James Madison University

The 8th graders went with the 9th graders to James Madison University on Tuesday!  We had a blast.  We saw lots of cows, rain, and even a dead bear on the drive out to Harrisonburg, VA.  The AVIDers on the bus watched Karate Kid, but those in Mrs. Triplett's car listened to Bush, The Cranberries, Los Del Rio, and Juanes!  We discussed gun control, how to support our slacking friends, and how Angry Birds requires a lot of Algebra skills.

Once we got to campus, we entered what used to be James Madison High School and had a quick bathroom break and introduction.  Our tour guide was very nice and wanted to make sure we were interested in college; not just JMU.  We then hopped back on the bus and walked around campus.

Did you know if you clap your hands in the very center of campus you can hear a squeak!  It sounds like you stepped on a mouse.  This is because of the way the sounds waves travel to the buildings and back.  We tried it, and it is true.  So strange!

James Madison University is also home to a "Kissing Rock".  Apparently, if you kiss your loved one while sitting on the rock, you'll eventually get married!  Don't try it out until you are ready to propose!

After everyone tried hearing the squeak, we went for lunch.  The buffet was great.  Mrs. Triplett had a delicious salad.  She really liked how the food was labeled with the calorie content and allergens.

After lunch we visited the library.  Mrs. Triplett did mention that ECU's library is more technologically advanced, but JMU's has a Starbucks right inside.  How cool is that?  Grab your Skinny Vanilla Latte and start researching!

We then went to the  John C Wells Planetarium.  Our guide talked a lot about how knowing math and science can help advance our careers. We then watched a video about how two small pieces of glass have shaped the future of science.  Did you know that the star Vega is 26 light years away?  That means if you look at it through a telescope, you are actually seeing what it looked like 26 years ago!

After the show and a quick bathroom break, we boarded the bus.  Some of us went for a short jog after a missing wallet was NOT left in the planetarium!  We hit the road and got back to school before the late buses rolled out.

Mrs. Triplett had a lot of fun.  She was SO happy to see some of her high schoolers that she misses SO much.  Mrs. Triplett wishes that we could have learned a little more about what JMU has to offer for a kid from Annandale, but she thought the campus was very nice.  It has that old university feel without feeling like you're in the middle of no where.  There's lots of shopping close by and lots of activities to offer.  It is also close enough to the parents, but far enough away so you feel independent!

PS: We now know who the next Galileo will be!

James Madison University on College Board.
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