The goals of Project QuEST are to improve student performance in science and mathematics; increase students' interest in and enthusiasm for science and mathematics; and increase students' interest in following careers in science and mathematics.  Sixty seventh [7th] and eighth [8th] graders are selected each year to participate in 30 weekly, two-hour, afterschool sessions at the School of Math, Science and Technology (MST).  They also attend a five 5-day Summer Institute at MST.  During the year, they rotate through four topics (forensic science, animals in captivity, marine biology, and geology) and make overnight field trips to work with scientists from partnering agencies (NC SBI??, NC Zoo, UNC-Wilmington, and Appalachian State University).  The students, working in teams of five, use Problem Based Learning and focus their research (via internet, library materials, interviews with experts, etc.) on a question related to their interests.  At the end of each rotation, students present their findings in a multi-media presentation at a Research Symposium attended by other students, faculty, parents, and community leaders.

Afterschool sessions and five-day summer institute

Seventh and eighth graders in Scotland County Schools

Pam Lewis
Director
Scotland County Schools
22801 Airbase Road
Laurinburg, NC 28352

Phone: 910/369-0590