*The West Virginia Aerospace and Engineering Scholars Experience will not be held in 2014. The College of Science and Technology looks forward to pursuing this endeavor in the future.*
THE WEST VIRGINIA AEROSPACE AND ENGINEERING SCHOLARS EXPERIENCE
The West Virginia Space Grant Consortium and Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex are partnering with NASA Johnson Space Center to provide the exciting opportunity of a NASA-based science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational program for high school juniors in West Virginia.
The West Virginia Aerospace and Engineering Scholars, a partnership of NASA Aerospace Scholars, is a competitive program that allows high school juniors to apply to take an engaging online NASA-developed course using a Space Exploration theme to teach a broad range of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills aligned with West Virginia's Content Standards and Objectives. Based on their course performance, scholars may be selected to participate in an all expense paid, three-day residential academy at Fairmont State University during the first week of August.
Coursework is offered online from May through July. This graded course consists of eleven lessons and a final project that allow students to build their knowledge of NASA, space exploration, and key STEM skills. Master Educators will work with students online throughout the course.
Distance Learning
Lessons
Eleven lesson modules have been compiled to expand students’ knowledge, to prepare the Scholars for their three-day Summer Academy at Fairmont State University, and to familiarize them with aerospace exploration. Learning will take place through weekly reading assignments, simulations, viewing video segments, and participating in online discussions. Learning will be demonstrated through completion of case study analysis, technology design activities, quizzes, participation in online discussions, essays, and a final scientific report. These activities are submitted in sequential order, every week and posted through the WVAES online course website. All activities within the modules are reviewed and evaluated by a certified West Virginia educator through the online system and detailed feedback is provided.
Sample Module
Once students have been accepted to the WVAES program, they will receive instructions on how to complete and submit each module assignment. All WVAES modules are aligned to the following standards for students in grades 9-12.
Online Discussions/Chat Room
Scholars participate with mentors, WVAES staff, their instructors, and each other in on-line discussions during the class. These online discussions focus on current aerospace science and technology that support NASA’s vision for space exploration. As part of the course assessment, Scholars are expected to participate in these discussions.
Final Projects
Scholars who are chosen to participate in the Summer Academy submit a final project before arriving at Fairmont State University in the summer. These projects represent the culmination of knowledge gained from the online modules and prepare the students for their work at the Summer Academy where they will work collaboratively. The Scholars will choose their project topic based upon their interests and team assignment. Teams are assigned mid-way through the online course.
Science Elective Credit
If selected students participate in the distance learning coursework and complete the Summer Academy program, school districts will be encouraged to grant a science elective credit towards graduation. The final decision regarding any credit rests with the student's school system.
Who Can Apply?
Students from across the state of West Virginia are selected to participate through a competitive application process. In order to participate students must:
What is the timeline?
Follow-Up Commitment
As a WVAES Scholar, once the distance learning activities are finished and the Summer Academy ended, the responsibility continues. Scholars are encouraged to:
Contact information
Science and Technology
E-Mail: scitech@fairmontstate.edu
Phone: 304.367.4246