Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Gatton
Academy
2009-2010 School Profile
Tim Gott
Director
Overview
The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and
Science in Kentucky is a public, residential high school for
juniors and seniors who have demonstrated a desire to
pursue advanced careers in science, technology, engi-
neering, and mathematics fields in addition to exceptional
educational performance.
Instead of spending their junior and senior years in
traditional high schools, students enroll at the Gatton
Academy and live in Schneider Hall, a uniquely dedi-
cated residence hall. Taking courses offered by Western
Kentucky University, their classmates are fellow Gatton
Academy students and WKU undergraduate students.
The program, which began in 2007 with 120 students,
is Kentucky’s only full tuition-paid, residential program for
students who are gifted in mathematics and science. The
Gatton Academy is one of sixteen state-supported resi-
dential high schools with an emphasis in STEM subjects
in the United States.
The Gatton Academy is an institutional member
of the National Consortium of Specialized Secondary
Schools of Mathematics, Science, and Technology.
Mission
Western Kentucky University houses the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. The
mission is to offer an appropriately challenging education in a residential program for bright, highly motivated Ken-
tucky high school students who have demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics.
The Gatton Academy also seeks to provide its students with the companionship of peers; to encourage students to
develop the creativity, curiosity, reasoning ability, and self-discipline that lead to independent thought and action; and to
aid students in developing integrity that will enable them to benefit society.
The goal is to empower Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians by learning in an environment
which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in the Commonwealth of
Kentucky.
28.8
is the average composite ACT score for a student admitted to the
Gatton Academy in their sophomore year. Students increase their
score, on average, by over two points by the time they graduate.
60
core area and at least one, complete two-course-and-lab
sequence. It is recommended that unless students have
a significant reason to increase the science load in other
areas, students should complete all four core sequences
for science choice classes. Chemistry 116 cannot be used
hours or more of
to meet the minimum one-course requirement in chem- college credit are
istry. Instead, Chemistry 116 may be applied toward a
earned by students
STEM elective. Students must complete a minimum of
Chemistry 120. during their two-
year course of study.
Biology 120/121 Biological Concepts: Cells,
Metabolism, and Genetics/Lab (4 Hours)
Biology 122/123 Biological Concepts: Evolutions,
Diversity, Ecology/Lab (4 Hours)
Chemistry 120/121 College Chemistry I/Lab (5 Hours) Seminar (3 Courses)
Chemistry 222/223 College Chemistry II/Lab (5 Hours)
Computer Science 240/244 Computer Science I/Lab Academy of Math and Science 175 Seminar 1 (1 Hour)
(4 Hours)
Academy of Math and Science 175 Seminar 2 (1 Hour)
Computer Science 241 Computer Science II (3 Hours)
Academy of Math and Science 175 Seminar 3 (1 Hour)
Physics 255/256 University Physics I/Lab (5 Hours)
Physics 265/266 University Physics II/Lab (5 Hours)
Pre-College Requirements (As Needed)
Students complete additional pre-college requirements as
STEM Electives (3-5 Courses)
mandated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and their
Students may complete their three required STEM elec- sending institutions based on previous coursework in
tives and associated labs in the following areas: agricul- their freshman and sophomore years.
ture, architecture, astronomy, biology, chemistry, com-
puter science, engineering, geography, geology, health
History 119 Western Civilization to 1649 (3 Hours)
sciences, manufacturing, mathematics, meteorology,
and/or physics.
History 120 Western Civilization Since 1649 (3 Hours)
Courses outside of Ogden College of Science, in- History 241 United States History Since 1865 (3 Hours)
cluding coursework in social science disciplines may be Political Science 110 American National
approved as a STEM elective on a case-by-case basis
Government (3 Hours)
providing content is sufficiently linked to core math and/ Physical Education 100 Health and Wellness (3 Hours)
or science principles. Art 100 Art Appreciation (3 Hours)
Music 120 Music Appreciation (3 Hours)
English (2 Courses) Foreign Languages (Chinese, French, German,
Ancient Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish)
Students who score 29 or higher on the English section of
the ACT or 670 or higher on the critical reading section of
the SAT receive three hours of credit for English 100 and Electives
begin the sequence with English 200.
After the first semester, Gatton Academy students in good
standing are able to take up to 18 credit hours, including
English 100 Introduction to College Writing (3 Hours) optional electives.
English 200 Introduction to Literature (3 Hours)
English 300 Writing in the Disciplines (3 Hours)
Scholarly Research
One of the added values of study at the Gatton Academy Gatton Academy students are encouraged to use their
is the opportunity to engage in real, undergraduate-level research experiences as a springboard for scientific com-
research projects while at WKU. Gatton Academy stu- petitions and to contribute to the scientific community. In-
dents are encouraged to participate in research both dur- deed, research projects are the threshold experience that
ing the academic year and through internships during the is required for many of the high-level scholarships and
summer months. Research conducted on-campus during experiences for which Gatton Academy students com-
the academic year allows students to pursue their specific pete. For example, our students are encouraged to enter
scientific interests beyond the curriculum, working under the Siemens Competition and the Intel Science Talent
the supervision of a WKU professor. Search, both STEM-based research competitions for high
The Gatton Academy’s strategic partnership with school students. Furthermore, Academy students have the
Western Kentucky University benefits our students by of- chance to present their research at local, regional, and
fering abundant research opportunities throughout cam- national conferences. Some students have even published
pus. WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering is scholarly papers with their research professors. Being a
praised for its longtime commitment to involving under- part of a university research project, working in a WKU
graduates in research. Gatton Academy students have lab, and developing strong relationships with professors
access to research opportunities in any of the college’s is part of the unique value that can be a part of the Acad-
departments, including Agriculture, Architecture and emy experience.
Manufacturing Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Two semesters or more of research, it should be
Geography and Geology, Mathematics and Computer Sci- noted, is a requirement for all Gatton students who wish
ence, and Physics and Astronomy. to receive the recognition of Honors or Honors with Dis-
tinction at graduation.
2240
hours of service learning
Big Red Marching Band /
Color Guard
Bowling Green /
Western Symphony Orchestra
were completed by Campus Activities Board
members of the Class of HOSA
2009 during their time at Men’s and Women’s Chorus
the Gatton Academy.
Class
scholarships were offered to
the graduating Class of 2009.
To date, students from 87 counties and 100 public school districts have attended the Gatton Academy.
Beth Hawke
Coordinator: Residence Life
Emily Burns
Residential Counselor
Stay Connected
Sean Giddings
Residential Counselor
Rose Nash
Residential Counselor Website
Sue Meador www.wku.edu/academy
Residential Counselor Email
Brian Rogers
academy@wku.edu
Residential Counselor Phone
Rachel Stewart
270.745.6565
Residential Counselor Facebook
www.facebook.com/gattonacademy
Scott Wolfe
Residential Counselor Twitter
www.twitter.com/gattonacademy
Julie Fryia
Office Associate Flickr
www.flickr.com/photos/gattonacademy
Nita Rice
Office Associate
The Gatton Academy
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd. #71031
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1031