CAMERAS, COMPUTERS & CREATIVITY
How to apply

"A picture is worth a thousand words." Students will learn to use a digital camera, scanner, and word processing to create a book of fiction, poetry, newspaper articles, and pictures. Highlights of the week will include a field trip to the newspaper publishing plant and visits from a Webmaster and a published author.

Students will take a hands-on approach to learning about the six simple machines. Three different Lego Dacta kits will be used to build projects designed to teach these concepts. Projects will utilize gears, pulleys, electric motors and pneumatic pumps. Students will then get the opportunity to do structured drawings on computers using computer assisted drawing and design software (CADD). A field trip to see robotics in industry will enrich what students have learned.

ART
How to apply

Art instruction in specific techniques and mediums will provide students an opportunity to expand their artistic abilities.  Students will experiment with a wide spectrum of artistic media including charcoal, pastel, watercolor and acrylics. Highlighting the week will be a visit to an architectural firm where the world of technology from process to product parallels the Art of experience.

CHEMISTRY
How to apply

Students will gain a practical knowledge of everyday chemistry which will allow them to make sound and logical decisions concerning the use of chemicals in their environment. Utilizing the scientific method, students will conduct many experiments in a lab setting.

LIVING HISTORY
How to apply

Join in the exploration of historical events from the pre-colonial period through the Civil War. A trip to an old graveyard, "hands-on" experiences from the Revolutionary War, reenactments of Civil War battles, and crafts of the era will be included in this class. A trip to the Danville Fine Arts Museum will add "flavor" to learning more about the years 1607-1865.

ART OF MATHEMATICS
How to apply

Experience math as you've never seen it. Translate, rotate, and reflect your way through shapes, algebraic equations and patterns. In this class you will discover some of the mathematical secrets of M. C. Escher. Create drawings of the impossible, optical illustrations, and tessellations. Explore the art of mathematics! 

Learn to think like a detective as you examine and analyze data to solve simulated crimes. This class will entail fingerprinting, blood typing, and DNA analysis. Guest speakers from the field of criminology and field trips will enrich the class.

Get to know your environment as you investigate and learn to identify local rocks, plants, trees and insects. Examine the heavens using telescopes. Students will need to dress everyday for challenging outdoor activities. Shoes appropriate for a rough terrain are a must.

BIOLOGY
How to apply

Learn about creepy, crawly creatures. Using microscopes and the scientific method, students will complete experiments and field studies to discover the unseen world. Field trips and speakers will enrich the class.

DRAMA
How to apply

Students will be part of a team that will present a musical play for production. This will be a collaborative process and all participants will get to act, sing and dance on stage.  Anyone wishing to enroll in Drama MUST AUDITION.  At the audition, students must be prepared to sing a song of their choice, read lines that will be supplied by the instructors and follow directions given to them.  Auditions will be held at the Chatham High Auditorium in Chatham, Virginia on Saturday, April 8, 2006, at 10:00 a.m.

(Please arrive a few minutes early - will conclude  by 12:30 p.m.) 

Students who enroll in drama must attend BOTH WEEKS of Governor's School.

Learn to use Front Page Express to design web pages.  Students will incorporate graphics, digital photography and text to create sites that reflect their personalities and document their governor's school experience.