GSSM’s Spark! and ENGAGE Virtual After School Programs Now Accepting Applications

September 8, 2021
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) is now accepting applications for its free after-school programs Spark! and ENGAGE. Apply online at www.scgssm.org/outreach.

ENGAGE is a six-week after-school engagement offered in person this fall to 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students. Early experiences with STEM help to build students’ confidence with new technologies. It is designed to impact students through early interest and awareness of STEM studies. Activities will center on the fundamentals of electrical circuits through breadboarding and electronics. Students will use critical thinking skills and deductive reasoning as they explore ways to create electrical circuits using various materials. ENGAGE will take place from 4:15 PM to 5:30 PM every Monday starting September 20 and ending November 15. In total, there will be nine sessions of captivating STEM fun! Space is limited to 10 students per class.

SPARK! is designed to inspire an early interest in and awareness of STEAM studies. In a series of after-school workshops, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders follow their interests to learn the science or math concepts behind daily questions or curiosities. Enjoy activities in the areas of chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, and more that are designed for middle school students and taught by GSSM students. Students can select any or all workshops to attend. They will be a combination of both virtual and in-person sessions, and will take place from 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM, September – November 2021.

Below is a list of all the SPARK! Workshops available. Space is limited to 20 students per virtual session and 15 students per in person session.

Biology: Heredity, Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 (Virtual) 
Have you heard of Gregor Mendel and his famous peas? Do you ever wonder how traits get passed down? If so, this lesson is for you! We will explore the basic model of Mendelian genetics while also looking into more complex forms of inheritance. We will also observe how these genes have changed over time and how that determines the survival of different species. We hope you join us to learn a little more about what makes each one of us unique!

Spanish: ¡Bienvenidos! Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021 (In Person)  
¡Bienvenidos! Have you noticed how some people say “fries” and some say “crisps”? In this lesson we will look at different accents in Spanish speaking countries, and some examples of words that are different in each culture. We will listen to some music, play some piedra, papel, tijera (or rock, paper, scissors), and have fun learning the basics of conjugating verbs!  ¡Espero verte pronto!

Chemistry: Going the Right Way…and Left! Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 (Virtual)  
We have all seen chemical reactions go forward (for example, NaOH + HCl gives you NaCl… salt!), but have you ever thought about reactions that go backwards? What about reactions that can shift based on their environment? In this lesson, we will explore equilibrium reactions and their unique behaviors and characteristics. We will also look at unique laws and principles discovered to help us understand how these reactions work. Join us to enrich your Chemistry knowledge!

Chinese: Language & Characters, Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021 (Virtual)  
你好! 你叫什么?Are you intrigued by the idea of a language without an alphabet? In this lesson, students will learn the basics of the Chinese language, including common phrases and pronunciations. We will learn calligraphy and other fun activities to learn how to write characters. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to greet one another in Chinese!

Robotics: Mechatronics Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021 (In Person)  
Look around your room. Have you ever wondered how some of these items you use every day are assembled? There is a good chance many of them are made by robots in factories.  In this lesson, we will explore different machines and techniques used in factories like injection molding, robotic arms, mechatronics, and 3d printing. Participants will learn how robots have improved the production of everyday items and be able to understand how items we depend on everyday are mass produced.

Computer Science: Coding at its Core, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 (Virtual)  
Do you ever wonder how all the programs you use were made? How do programs like Word, Chrome, and even your computer’s Operating System work? In this lesson, students will learn the fundamentals of programming, including basic variables, loops, and functions, then test their knowledge using block code and a pre-built FTC robot.  Join us to get a basic understanding of how computer code works!

Environmental Science: Can You Save the World? (Virtual) Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021 
What exactly is “the right thing to do”? Sometimes, both sides have equally valid arguments, and this is no different when it comes to the environment! Join us as we explore the ethics that are involved with our beautiful Earth as we explore and discuss ethical dilemmas such as oil drilling, aquariums, plastic bags, and so much more!

Music: Music Theory: Majors, Minors, Rhythms, & More! Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021 (In Person)  
If you’ve ever looked at a piece of sheet music, it can seem intimidating. From the different symbols to Italian words, music has many parts. In this lesson, students will learn the basics of music theory, including reading key signatures, counting beats, and identifying rhythms. Students will also take music theory a step further and investigate patterns and relationships between these elements of music theory. We hope you embrace your musical side with us!

French: The Science of French Fashion, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021 (Virtual)  
French fashion designers are some of the best that the world has ever known. Throughout the years, French couture has become more elaborate and creative. In this lesson, students will learn about infamous fashion designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and many more. They will also learn how French fashion and fashion culture has influenced other cultures around the world. They will also learn how modern fashion production trends, such as fast fashion, have differed between the United States and francophone countries. We hope to see you soon! À bientôt!

Physics: Go with the Flow, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 (In Person) 
Do you wonder how charge flows through objects? Have you ever wondered about how different objects can experience charge? In this lesson, you will learn about the attractivity of charges and electric fields! You will also learn about how charges affect certain objects through experimentation. We will also apply this knowledge to higher level physics to introduce important laws. Join us in learning more about physics in world around us.

Government & Economics: Making Money in the Stock Market Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021 (Virtual)  
Do you want to understand the stock market better and be able to make money using it? This lesson will give students an introduction to the stock market. Participants will not only learn how to make money, but also how to avoid the risk of losing money as well. We will explore real examples of companies on the stock market and how their stock has changed over the past year. Join us to bring out your inner investor!

History: The Impossible Next Day Delivery, Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021 (Virtual) 
Imagine living in one of the world’s major cities and suddenly you are cut off from the outside world entirely. What would you do? Well, this history lesson will look at the Berlin Wall and blockade part of the Cold War, and how the actions of countries and individuals helped overcome what could have been a major aid crisis through one of history’s greatest air drop efforts. We will even engineer our own solutions to this historical problem. Strap into your cargo jet and prepare to get a supply drop of knowledge in this SPARK! lesson.

Government & Economics: Making Money in the Stock Market, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021 (In Person)  
Do you want to understand the stock market better and be able to make money using it? This lesson will give students an introduction to the stock market. Participants will not only learn how to make money, but also how to avoid the risk of losing money as well. We will explore real examples of companies on the stock market and how their stock has changed over the past year. Join us to bring out your inner investor!

Latin: The Roots of Latin, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021 (Virtual) 
You probably know that all the Romance languages (French, Spanish etc.) are derived from Latin, but you might not be aware of English’s deep roots in Latin, despite it being a Germanic language. After this lesson, students will understand some of the key features of Latin that set it apart, how Latin has shaped modern English, it’s utility in various STEM fields, as well as it’s influences in romance languages and more. So, carpe diem and sign up for a lesson now!

Literature: The Power of Words, Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021 (Virtual)  
Have you ever read something so good that it changed your opinions? For centuries humans have strived to write compelling stories. Certain narratives stand above the rest in the influence that single works of words have had on society. This lesson will introduce the idea of literature for change by looking at incredible examples in American History such as Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle” and Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” both of which led to governmental change to solve contemporary issues. Why did these works have such an impact, and how can we use their methods when writing for change today? Additionally, we will examine how the phrasing of what we say can change how ideas feel. The current debate about the state of our climate has been framed by the words used to describe it, and you can learn how politicians support or discourage action for the climate with the words that they use. Join us to learn how to best use your voice to change your world!

Chinese: Language & Characters, Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 (In Person) 
你好! 你叫什么?Are you intrigued by the idea of a language without an alphabet? In this lesson, students will learn the basics of the Chinese language, including common phrases and pronunciations. We will learn calligraphy and other fun activities to learn how to write characters. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to greet one another in Chinese!

Math: Consequential Constants, Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 (Virtual)  
Have you ever wondered why some numbers are represented as letters or words? Or why π is the specific number it is? Numbers shape every discipline of mathematics from arithmetic to calculus, but some numbers are special in the way we apply them. In this lesson, we will explore some very specific and important numbers like e, π, phi (also known as the golden ratio), i, and others, detailing how they were discovered and their applications. Join us to learn how a handful of symbols influences the mathematical world!

Chemistry: Going the Right Way…and Left, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021 (In Person) 
We have all seen chemical reactions go forward (for example, NaOH + HCl gives you NaCl… salt!), but have you ever thought about reactions that go backwards? What about reactions that can shift based on their environment? In this lesson, we will explore equilibrium reactions and their unique behaviors and characteristics. We will also look at unique laws and principles discovered to help us understand how these reactions work. Join us to enrich your Chemistry knowledge!

Music: Music Theory: Majors, Minors, Rhythms, & More! Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021 (Virtual) 
If you’ve ever looked at a piece of sheet music, it can seem intimidating. From the different symbols to Italian words, music has many parts. In this lesson, students will learn the basics of music theory, including reading key signatures, counting beats, and identifying rhythms. Students will also take music theory a step further and investigate patterns and relationships between these elements of music theory. We hope you embrace your musical side with us!

Physics: Go with the Flow, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021 (Virtual) 
Do you wonder how charge flows through objects? Have you ever wondered about how different objects can experience charge? In this lesson, you will learn about the attractivity of charges and electric fields! You will also learn about how charges affect certain objects through experimentation. We will also apply this knowledge to higher level physics to introduce important laws. Join us in learning more about physics in world around us.

Biology: Heredity, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021 (In Person) 
Have you heard of Gregor Mendel and his famous peas? Do you ever wonder how traits get passed down? If so, this lesson is for you! We will explore the basic model of Mendelian genetics while also looking into more complex forms of inheritance. We will also observe how these genes have changed over time and how that determines the survival of different species. We hope you join us to learn a little more about what makes each one of us unique!

Robotics: Mechatronics, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021 (Virtual) 
Look around your room. Have you ever wondered how some of these items you use every day are assembled? There is a good chance many of them are made by robots in factories.  In this lesson, we will explore different machines and techniques used in factories like injection molding, robotic arms, mechatronics, and 3d printing. Participants will learn how robots have improved the production of everyday items and be able to understand how items we depend on everyday are mass produced.

Spanish: ¡Bienvenidos! Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021 (Virtual) 
¡Bienvenidos! Have you noticed how some people say “fries” and some say “crisps”? In this lesson we will look at different accents in Spanish speaking countries, and some examples of words that are different in each culture. We will listen to some music, play some piedra, papel, tijera (or rock, paper, scissors), and have fun learning the basics of conjugating verbs!  ¡Espero verte pronto!

For more information about GSSM’s Outreach programs, please visit www.scgssm.org.

About GSSM

One of the few specialized public residential high schools of its kind, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science + Mathematics (GSSM) exists to push motivated young learners beyond their perceived levels of academic ability. Founded in 1988 under the leadership of the late Governor Carroll Campbell, GSSM has consistently raised the bar for STEM education in the Palmetto State. GSSM’s two-year residential high school program—as well as its virtual high school program, summer camps, and outreach programs—all invite young people to explore the subjects they love in a diverse, inclusive, and uncommonly supportive academic environment. Here, challenge is viewed as a gateway to opportunity. GSSM students embrace the school’s rigorous approach to education and in so doing begin to realize their full potential.Learn more by visiting www.scgssm.org.