The national youth science foundation (NYSF) proposes a project entitled the youth science discovery experience and science center curriculum to be supported with funding from the national aeronautics…

The national youth science foundation (NYSF) proposes a project entitled the youth science discovery experience and science center curriculum to be supported with funding from the national aeronautics and space administration (NASA). The proposed project consists to two principal components: science center curriculum via the 2011 national youth science camp youth science discovery experience expansion science center curriculum via the 2011 national youth science camp the NYSF plans to operate the 2011 session of the national youth science camp (NYSC) from thursday, june 30, 2011, through sunday, july 24, 2011 (dates subject to minor change depending on facility and staff availability). Approximately 100 domestic students will be joined by up to 20 international students in the residential science honors program, which will be held near bartow, WV, with additional activities in washington, DC, and charleston, WV. All participants will attend free of charge, transportation included. NASA funding will be used to support the NYSC program curriculum. The NYSC is an innovative and highly successful summer science honors program for two high-achieving high school science students from each state in the nation and others from around the world. This unique residential education program is held at a rustic facility that is nestled in the natural beauty of the spectacular monongahela national forest of west virginia. Since 1963 students from throughout the nation have gathered to participate in this extraordinary educational program. Delegates to the NYSC are chosen through state-based competitive processes that stress scholastic excellence, scientific curiosity, well-rounded interests, and leadership in school and community; two recently graduated high school seniors represent each state. International participants are selected with assistance from the united states department of state and embassies of the united states. Youth science discovery experience the NYSF plans to develop (october 2010 through august 2011) and implement (september 2011 through may 2012) an expanded session of the youth science discovery experience (YSDE). Ten student/teacher/scientist teams (each team consists of six students, one teacher, and one practicing scientist) will complete project based learning activities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Together they will investigate an area of current scientific concern using a program model that integrates short-duration in-residence experiences with continuing education activities that will be conducted in the students' and teachers' school settings. Partner organizations will likely include the canaan valley institute, the national radio astronomy observatory, the clay center for the arts and sciences - west virginia, the west virginia department of education, the university of charleston, west virginia state university, and others selected based on their interest in developing project based learning activities for students in high school. The YSDE program WI11LEVERAGE the NYSF's existing network of scientists and educators to identify professional scientists who will serve as mentors to the student/teachers/scientist teams.