Friday, August 30, 2013

NCIS: Westmont - Forensic Science

“Everybody loves a good mystery. Mysteries can take us out of ourselves and lead us to explore the far reaches of our imagination.” ~Detective Science, Jim Wiese, p. 1

Welcome! NCIS: Westmont, an EPERIOD, developed and created to be an enrichment period where students will work in crime scene teams and use inquiry skills to develop an explanation for a crime. Students will:
  • be introduced to new experiences and ideas
  • work regularly with other students of similar abilities and talents
  • learn the skills necessary to reach their goals as they pursue their interests and talents
  • conduct in-depth investigations, participate in self-directed learning

Forensic Science means to investigate and establish facts of interest in relation to criminal or civil law.  
  • Forensics offers students an opportunity to develop research, critical thinking, organization, persuasion, and oral communication skills.
  • Forensics appeals to students with different goals and interests. It provides useful career preparation in law, education, politics, broadcasting, religion, public affairs, business, and other professions requiring critical thinking and communication skills.
  • Forensics enables students to clarify their personal and social values through confrontation with the value judgments of others.
  • Students learn respect for dissenting opinions and acquire knowledge and skills crucial to effective participation in a democratic society.
  • Forensics provides students with an opportunity to develop social skills, including teamwork. Students develop realistic attitudes toward competition through competing responsibly and effectively in an intellectual environment.

As students goes through this enrichment learning experience, please look for messages via Message Center on Skyward and/or Blog Posts. . .some anticipated methods of communication.

Looking forward to working with your child as they experience Forensic Science!

Friday, April 26, 2013

GEMS. Girls Engaged in Math & Science.


GEMS. Girls Engaged in Math & Science.
Congratulations to 6th grade students Lucy and Marianne!!  They applied for and have been accepted to participate in a week long STEM camp this June at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Lucy and Marianne will join other 6th and 7th grade girls where they will learn about the science of computing, while at the same time investigate the role that computers play in our food systems. During this week, the girls will write simple programs that simulate garden growth, solve lots of food-themed puzzles, meet computing and food experts in the community, and be active, social, and simply have fun. We look forward to hearing their stories and experiences. Again, congratulations!!
More information can be found at http://gems.cs.illinois.edu.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

STEM Event...For Middle School Girls Only!


What is S.T.E.M? Science.Technology.Engineering.Math.
Do you like building things with toothpicks, marshmallows, and straws? Would you like to design and construct a raft that will float to hold the most pennies? Then this is a learning opportunity for you. In April, there will be two after school STEM events for you to participate in. You can participate in hands-on activities and experiments. You can design, construct, and build cool stuff using everyday household items. You can learn the concepts of Newton’s Laws of Motion and build a balloon rocket car. You can utilize an iPad to dissect a frog.

Who is invited to participate?
Middle School students...girls only.

Why is this for girls only?
Women are generally underrepresented in the STEM fields and according to a 2011 report by the U.S. Department of Commerce, only one in seven engineers is female. Today only 27% of all computer science jobs are held by women. There is a need to create interest in the STEM fields with engaging, hands-on opportunities for girls.  At Westmont Junior High a learning opportunity has been created for girls.

When is the STEM event?
Thursday, April 4th and Thursday, April 18th from 3:30-5:00pm. STEM event sponsors. Mrs. Laura Riley and Mrs. Amy Jordan will meet with participants in Room 309.

What are the benefits of participating?
This is an opportunity to enhance their understanding of STEM career opportunities. Girls will learn skills that are needed in a high technology workplace. Girls will get to interact with other girls, test their ideas, meet new people, and learn about new careers.