Governor's School Quarterly Update

Students are currently exploring data analysis by subsetting datasets, that is, taking only a portion of a dataset and analyzing it as its own based on some criteria or grouping. Now we are beginning to take on univariate, bivariate, and multivariate summaries to better understand data at a glance. Moving forward, graph visualization will become a larger part of the course.

Lillian Lam and Diane Hoffman (both from Grafton high school, YCSD) are working under the direction of Dr. Gerald Dumas at Hampton University. They are creating opto-active polyurethane samples for protease detection. Protease breaks down DQ-gelatin (dyed-quenched gelatin) within a polyurethane network, releasing a fluorescent signal that allows detection of protease activity in real time. Possible applications include detection of MMP-9 activity found in breast cancer.

Differential Equations teams of 3-5 students collaboratively completed and presented an application project “Modeling Electrical Cars Stations”. Each team described, analyzed and illustrated with SWOT and PESTLE analysis, modeled with the help of data analysis the differential equations for the complex system of an electric vehicle's charging stations in a 25 page paper. Pictures: Mara, Nina and Andrew

As we reach the culmination of multivariable calculus we study the flux of a vector field (the arrows) through a 3D surface (the blue/green surface).

Calculus students are exploring applications of integration by using integrals to find volumes of solids.

Pre Calculus students have worked on Matrices through error analysis and problem solving using Gauss Jordan Elimination techniques.

Pre Calculus student in photo: Valentina Crespo

Biology students have become “cellular biology engineers” to learn about Cell Cycle Regulation using a problem based learning strategy. Teams of students developed proposals for cancer treatment protocols employing (imaginary) synthetic biomolecules that mimic the activity of cell cycle regulators. To accomplish their task, they learned about the normal cell cycle and how it is regulated as well as what happens in cancer cells. Pictured L-R: Shannon (Smithfield HS), Hailee (Warwick HS), Joshua (Tabb HS), Trevor (Windsor HS), Emmanuel and Abdullah (both, Tabb HS).

In the modern physics unit students are studying cosmological concepts such as spacetime geometry around massive bodies, peculiar characteristics and formation of black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs, overall spacetime geometry and the evolution of the universe starting from big bang in light of Einstein’s general theory of relativity.

In the programming unit they have completed learning all the basic components of structural programming with C++ and will start learning object oriented programming (OOP) at the beginning of the following semester.

Students in Senior Computer Science class are learning about structures in C++. They are also finishing up the second quarter project that will be entered into ExploraVision competition sponsored by Toshiba and NSTA. For the project students select a technology that requires coding of any type and study its history as well as develop a vision of this technology as it evolves in 5-10 years.

The chemistry students began their long-term lab – Synthesis and Analysis of a Coordination Compound. All students successfully made the green crystals of potassium tris(oxalato) ferrate (III) trihydrate. Using tools of spectroscopy and titration, they will determine the chemical formula of the compound.

Students in junior Calculus-Based Engineering Physics study the physics of Standing Waves, the basis of Chemistry and the source of beautiful music as well. Pictured: Martin, Ne, Kayleigh, Tahj, Rylan, Justin

To understand the static and dynamic properties of fluids, students explored Pascal’s principle, and learned how to find the buoyant force on an object in a fluid using Archimedes’ principle. Students also learned how siphons work – a practical siphon, operating at typical atmospheric pressures and tube heights, works because of gravity pulling down on the taller column of liquid leaves.

These students accomplished the task of transferring food-dyed water from one cup to the 8th passing through 6 cups in between.

Juniors in the Research Methods class are learning hypothesis tests with the help of graphic illustration. This is just in time as they are obtaining data from their research projects. They will be able to use what they learned to analyze their data.

Teams in the Engineering, Design, and Entrepreneurship module of the junior year Research Methodology and Ethics course were tasked to research, design, and deliver to a client a 1000pF (picofarad) capacitor meeting a host of specific client requirements, such as minimum dielectric strength, overall dimensions, locally-sourced-only materials, etc. Students applied newly learned engineering methods and design procedures to best meet their client’s needs. Pictured: John, Isaac, Grace, Julie

Interested students can join the team of Math Modeling Club to participate in M3Challenge during March3-5, 2023 weekend

On February 9, 2023 selected students will take the F=ma exam, the preliminary exam for the U.S. Physics Team.

Students in the Academic Challenge prepare to take part in the Spring Knowledge Master Open by replaying past games and developing the best game strategy for the next competition.

GSST Placement Test for Coding – On Friday, January 6, 2023 the GSST students competed with one another to determine who will earn the opportunity to represent NHGSST at CodeQuest Lockheed Martin, UVA, and VCU High School programming competitions.

Hannah Hong (on the right) is a junior in Dr. Bedir’s Computational Physics course and attends Grafton High. She will represent GSST in the next level of the national competition.