Central Virginia Governor's School for Science and Technology

• Junior Research
• Math Analysis/Precalculus or College Calculus I
• Physics (algebra-based)

• Senior Seminar
• College Physics or College Anatomy and Physiology
• College Calculus I and II or College Calculus II and III or Connections in Mathematics or Linear Algebra/Vector Calculus

Junior Research is an introduction to the research process; it gives students experience in designing individual projects, running elementary statistical analysis, project research, and scientific writing. Students use these skills to design their own project; they report their results in paper, scientific poster, and online formats.

During the fall semester, students select their research categories and conduct a thorough literature review as they narrow their ideas down to a specific topic, research question, and hypothesis. Once they have a clear research question, they design their studies and submit them for approval. Once approved, students implement their designs and collect their data. During the second semester, students analyze their data, report their results and conclusions, and finish writing their papers. From the paper they move to the scientific poster and PowerPoint presentation. Most juniors participate in the regional science fair, and many go on to the state fair. Most students also participate in the Virginia Junior Academy of Science statewide research symposium. This is the venue in which they share all they have learned through a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation.

In the spring, for 12 Fridays, juniors experience an internship with a local business or company.

Senior Seminar provides seniors with the opportunity to continue developing their individual research skills, to learn more about current topics in science and mathematics, and to use sophisticated technology which is part of the modern research setting. Students pursue topics on an individual basis and in small groups. The first six weeks students spend on the Engineering Bridge Project. For the next four six week periods students participate in a Technology Laboratory or working on a Senior Research Project. During the final six weeks, all seniors work in groups on the capstone Senior Science Scenario project, which ends with formal group presentations the last week of school.