The College of Science and Mathematics hosted its first College for a Day recently, offering some three dozen high school students a sampling of courses.
The juniors and seniors from throughout metro Atlanta learned the basics of honeybees and beekeeping. They explored winter plants and urban meteorology. They pondered extra-terrestrial chemistry, the Fibonacci series and the Golden Ratio. The one-hour classes also included sessions on magnetism, prehistoric animals, the inherent dangers of unencrypted data and the joy of programming a simple robot. The courses were developed and taught by 12 college faculty members, representing the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geosciences, Mathematics and Physics.
“We wanted to give them an idea of the topics that students study and the teaching style of the professors,” said Dr. Scott Gordon, an associate dean in the college. UWG reorganized its colleges in 2011.
“I think it was a successful event,” said Gordon, who is a mathematics professor. He noted that the students drove to campus on Feb. 11 – one the coldest days of the year to enjoy the sampling of courses, receive a tour of campus, and pick up lunch at Z-6.
The idea for the event was conceived by Dr. Bruce Landman, dean of the college, as a way to attract students who are interested in the sciences to enroll at UWG.
After the visit to campus, several students e-mailed Gordon, who hopes to host another College for a Day event later this year.
“I love the interaction in the chemistry course, the smart materials,” wrote Lauren Bridges, a junior at South Paulding High School.
“I love hands-on things and it really caught my attention. I love chemistry, so I was going to double major in chemistry and psychology. I had been pretty set on going to West Georgia but after seeing the campus and visiting. I fell in love and I can't wait to go there in a year and a half! Thanks for a great day!"
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