a premier science education program in Pennsylvania. The program is designed to spark interest in science among high school students and typically focuses on core courses such as biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics. This year’s participants faced fierce competition from across the state, with nearly 500 aspiring young people applying for only 72 spots, demonstrating a strong passion for science.
"PGSS is more than just learning science, it is a place where friendships and collaborations are built."
Each year, 36 male and 36 female students devote themselves to this elite five-week program. They not only learn theoretical knowledge, but also participate in laboratory courses and team projects. Through this design, students show their passion and curiosity for science in acquiring knowledge, and they also spare no effort in social interaction, forming a strong friendship and spirit of cooperation.
Course settings and features
The course design of PGSS is not limited to book knowledge, but relies especially on participants' active learning and mutual assistance and cooperation. Core courses typically meet four days a week, and the content taught may vary from year to year; for example, biology classes typically cover HIV/AIDS biotechnology, while chemistry classes focus on organic chemistry. Each participant is exposed to different course content, allowing them to help each other learn.
"We are here not only to learn knowledge, but also to build the future scientific community."
In addition to core courses, students are required to submit assignments every week. These assignments often require students to conduct a lot of discussion and cooperation, creating a learning atmosphere that encourages communication. In such an environment, each participant has the opportunity to learn from each other and improve their scientific literacy.
Team project and laboratory experience
Each PGSS student must participate in a team project. In addition to promoting teamwork, this project is also a showcase of their learning achievements. In the last week of "Team Project Week", all learning results will be presented in the form of scientific research reports. This process helps students apply the knowledge they have learned in practice and stimulates their creativity and critical thinking.
Continuing challenges and opportunities
With the development of PGSS, whether this program can continue to attract more students to participate has become one of the long-term challenges. After it was suspended in 2009 due to funding issues, PGSS alumni launched a recovery plan and received considerable support. Today's PGSS is not only a local science education project, but also the dream of many young scientists.
Alumni support and future prospects
After the resumption of classes, PGSS has received great support from alumni, organized multiple alumni reunion events, and established a mentor system so that the new generation of students can benefit from the experience of their predecessors. The establishment of the alumni community makes PGSS more like a big family, continuously nourishing this fertile soil of science.
"PGSS has become an integral part of our lives, both intellectually and emotionally."
With the rapid development of science and technology, more and more attention is paid to science education. PGSS not only attracts young people who are interested in science, but also hopes to cultivate future scientific blueprint makers. Against this background, what will be the future of PGSS?
