WMU News

Institute gives high school students unique learning experiences

July 8, 1999

KALAMAZOO -- A summit on school violence, an examination of the gypsy moth problem and lessons on building telescopes, making paper from pulp and creating loud noises through chemistry are on tap for 120 gifted high school seniors and juniors who will be at Western Michigan University July 11-24 for the Summer Institute for the Arts and Sciences.

The institute, sponsored by a grant from the Michigan State Board of Education and WMU, will bring students from across the state to Kalamazoo for the two-week residential program. WMU was one of eight universities in Michigan chosen to host the institute.

Focusing on a theme of "The Art of Technology and the Science of Culture: Building a Global Village," the institute will present students with a variety of classes that draw from the talents of University faculty and staff as well as others from the community. Dr. Melissa Gibson, institute director, says the institute was designed to offer a vast array of learning opportunities that allow students to recognize and understand the link between science and art and the role these play in the rapidly evolving global village.

The institute combines intensive classes, where students study one field in-depth for two weeks, with exploratory sessions, in which they will learn about a wide variety of topics. In addition, activities are planned, including a summit on school violence, that will allow participants to discuss controversial and important topics in detail.

Among the classes and activities planned of interest are:

In addition, more than 70 exploratory sessions, offered each afternoon from 1:30 to 3 p.m., will address topics including world religions, jewelry making, painting, leadership, gender differences, career choices, biology and sociology. Among these are:

Media contact: Marie Lee, 616 387-8400, marie.lee@wmich.edu


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