It's an update on a scholastic program based in New Jersey for junior high school students. Dubbed "The Stars Challenge" the program was created and developed by a couple with two PhD's between them. Margaret Ann and Stephen G. Chappell of Rumson, started the challenge to encourage middle school students to develop their passion and curiosity for science-related stuff.
In classes held at Monmouth University, students tackle real-world problems and work in small groups to create innovative solutions. Over the past five years, The Stars Challenge has taught 41 courses and served more than 600 middle school scholars. Most recently, during the Fall 2010 semester students were encouraged to work with gifted peers also are interested in science, in classes designed and taught by top notch teachers.According to an article APP.com, there is a course named "Creativity and Experimental Design" was taught by Michael T. Roche, a research and biology teacher at High Technology High School in Lincroft, NJ. The seventh graders who participated in Mr. Roches class hailed from Cedar Drive School in Colts Neck, Holy Cross School in Rumson, Hope Academy in Asbury Park, Howell Middle School South, Knollwood School in Fair Haven, Long Branch Middle School, Markham Place School in Little Silver, Ocean Intermediate School, Red Bank Charter School, Satz School in Holmdel, and Wall Intermediate School.
In Creativity and Experimental Design, students were challenged to formulate questions and devise answers via measuring devices, data logging hardware, and software in a playful yet professional setting. Via a non-public wiki, students could communicate with instructors, teaching assistants, and members of the High Technology High Schools Experimental Research Group.
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