ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY..............
Dr. Leff (L) and Dr. Wozny (R)
(Please excuse the poor image quality)
Instructor Name: Chris Wozny
Position Away from GHP: Professor of Chemistry and Physics at Waycross College
Education: A masters degree in physics, PhD. in physical chemistry
GHP Position: Chemistry Instructor (Analytical chemistry)
Dr. Wozny
What is the area of focus this year at GHP?
This year in analytical chemistry, students focus on the implementation of experimental technique. Instead of simply learning principles, students apply these principles to practical use. The aim is to aid them in discovering what "real" science is, not just research or classroom work.
What activities/strategies are used to accomplish your instructional goals?
Chemistry students are covering and doing lab experiments in topics such as titrations and molecular modelings.
What will be your students' culminating activity?
Right now, the students are working in pairs to develop communication skills and to partake in a research project with a topic of their choice.
How much do you like teaching GHP?
This is my first year teaching GHP. I love the flexibility of it, and the students are very easy to work with. The only thing that's tough about it is that GHP is unpredictable. I've never had to make lesson plans for bright kids, so I'm making them as we come along. They don't know what they're going to do tomorrow, and neither do I!
If you were a GHP student today, what would you want to be your major?
I love physics, so I think I'd want to be a physics major. What I think is more interesting is what my minor would be. I'd want to do visual arts or theatre.
What words or phrases do you overuse?
I always say "I'm old" to my kids. That and "Because you guys are so bright and talented…"
Most annoying thing?
About myself? Or about GHP? About GHP, I would have to say high school… personalities. I'm used to teaching college kids, and it's quite different. The personalities of the GHP students aren't bad, but they're certainly unpredictable.
Why Chemistry?
Well, I teach both chemistry and physics. Although I prefer physics, I'm better at teaching chemistry and I enjoy chemistry because of the nature of the subject. There is no ground for debate in the sciences. Facts are facts, and rules must be followed to yield an accurate and useful solution.
Would you like to come back next year? Why or why not?
It's too early to tell. The most important deciding factor is my family. I've been gone for so long, and I don't know if my wife will allow me to come back next year. I would like to, however! It's just too early to tell.
Any parting comments or thoughts for the day/year?
Make the most out of your time here. Challenge yourself everyday. What have you got to lose?
Instructor Name: Stuart Leff
Position away from GHP: Science teacher and Colombia High School in Dekalb county
Education: A bachelor's in psychobiology and a PhD. in neuroscience. Was assistant professor of ecology at Stanford medical school.
GHP position: Chairperson for science. Molecular/Biochemistry instructor.
Dr. Leff
What is the area of focus this year at GHP?
The area of focus this year is molecular biology. The minors are currently studying pharmaceutical drugs.
What activities/strategies are used to accomplish your instructional goals?
The students have taken part in model labs, guided background research, and have actually been a part of a research lab environment.
What will be your students' culminating activity?
They will study the genetic basis of a disease and analyze different treatment options for it. Aside from this, they will also learn how different tools are used in a research setting.
How much do you like teaching GHP?
On a 1 to 10 basis? 9 billion.
If you were a GHP student today, what would you want to be your major?
Probably science. But I'm a science teacher, so that's to be expected. Outside of science, I'd choose something like a choral/vocal major.
What words or phrases do you overuse?
"See the thing is."
Most annoying thing?
Oh. When the copier machine breaks, like it did the other day.
Why Biochemistry?
I like the intersection of biology and chemistry, it combines two of my favorite subjects.
Would you like to come back next year? Why or why not?
I would like to, if I'm not in a 9 or 10 month job.
Any parting comments or thoughts for the day/year?
Enjoy every moment because the summer will be over before you know it!