Students identify a problem, and then use the Four-Step Problem Solving Model to address the problem. Field trips and interviews with community members might be in order. Results will be reported in writing, and a visual component consisting of a video, photographs, or a diagram may be a part of the final project. The problem solving team may submit the project to a competition or grant program and may receive funding, awards, and recognition. Organizing fundraisers may also be involved.

Seventh and eighth grade students will read a selection of novels, short stories, and plays. They will discuss various themes, concepts, and character development in these literary selections. In addition, the students may write short critiques on these topics.

This is an academic competition which encourages intellectual growth, teamwork, and collaboration. Students share the responsibilities of developing and reading questions, operating buzzer systems, judging, moderating, and creating a Quiz Bowl Tournament. A spirit of fair play and sportsmanship is fostered, as well as intellectual activity.

Students work together to build and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORM 2 kits. This program will introduce students to real-life applications of automated technology while developing the skills to creatively solve problems and compete in Robotics tournaments.

7th and 8th grade groups will meet once a week during lunch. Students will learn about deafness and aspects related to sound and forms of communication. A basic sign language vocabulary will be introduced. Students will use the signs to form simple sentences and then move to more complex ones. Stories, songs, and videos will also be a part of the experience.

For more practice or to look up words go to... Michigan State University Commtech Lab

Students in this group meet on a regular basis to discuss famous artists and their work. In addition, students will develop pieces of art throughout the year, using various media, such as tempera paints, watercolors, charcoal, etc. All supplies will be provided. Students may submit their artwork for publication or to contests. Because of the expense of the program, only those serious about art are encouraged to join.

The Knowledge Master Open consists of 200 challenging questions covering 14 curriculum areas. It is conducted on a classroom computer with a limited amount of time allowed for answers encompassing the cognitive areas of knowledge, comprehension, application, and analysis. WERC students will act as a team and compete with students from around the world.

Each year a broad theme is selected for the History Day Contest. From this theme, topics may be selected on any aspect of local, regional, national, or world history. Students choose a contest medium which makes use of their own special abilities and talents (i.e. a paper, exhibit board, dramatic performance, media presentation, or website). Regional winners advance to the state level, and state winners have the opportunity to participate in the National History Day Contest held during June at the University of Maryland. Regional contests take place in February and state contests are held in April.

The Stock Market Game is an online economic education program in which each participant receives an imaginary $100,000 to develop a portfolio of real stocks on the real market. Participants learn how to choose and buy stocks, how to use the Internet as a source of information, how daily events affect the economy, how investments contribute to economic growth, and how supply and demand operate in real-world markets. The game places students in analysis and decision-making roles.

In a simulation formatted after the UN, students act as delegates from nations all over the world and gather to debate and represent their positions through UN councils. In addition to gaining insight to the structure and tasks of the UN, delegates experience the complexities of international affairs. Skills in problem-solving, writing formal resolutions and public speaking are practiced.

This service provides guidance in planning for gifted opportunities. The 7th grade four-week exploratory block introduces students to enrichment opportunities and provides practice in preparing and writing resumes. Planning continues through the 8th grade year as we help students prepare for high school and look toward college.

Do you enjoy putting pen to paper and expressing yourself through the written word? Do you love to write poetry or stories? Students will be introduced to various styles and techniques. They will have the opportunity to create written works and submit them for awards and/or publication.

In this program, students become directly involved with the District-Wide Elementary Environmental Science Program, acting as instructional assistants when the groups arrive at the Auburn-Washburn Environmental Lab located behind WRMS.

Chess anyone? Enter the world of competitive chess, critical thinking, and strategic games. Strategies, chess notation, and tournament etiquette are emphasized. A WERC tournament and/or area tournaments outside of school may be offered to interested players.

As opportunities arise, students are provided with challenges that generate a variety of designs or prototypes. An example is The Pringles Challenge, wherein students design a container with a minimum amount of mass and volume that will deliver a Pringles chip through the mail to a partner school.

This is a lively discussion forum in which students are presented with a real-life question or issue and then have the opportunity to share their thoughts. Skills in analysis, listening, and speaking are developed, as well as respect for different points of view.

Sumday, MathCounts, American Math Contest, and other competitions are offered through the WRMS Math Department, in addition to differentiated math classes. The Math Club meets weekly after school to prepare for competitions.