VOA标准英语2014--美国顶级高中的科学挑战赛

 

Science Challenges Await at Top US High School 美国顶级高中的科学挑战赛

POOLESVILLE, MARYLAND —

Whether creating small rovers to explore a simulated moon-like celestial¹ body or participating in science competitions, students at Poolesville High School excel at one of the most challenging educational institutions in the U.S.

Senior Vinay Sriram choose to attend Poolesville, about an hour from Washington in the state of Maryland, because of its focus on high-level math and sciences.

"There are four primary science competitions that I did. The first competition was the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. I studied different algorithms to optimize² security protocol³ on the Internet," Sriram explained.

Unlike a regular U.S. high school, Poolsville divides its students into programs.

“We offer [a] Humanities program, we have a Global Environmental program that concentrates on stewardship⁴ for our environment. We have an Independent Studies program, said Principal Deena Levine.

"In that program, students can take a little bit from any of the disciplines they are interested in, and finally we have a signature program in advanced engineering.”

Poolesville ranks 70th among the 100 most difficult schools in the U.S. with its programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Mark Curran designed a curriculum with classes like quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.

"We prepare them to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, but also focus on a lot of content. The goal of getting them into 11th grade is to prepare them to go onto a professional, scientific, mathematical, computer science internship⁵ at a professional laboratory," Curran said.

This public and magnet school selects its 1,200 students based on grades, test scores, essays and recommendations. Apart from the science and math tracks, students can apply to study other fields like global ecology, which integrates science and social studies.

"I think my favorite part of the program is going on the field studies where we get to learn about what we learn in class in real life. So when we were learning about the government in 10th grade, we went to Capitol Hill and talked with senators. When we learn about diversity we go hiking, we go to wetlands, we do our own study," said student Sindhu Chidambaram.

But in this very competitive environment, can students pursue non-academic interests? Absolutely yes, according to student Courtney Steininger.

"I’ve always been on Poolesville High’s forensics team since freshman⁶ year. I’ve been president for both last and this year. I’ve done mock trials since my sophomore⁷ year. I’ve done debate. I’ve been playing piano since I was 5 years old," Steininger said.

With courses from the arts to health sciences, there is something to match every student's interests and talents at Poolesville High.

1 celestial   

adj.天体的；天上的

参考例句：

• The rosy light yet beamed like a celestial dawn.玫瑰色的红光依然象天上的朝霞一样绚丽。
• Gravity governs the motions of celestial bodies.万有引力控制着天体的运动。

2 optimize   

v.使优化 [=optimise]

参考例句：

• We should optimize the composition of the Standing Committees.优化人大常委会组成人员的结构。
• We should optimize our import mix and focus on bringing in advanced technology and key equipment.优化进口结构，着重引进先进技术和关键设备。

3 protocol   

n.议定书，草约，会谈记录，外交礼节

参考例句：

• We must observe the correct protocol.我们必须遵守应有的礼仪。
• The statesmen signed a protocol.那些政治家签了议定书。

4 stewardship   

n. n. 管理工作；管事人的职位及职责

参考例句：

• The organization certainly prospered under his stewardship. 不可否认，这个组织在他的管理下兴旺了起来。
• Last, but certainly not least, are the issues of stewardship and ethics. 最后，但当然不是微不足道的，是工作和道德规范的问题。

5 internship   

n.实习医师，实习医师期

参考例句：

• an internship at a television station 在电视台的实习期
• a summer internship with a small stipend 薪水微薄的暑期实习

6 freshman   

n.大学一年级学生(可兼指男女)

参考例句：

• Jack decided to live in during his freshman year at college.杰克决定大一时住校。
• He is a freshman in the show business.他在演艺界是一名新手。

7 sophomore   

n.大学二年级生；adj.第二年的

参考例句：

• He is in his sophomore year.他在读二年级。
• I'm a college sophomore majoring in English.我是一名英语专业的大二学生。