CONNECT
The CONNECT program is designed for girls only who are currently in grades 6, 7 or 8.
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Curriculum Scientific Methods Physical Science Life Sciences Earth/Environmental Science Mathematics The Independent Research Project |
Eligibility |
Curriculum
CONNECT builds enthusiasm, confidence and skills at an age when girls fade into the background in mathematics and science classes. The aim of the program is not to accelerate students above grade level, but to strengthen their foundations by immersing them in scientific problem-solving activities, including interdisciplinary and technology-intensive investigations.
The CONNECT program emphasizes:
- Hands-on projects, cooperative learning and team building
- Use of technology, including graphing calculators, computer spreadsheets, statistics software, word processors
- Developing research skills and techniques
- Field trips that augment classroom instruction
The CONNECT program develops
- Higher-order thinking
- Problem-solving skills
- Written and oral communication
- Interest and confidence in science and mathematics
Each girl studies physical life science, earth/environmental science and mathematics.
Scientific Methods
CONNECT girls receive a thorough review of the scientific method as well as instruction on experimental design, the use of controls, and data analysis. Throughout the program, students are given opportunities to pose scientific questions, to write and follow procedures, to make qualitative and quantitative observations, to collect and analyze data, to draw conclusions from scientific evidence, and to present their results. The program concludes with girls’ presentations of individual projects, in which they demonstrate their scientific knowledge and abilities as well as their summer accomplishments.
Physical Science
What is a chemical reaction? Why does a boat float or an airplane fly? How does a light bulb light? Each girl participates in a laboratory-based unit of physical science. Students may study Everyday Chemistry, Wind Cars, Electricity or other captivating topics while they learn key concepts and skills of physical science. Classes emphasize experimental design, laboratory techniques, data collection and analysis.
Life Sciences
What lives where and why? How do living things grow and function, and how do they adapt to different environments? How are they interrelated? Each girl studies a life science unit, including both laboratory work and fieldwork. Some units that have been offered recently are Biodiversity, Human Body and Marine Science: Seaing is Believing!
Earth/Environmental Science
What is in soil and why, and what is it good for? What is global warming and how might it affect us? How do you find sources of water or air pollution? Students study earth systems science through laboratory experimentation and fieldwork. Some recent investigations include Soils-What, Where and Why?, What Mineral is This? and Water, Water, Everywhere!
Mathematics
How do scientists use mathematics to understand the world? How can we use mathematics to make the world better? We focus on building girls' abilities to use mathematics to solve problems in science and in everyday life, on deepening their understandings of the key concepts needed for high school mathematics and on strengthening girls' oral and written mathematical communication skills. Mathematics is integrated throughout the program. We do not attempt to accelerate students beyond their current grade level in mathematics. Our primary goal is to help girls use the mathematics they already know more effectively and to prepare them to learn mathematics more efficiently when they return to school in the fall. Also, as students collect and analyze a variety of data during the program, they receive an introduction to statistics that emphasizes modern data analysis.
The Independent Research Project
A culminating activity and a hallmark of this program is the independent research project. Each girl conducts library research on a topic that interests her and she formulates a scientific hypothesis about it. She then designs and performs an original experiment, collecting data to test her hypothesis. Results of the individual projects are presented in both a formal lab report and Power Point format. Girls rehearse their presentations and their final presentations are videotaped.
Eligibilty
Advanced knowledge of mathematics and science is not necessary, but motivation, curiosity, creativity and an interest in exploring a variety of topics in physics, biology, chemistry, earth science and mathematics are essential. Students must submit an application, application fee, personal essay, current transcript, school recommendation, two teacher recommendations and a graded English paper.
Day Students
CONNECT welcomes day students. They are expected to participate fully in all aspects of the program, including evening study hours, evening projects and field trips.