Savannah Science Seminar
Student Handbook 2015-2016
Savannah Science Seminar
Founded in 1959, the Savannah Science Seminar seeks to promote an understanding and appreciation for science, engineering and technology through informative, participatory presentations to qualified 11th grade students in Savannah, Chatham, Bryan and Effingham Counties.
In the spring of each year, 10th grade students interested in joining the Seminar are invited to take a science aptitude test. Students meeting the predetermined testing criteria are then invited to apply for admission to the Seminar. Students are evaluated on the basis of essay questions used to gauge their involvement and interest in the sciences, and on teacher recommendations. Students are selected for membership for the following academic year.
Membership in the Seminar is limited to approximately 30 students. By involving students from as many different local high schools as possible, members get to meet and team with other students with similar interests and abilities.
The Savannah Science Seminar members meet twice a month during the academic year. During these meetings, students meet active professionals from various scientific fields, and learn more about the educational requirements, job opportunities and scope of activities involved in choosing science as a career. Students also work hands-on (HOWsession) with experiments and projects that enhance the lecture format, allowing them to experience first hand the problem-solving methods and creativity necessary to be a successful engineer or scientist.
Program Leadership
The Savannah Science Seminar is generously supported and funded through the efforts of its Board of Directors, as well as local science and technology based industries, including a special grant from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. Limited to a maximum of fifteen members, the Board of Directors selects and directs all seminar activities, and is comprised of individuals from local industry and educational institutions who wish to actively promote science, engineering, and technology at the secondary school level.
In order to sustain operations and expand the program’s reach, the Savannah Science Seminar continues to explore new funding sources from corporate and private supporters of education and the sciences. Private donations are welcomed.
Communication and Social Networking
The Savannah Science Seminar has its own website both to inform the general public, and to communicate with student members. For a complete and up-to-date schedule, points standings, as well as contact information for all students and board members, go to .
Email is the preferred communication method for the Board to contact students regarding any changes to the schedule or reminders. Student email addresses will be posted on the website to facilitate communication between the student members. Parents/guardians may request that their student’s email address be removed via a note or email to a Board member.
If you have a Facebook account, join the Savannah Science Seminar group to connect with student members past and present as well as Board Members and science leaders in the community. You can join discussions, share pictures from Seminars, and find information on upcoming events.
We also invite you to follow the Savannah Science Seminar on Twitter
Seminar Format
Seminar members meet twice a month during the academic year.
Each month is devoted to a particular discipline within science and engineering, such as biology, chemistry, physics, civil engineering, computer engineering, medicine, etc. These monthly seminars are divided into two sessions: a lecture and a HOWsession (Hands On Workshop).
Lecture session: During the lecture session, students meet with professionals from within the given discipline and learn about the educational requirements and career options of the field. After a broad overview of the discipline, the presenter will engage the students in specific, intensive instruction in scientific theories and principles as they relate to a particular area of expertise.
HOWsession: Using the knowledge gained in the lecture session, teams of students will work with the presenter on one or more hands-on projects or experiments. The teams will compete with one another against a series of criteria, with recognition given to the top two teams.
Closing session: At the end of the academic year, seminar members will attend a closing competitive event based upon the April seminar. This will be the final opportunity for students to earn points. This last session will take place on a weekend day in May with parents and friends invited to attend.
Seminar Scoring System
Students will be awarded points based on their participation in the Savannah Science Seminar. At the end of the year, the three students with the highest point totals will be awarded prizes.
The scoring system is as follows:
Attendance
Students will receive 2 points for attending each scheduled session.
HOWsession
Students will be divided into teams for lab activities that have various competitive categories. New teams will be assigned for each HOWsession.
- Members of the 1st place team in each category will be awarded 10 points.
- Members of the 2nd place team in each category will be awarded 5 points.
Extra Credit
Students can earn extra credit points in four ways:
Bringing a science teacher to a session
5 extra points will be awarded to a student bringing their science teacher to a lecture or HOWsession.Extra points will not be allotted to students bringing more than one teacher at a time.
Bringing a parent or other adult to a session
5 extra points will be awarded to a student bringing a parent or other adult (over 21 years of age) to a lecture or HOWsession.Extra points will not be allotted to students bringing more than one adult at a time.
Reports/Essays
Up to 25 extra points will be awarded to students who complete additional special topic essays as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Special Events
From time to time, the board may announce special events, lectures, or seminars taking place in the Savannah area. Students who attend the announced event will be awarded up to 10 extra points.
WEBsite Points Update
Seminar members can view their current point standings on the WEBsite under the AWARDS menu when they have participated in a Lecture or HOWsession. If at any time a member feels there is an error in their point standings, it is their responsibility to notify the Chairperson or the board host of the session in question. The Savannah Science Seminar website, has contact email addresses of all board members and session hosts.
Student Membership
Selection Process
In the spring of each academic year, 10th grade students from Chatham, Bryan and Effingham Counties interested in joining the Seminar are invited to take a science aptitude test. Students scoring within the qualifying percentile range, as determined by the Board of Directors, are then invited to apply for admission to the Seminar. Students are then evaluated on the basis of essay questions used to gauge their involvement and interest in the sciences, and on teacher recommendations. Students are selected for membership for the following academic year. In addition, the winner(s) of the GTS Regional Science and Engineering Fair are invited to join the Savannah Science Seminar program for the following school year. Membership in the Seminar is limited to approximately 30 students.
The Savannah Science Seminar strives to include students from all schools, private and public, in Chatham, Bryan and Effingham Counties. The Savannah Science Seminar is committed to selecting the best, brightest, and most dedicated students based on merit, and independent of gender, race, religion, or creed.
Expectations of Student Members
The Savannah Science Seminar is a fun and challenging organization. As the top science students in Savannah, Chatham and Effingham Counties, members are held to very high standards of participation.
Attendance
Members are expected to attend every session. If a student will not be present at a session, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the organization prior to the meeting and in any event no later than the following day to explain their absence. The student should contact, by way of email, either the Savannah Science Seminar Chairperson or the board host of the session the student will miss. The Savannah Science Seminar website, has contact email addresses of all board members and session hosts. A maximum of two excused absences will be permitted during the program year. A third absence will result in dismissal from the program. There is no appeal to this process.
Tardiness
Because the Savannah Science Seminar Board relies heavily on the preparation, time commitment, and knowledge base of our surrounding industry seminar presenters, it is strongly recommended that students be at the Lecture and/or HOWsession at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start to ensure that the seminars can begin on time. If a student is late to a seminar start time, they may be penalized points per instance. Habitual tardiness is not accepted.
Preparation
To make the most of the time allotted for each session, students may be given a list of concepts and/or terms with which to familiarize themselves before the session date. The lecturers and HOWsession directors will be presenting at an advanced level, and the failure of a student to prepare for a session may hinder their level of participation.
Courtesy
Seminar members will be treated like adults, and as such are expected to conduct themselves like adults. Professional courtesy should be extended to all involved in the seminars, including lecturers, lab directors and other students. Students are expected to participate and give lecturers their full attention. Therefore, cell phones should be turned off and put away during seminars.
RELEASE FOR PARTICIPATION
The undersigned parent/guardian of ______, a participant ("Participant") in the Savannah Science Seminar ("SSS"), and the Participant do hereby acknowledge and agree that they assume full responsibility for and release and discharge the SSS, their directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, subsidiaries and assigns, and any and all persons and entities presenting and/or hosting programs for SSS, and their directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, subsidiaries and assigns, from any and all claims, demands, damages, actions, causes of action or suits of any kind or nature whatsoever, arising out of any personal injury, death, damage or loss resulting from or in any way related to Participant's participation in SSS during the 2015-2016 school year. The undersigned hereby acknowledge and agree that the terms of this Release have been completely read, are fully understood and are voluntarily accepted, and that the execution of this Release is necessary for the undersigned Participant to be able to participate in the SSS. The undersigned have signed this Release this _____ (day) of ______(month), 2013.
PERMISSION TO USE PHOTOGRAPH OF MINOR
I hereby give permission to the Savannah Science Seminar (“SSS”) to use photographs, email addresses, and/or video of ______, a participant (“Participant”) in SSS, in printed or electronic formats that will be displayed by SSS at and to the general public in either print or electronic format in order to promote the programs of the Seminar. I give my permission to identify the participant by name, school, and email address.
I intend, by executing this Consent and Release, to release SSS, and their directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, subsidiaries and assigns from any and all liability for alleged injury or damage resulting from the use of the photographs and/or video in print or electronic format.
COMMITMENT TO PARTICIPATION
The Savannah Science Seminar ("SSS") is an informative, fun, and challenging organization where student members learn about opportunities involved in numerous science and technology professions – professions that could be your foreseeable future. SSS is run by a host of working professionals who give generously in both their time and expertise which is why we have a mandate for participation from student members. As the top science students in the Coastal Empire Region, you are held to very high standards of participation. Understanding the twice monthly, Monday night schedule of the seminar sessions, the undersigned parent/guardian of ______, a participant ("Participant") in the SSS, and the Participant do acknowledge the dedication and commitment it takes to be a member in good standing of SSS during the 2015-2016 program year.
Parent/Guardian's Signature ______
Print Parent/Guardian's Name ______
Participant's Signature ______
Print Participant's Name______
Student Participants
2015-2016
Student / School / E-mail AddressIan Azpiazu / / South Effingham H.S.
Matthew Bailey / / Savannah Country Day School
Naren Bhimbra / / South Effingham H.S.
Sarah Blake / / Savannah Christian Prep School
Evan Blasy / / Savannah Arts Academy
Claire Britt / / Savannah Christian Prep School
Uchenna Chukwukere / / Savannah Arts Academy
Gabrielle D'Alessandro / / Calvary Day School
Sanya Dudani / / H.V. Jenkins High School
Elizabeth Faulk / / St. Andrew's School
Katherine Freeman / / South Effingham H.S.
Lauren Gordon / / South Effingham H.S.
Garrett Harvey / / South Effingham H.S.
Hayden Haupt / / St. Andrew's School
Emily Hodges / / Savannah Arts Academy
Thomas Jackson / / Effingham H.S.
Carter Johnson / / H.V. Jenkins High School
Joshua Kelley / / Savannah Christian Prep School
Clara Kennedy / / Savannah Arts Academy
Emma Lales / / St. Vincent's Academy
Katherine Landers / / Richmond Hill H.S.
Madison Liotta / / South Effingham H.S.
Mason Murphy / / Richmond Hill H.S.
Bridget Ollenburg / / St. Vincent's Academy
Shilpa Patel / / Savannah Arts Academy
Cameron Pipes / / Richmond Hill H.S.
Camila Quintero / / Savannah Christian Prep School
Sarah Redmond / / H.V. Jenkins High School
Collins Sherrill / / Benedictine
Ana Silva / / Savannah Arts Academy
James Toogood / / Effingham H.S.
Ashley Walker / / Savannah Arts Academy
Anna Wilson / / South Effingham H.S.
Emilee Wissmach / / Savannah Christian Prep School
Reed Wixon / / St. Andrew's School
Micah Wood / / South Effingham H.S.
Yourui Xue / / St. Andrew's School
Lucas Zhang / / St. Andrew's School
Savannah Science Seminar
2015-2016STUDENTSCHEDULE
# / Date / Presenters / Science / Location / SSS Board Host
1 / Monday,
Sept 14, 2015
6-9pm / ChairJimi Meuse, ProfessorTodd Hizer,Jim Goodlett / Practical Rules of Science and
Communication / Opening Gala and Kick-off Seminar at the
Coastal Georgia Center / Jimi Meuse
2 / Monday
Sept 21, 2015
7-8:30pm / Jennifer Zettler, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology / Biology
Morphology: The form and structure of Insects / Armstrong Atlantic State University / Lynne Harris
3 / Monday,
Sept 28, 2015
7-8:30pm
/ Jennifer Zettler, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology / Biology
Building Insect Morphology HOWsession / Armstrong Atlantic State University / Lynne Harris
4 / Monday,
Oct 5, 2015
7-9pm / SCAD Architecture ProfessorrHuy Ngo, SCAD Professor and Lott+Barber Director of Visual CommunicationsAlex Silva, Morris Technology PresidentJim Goodlett / Building Information Management
and
WEBcentrification / Savannah College of Art and Design
Department of Architecture / Jim Goodlett
Huy Ngo
5 / Monday,
Oct 19, 2015
7-9pm / SCAD Architecture ProfessorrHuy Ngo, Morris Technology PresidentJim Goodlett / Building Information Management
and
WEBcentrification / Savannah College of Art and Design
Department of Architecture / Jim Goodlett
Huy Ngo
6 / Monday,
Nov 2, 2015
7-9pm / Kris Lynch, Dr Joe Gavin, Brian Cook,Gulfstream / Digital Signal Processing: Building Information from Simple Sinusoidal Signals / Gulfstream / Lisa Kavanaugh
Paul Taylor
7 / Monday,
Nov 16,2015
7-9pm / Kris Lynch, Dr Joe Gavin, Brian Cook,Gulfstream / Digital Signal Processing: Building Information from Simple Sinusoidal Signals HOWsession / Gulfstream / Lisa Kavanaugh
Paul Taylor
8 / Monday,
Dec 7, 2015
6-9pm / Robert Farrell
Integration Test Facility Manager,Gulfstream / Flight Simulation: Mechanics and Aerodynamics / Gulfstream / Jim Gallagher
Paul Taylor
9 / Monday,
Dec 14, 2015
6-9pm / Robert Farrell
Integration Test Facility Manager,Gulfstream / Flight Simulation: Mechanics and Aerodynamics HOWsession / Gulfstream / Jim Gallagher
Paul Taylor
10 / Monday,
Jan 4, 2016
6-9pm / Cathy Sakas
Environmental Educator, Retired / Gray's Reef
and
Robotics Seminar / Oatland Island Wildlife Center / Dan Genrich
11 / Monday,
Jan 11, 2016
6-9pm / Cathy Sakas
Environmental Educator, Retired / Gray's Reef
and
Robotics HOWsession / Oatland Island Wildlife Center / Dan Genrich
12 / Wednesday,
Jan 20, 2016
6-8pm / Cathy Sakas
Environmental Educator, Retired / Gray's Reef
and
Robotics HOWsession / Chatham County Aquatic Center / Dan Genrich
13 / Monday,
Feb 1, 2016
7-9pm / Dr. Lloyd Goodman
Medical Director of Adult Cardiology,
Memorial Health / Medicine:
General / Memorial University Medical Center / Jimi Meuse
14 / Tuesday,
Feb 16, 2016
7-9pm / Dr Blake Long / Medicine:
Cardiology / St Joseph's Hospital / Jim Goodlett
15 / Monday,
Feb 29, 2016
7-9pm / Susan Taylor / Human Factors / Gulfstream / Jim Goodlett
16 / Monday,
Mar 7, 2016
7-9pm / Susan Taylor / Human Factors HOWsession / Gulfstream / Jim Goodlett
17 / Monday,
Apr 4, 2016
7-9pm
/ John Calvert / Physics of Rocketry Seminar / Savannah Christian Preparatory School / Jim Goodlett
18 / Monday,
Apr 11, 2016
7-9:30pm
/ John Calvert / Physics of Rocketry HOWsession I / Armstrong Atlantic State University / Jim Gallagher
Paul Taylor
Jim Goodlett
19 / Monday,
Apr 18/25, 2016
7-9pm / John Calvert / Physics of Rocketry HOWsession II / Armstrong Atlantic State University / Jim Gallagher
Paul Taylor
Jim Goodlett
20 / Saturday,
Apr 30 or May 7, 2016 / John Calvert / Physics of Rocketry LAUNCH! and END OF YEAR AWARDS / Rocketry South Carolina / Jimi Meuse
*Schedule is subject to change. Please check the Savannah Science Seminar website for the latest information.
Savannah Science SeminarStudent Handbook
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