
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 3, 1995                   TAG: 9505030042
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-15   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN                                  LENGTH: Medium

GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL PLANS 'SCIENCE FUN' WEEK FOR YOUNGER STUDENTS

A week of "science fun" will be offered to students in grades 5-8 at the Southwest Virginia Governor's School during the week of June 12-16.

Faculty members at the school will teach courses in geology, computers, astronomy, geometric design, ecology, physical science and chemistry in sessions from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from noon to 3 p.m.

The cost is $50 per course, or $95 for two courses. The registration deadline is May 15. Further information is available from Debbie Douthat at (703) 674-3600, extension 292.

The program, called "Science in Motion," is the first of its kind to be offered by the school serving the counties of Pulaski, Giles, Floyd, Wythe, Bland, Carroll and Smyth and the city of Galax. The school's governing board approved it Tuesday.

But it is not the first time the school, for junior and senior high-school students, has brought younger students to its campus at Pulaski County High School. Students from lower grades have been visiting the school for weeks in large groups.

"We've probably had around 1,000 students, once we get through this week," Margaret "Pat" Duncan, the school's director, told the board.

"I would like to see the Governor's School have an impact on science education, K through 12," she said. "We'd like to have that as part of our mission."

In its present quarters, the school can handle about 100 students and has been enrolling them for half-days next year. "As of now, we have 98," Duncan said.

Duncan reported that Parents in Education, a support group for the Governor's School, will offer two $500 college scholarships for graduating seniors this year. Volvo-GM Heavy Truck Corp. will offer another $500 to a Pulaski County student, and a Wythe County industry will add a fourth $500 scholarship.

The board approved a change in the school's calendar, moving exams back from June to May 30 and 31. The school's last day of classes will be May 31. An awards banquet for its students will be at 6 p.m. May 22 in the Pulaski County High School Commons.

Eighty students offered scientific papers for the Virginia Academy of Sciences, to be held this month at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, and 43 have been accepted for presentation on May 24. The board approved a trip by all the Governor's School students to hear the presentations.

The board also learned that Governor's School students tied for fifth place in the state in annual Virginia Math League competition. More than 100 schools competed.

by CNB