Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science

Updates from the KAMS Director
(See below for previous updates)

October 21, 2009

KAMS Director’s Update

KAMS Director’s Update
We are at the mid-way point of the fall semester at Fort Hays State University, and at the end of the first quarter for the Kansas Academy of Mathematics & Science (KAMS).  The Academy’s “Pioneer” class of 25 students are enjoying the rigorous college curriculum and the ability to get involved in many other areas on the university campus.  Our students are finding that the KAMS curriculum will expand their knowledge level.  We have students involved in a wide range of organizations, from student government to youth groups, pre-med club, astronomy club and many other clubs and organizations.  Many of the KAMS students enjoy weight training and swimming at the wellness center and playing pick-up basketball games in the gymnasium.  Many KAMS students are looking forward to participating in intramural activities.

On October 3, our students enjoyed a fieldtrip to Garden City and Greensburg that included a tour of the Reeve’s Agri/Energy plant in Garden City, a tour of the green innovations and technologies taking place in the rebuilding efforts of Greensburg and a visit to everyone’s favorite, the Kansas Meteorite Museum southeast of Greensburg.  The students learned a great deal during this extremely informative day.

On the 16th, six of the Academy students attended the Global Climate Change Symposium at the Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering and Technology in Kansas City, MO. Leading experts from around the country explored the fundamental, and often ambiguous, issues of climate change. From basic climate science to the assessment of global warming evidence, this world-renowned faculty presented research from the viewpoint of their particular scientific disciplines to make clear the complex and rapidly evolving study of climate change.  The moderator for the symposium was the well-known host of the PBS-NOVA’s program NOVA/Science Now, Neil DeGrasse Tyson.  It was a great day of information and reflection on data that has been gathered throughout our planet over an extended period.

The students found this symposium enlightening and were able to relate with many of the subjects discussed, due to the Climate Change course that they are currently enrolled in at FHSU.   We are fortunate to be one of a few universities that offer a course of this nature.  Many ideas and thoughts were generated from this insightful day that will flourish in the minds of these KAMS students.  The students will no doubt accomplish many things that will positively impact the climate and environments of our state and country in the years to come.

The KAMS students are pursuing areas like this as they strive to develop their research project.  Some students have already begun their research, which will come to fruition during their second year at the Academy. They will prepare a presentation and poster of their research. Each KAMS student will present his or her project during FHSU’s Research Week.

We are winding down our fall information session, with our final information session taking place on Tuesday, Oct 27 in Garden City.  The information sessions were held across the state to inform parents, prospective students & any one else interested in the KAMS program.

We are in the final stages of planning for our second annual KAMS “Preview Day”, which will be held on Saturday, November 14 on the FHSU campus.  During “Preview Day”, many potential KAMS students and their families will come together to hear from FHSU faculty, FHSU leaders and KAMS staff and students.

We have already started to receive applications for the next year’s KAMS class.  We are looking forward to the second KAMS class as it takes shape through the application and selection process. 

If you know of any students who you feel would benefit from the Academy, please direct them to get in touch with our office.  We look forward sharing information about the Academy with anyone interested in learning more about KAMS.  We are always open to individuals who would like to help out, in any way, with the Academy.  Feel free to contact us, or drop us an e-mail.  We would be happy to visit with you.

We will continue to share what is going on with the KAMS “Pioneer” class.

Ron Keller
Director