University of Delaware Office of Public Relations The Messenger Vol. 5, No. 4/1996 Young researchers thrive in college climate Math, science, computers and research tools are available to all students at the University, whatever their ages. The New Arc Academy, offered this summer by the UD College of Education, allowed academically talented youngers entering grades 5, 6 and 7 to conduct their own research projects in a college atmosphere. The academy focused on a number of themes, including The Incredible Machine: The Human Body (science) and Bringing Order to a Chaotic World (math). The young scholars were able to choose one field of study or mix the fields during the two-week camp, held during July in the Willard Hall Education Building. Director Thomas Pledgie, an education associate at the state's Department of Public Instruction in Dover, and other academy staff, many of them UD alums, led the students on explorations that included using the World Wide Web as well as the resources of the Hugh M. Morris Library. "The kids physically went to the library to do research, and they were fascinated by it. They went into the stacks; they used the maps," Pledgie says. "They spent at least an hour each day at the computer to enhance their skills." For the science project, the students used lab equipment and PC-based computer simulations to explore the various aspects and functions of the body. Comparisons were drawn to simple machines. The mathematics segment included developing skills to collect, organize and analyze data into meaningful information for decision-making. The topics varied from mapping, which included access to electronic atlases and creation of simulated cities, to the use of electronic spreadsheets for plotting the growth and success of businesses they created. All of the students prepared multimedia presentations of their research. The academy was born about four years ago when Pledgie met with University President David P. Roselle and Frank B. Murray, H. Rodney Sharp Professor of Educational Studies and then dean of the College of Education. They wanted to find activities for talented kids throughout the state, according to Pledgie, to reach out to the younger set and bring them into the college environment. "The New Arc Academy is founded on the principle that students with outstanding talent don't just consume, but produce and share knowledge," says Pledgie. "The students chose the name as a spinoff of the original name for the city, New Ark, where the campus is located." Pledgie plans the academy each year, selects the staff and recruits the students. This year's staff included John Carlton, Delaware '69, a science teacher at St. Mark's High School; Kathy Melvin, Delaware '75, a teacher at Poly Tech in Dover; and Theresa Grant, Delaware '96PhD, who just finished a degree in mathematics education. In addition, each teacher had an undergraduate or graduate student asistant, creating a ratio of approximately one teacher and assistant for every 15 students. The Instructional Technology Center at the College of Education provided computer assistance. Up to 60 slots are available each year. Potential students must submit an essay and a copy of their last report card along with the application. Parents of potential candidates for next year can contact Pledgie at (302) 831-8162. -Gerry Elter