Summer Institute for the Gifted

Learn how to be a mass communicator through developing your writing and public speaking skills. Work on precision of language, imagery, figures of speech, and the revision process. Discover how you can use the power of your words to motivate, persuade, influence, inform, or entertain others. Investigate how to turn your skills, interests, and knowledge into speaking topics. Become a communicator who will have the potential to earn applause, admiration, and financial prosperity while motivating others.

Did you know that archaeologists have pinpointed the construction of Stonehenge to 2300 BCE? Did you know that the earliest known human remains were found around the ancient rock formation of Kibish, Ethiopia? How do we come to these conclusions? Archaeologists study artifacts left by people centuries ago. If you too are fascinated by the contents of Egyptian pyramids, the buried city of Pompeii, the ancient Mayan civilization, or simply the scientific and cultural processes of deconstructing the past through archaeology, this course is for you. In the end, you'll consider what your contribution to future archaeological discoveries may be.

"When will I ever use algebra?" you ask. Here's one way. Introduce yourself to pre-algebra through this class that focuses on applications of algebra in the world. In addition to tackling concepts of linear equations, polynomial functions and factoring, you may also have time for fun with games, tessellations, and probability.

Develop your math problem-solving ability as well as your real-life problem-solving strategies. Challenging problems will provide opportunities for intuitive and inductive reasoning, mathematical discovery, reasoning skill, insight, creativity, and originality. Expand your thinking through mathematical activities, and discover multiple methods to solving a problem. Construct and refute arguments using symbolic and numerical data. This course is great preparation for real-life problem solving.

Have you ever stared at an optical illusion for hours, just wondering how the image was created, and how your mind was tricked? Do you know why people see colors differently, and why some people and animals only see certain colors, or even only in black and white? Investigate what you can and can't see with your eyes, learn about the anatomy of the eye, and how glasses and contact lenses help to correct people's vision. Research eye color and pigmentation, and the science behind albinism and heterochromia, having eyes of two different colors. Future optometrists and ophthalmologists, this class is for you!

Have you ever wondered how those computer games you play are created? Learn the basics of computer programming for games through Scratch, a language designed to help students begin to explore and create a computer game of their own. The Scratch online community's slogan "Imagine, Program, Share" puts an emphasis on sharing and the social aspects of creativity as important parts of the philosophy behind Scratch. So come and put your imagination to work on creating a computer game of your own design and then share it with your friends and family!

Do animals fascinate you? Do you like going to zoos? Then grab hold of this branch of biology called zoology. You'll investigate the important interrelationships humans have with animals. You'll explore important concepts such as similarities and differences among vertebrates and invertebrates. You'll also have the chance to research a mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish, insect, mollusk, or worm that particularly fascinates you. If you are interested in conserving and protecting endangered species or learning how to take care of animals, then studying zoo science may also be your goal. This course will allow you to increase your understanding of the animal kingdom, expand your knowledge about the biological world and possibly help you consider a future career with animals.

Do you ever look up at the sky and wonder about all those celestial bodies you can see as well as those you can't see? If so, you are like millions of people since the beginning of time who have gazed into the sky seeking answers to questions like "How do astronomers find planets that are too far away to be seen, even using telescopes?" or "How do the moon, sun, and stars help us tell time?" If you'd like to travel to the far corners of the universe while your feet are still on the ground, the astronomy activities of this course are for you. You'll also have the opportunity to learn more about related topics of interest, from astrophysics and auroras to zeniths and zodiacs.

Did you know that the newest satellite technology can look into your living room from thousands of miles away in space? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a spy and monitor this technology? Did you know that some of the gadgets from James Bond really exist? Come discover how spies keep - or uncover - secrets. Get an inside look at the science behind the spy's tricks of the trade. Create an original spy gadget and persuade your peers of its usefulness.

Do you own a pair of sneakers? Do you know anyone who doesn't? Did you know that an $80 pair of sneakers only has about $11 worth of materials in it? Sneakers and athletic shoes are a multi-billion dollar industry and are so much a part of our lives that they provide a great way to learn about economics, technology and discovery, and innovation and design. In this class, students will explore the development of the athletic shoe over the last 100 years, while learning about the health and science of foot support as well as the economics and fashion aspects of the sneakers industry. Design the perfect sneaker for a niche market!

What would the world be like without Harry Potter and other fictional characters who make us love reading? Immerse yourself in the genre of fantasy fiction, explore and celebrate what makes it unique, then create your own fictional characters and the worlds in which they live. You could be the next J.K. Rowling!

"All rise for the honorable judge...you!" Through the process of enacting trials, you will experience the justice system of the United States. You'll take on the roles of judge, jury, prosecutor, defender or witness. Through active involvement in the courtroom drama, you will learn to organize facts, develop your speaking and questioning abilities, and understand the concepts of justice through jury deliberation.

Have you ever wondered why rituals and traditions play such a big role in the world? Or what we can learn from excavating centuries old structures? Anthropology is the study of humans, what we know, what we think about, and even what we still question. Anthropology studies behavior and traditions of humans, both in the present day and in the past. Investigate a culture and determine what social and cultural influences lead to their current culture. Create a fictional culture and trace the group's path through the events of the last century. What do you think future anthropologists will find fascinating about the 21st century?

Do you feel strongly about animals in research, school uniforms, bioengineered foods, global warming, or nuclear proliferation but feel unable to convince others to agree with you? This debate course will help you improve your skills of persuasion. You will have the opportunity to argue controversial issues of your choice using a debating format. The content will stress public speaking delivery, organizational skills, quick thinking, awareness of issues, and knowledge of current events. You will leave with a readiness for advanced forms of debate and increased argumentative confidence.

How do cells make copies of themselves? How do your hair follicles generate protein to keep growing? The answers to these questions are DNA replication and protein synthesis. Investigate the structure of DNA and the processes by which it creates proteins. Learn what turns genes on and off. Gain an understanding of the structure that holds all the information and controls every cell within a living organism. Debate the ethical uses of DNA knowledge and the pros and cons of biotechnology.

Welcome to the laboratory that is the world in which you live. Experiment with domestic chemicals, environmental materials, foods, and living organisms to discover the chemical nature of substances, their properties, reactions and uses in daily life. Design a series of experiments to test your hypotheses about the reaction of substances.

For those students who have not yet taken Algebra I, let us introduce you to linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, rational functions, and graphing. Class highlights include factoring algebraic expressions and using algebra in solving word problems. Please note: Pre-Algebra is an absolute prerequisite for this class!

Have you ever wondered why some websites are so successful and others are not? Do you know the differences behind the scenes of Blogs, Wikis, and photo hosting sites such as flickr? Develop an understanding of the history of the internet and the evolution of web design. Learn the ins and outs of designing and implement a properly functioning website. Through this hands-on, project-based course you will be in charge of all aspects from website purpose, design, page layout, navigation and the intricate technology behind the page. Whether you are a novice or a veteran web designer this course has something for you!

Discover the secrets of the building blocks of life! Take a journey through a biosphere down to an ecosystem, then hop on an organism and delve into its cellular and even molecular makeup. Come get acquainted with some of the fundamental principles and processes of biological systems. You will be introduced to basic bio-chemistry, metabolism, photosynthesis, cellular energy processes, reproduction and genetics. Gain insight into how living things co-exist.

Will you have the next great idea? In 1948, when George de Mestral made a connection between the burrs stuck to his pants and a way to fasten things together (which became Velcro), he was "thinking outside the box". Here is a class that will help you learn to think beyond the expected! People who are able to make unique parallels and see new solutions will become our most valued problem-solvers of the future. Learn strategies and gain multiple perspectives that will assist you in discovering creative solutions to problems now and in your future.

Investing isn't just for grown-ups anymore. Young people live in an age when the world of finance is an integral part of everyone's daily life. This class will introduce you to the world of investing so that you can make the most of your money even as a young person. Topics will include savings and interest, income and expenses, and the basics of the stock market. You'll invest some imaginary money in order to determine your risk tolerance level in a stress-free way.

Architecture combines the practical qualities of safety and protection for our lives with unlimited possibilities of self-expression. Architecture can also offer solutions to problems such as ecological concerns, energy issues, or space limitations. After learning about form and function and the ways structures are built, you will create an architectural solution to a problem that concerns you. You might get ideas from such inventive projects as Arcosanti and Victory City, and you might become inspired through such famous architects as Saha Hadid, Louis Kahn, I. M. Pei, Sir Christopher Wren, or Frank Lloyd Wright. Finally, take a look at your own community and envision a beautiful and functional future for it.

How do real detectives solve mysteries? Come examine how modern crime investigators use cutting-edge scientific discoveries to search for evidence, gather clues, and analyze data. Participate in a simulated mystery where you become the detective as you learn skills in logic, inductive and deductive reasoning, data collection, and analysis. This is a great way to practice using your scientific problem solving skills!

If you saw a red octagonal sign on a road, you would probably think "Stop!" even before reading the word. Symbolism, used to convey ideas, beliefs, and profound feeling, is humankind's oldest form of visual communication. Symbols, found in every culture and historical period, usually have universal and traditional interpretations, but some are unique with meaning. You probably would agree that ants are symbols of labor and industry, but did you know that in Celtic lore, the hedgehog is a symbol of rejuvenation and spring? Discover the significance and meaning of symbols from cave drawings to Egyptian tombs to master works of art. Develop a new understanding of this deeply complex non-verbal language and create a personal symbol that represents you.

Did you know the greatest problem to solve in disaster preparation is usually apathy? Most people believe disasters won't happen to them, so they do not make disaster preparation a priority. Recent disasters such as tsunamis, oil spills, and earthquakes remind us that we are all vulnerable to their effects, despite the progress of science and technology in developing disaster prevention measures. Disasters can be caused by severe weather, geophysical events, extreme biological events, or even human activity or error. You'll have a chance to research all kinds of disasters in this course and raise your awareness of disaster phenomena, public preparedness, and public response so that you can be confident in your ability to help and be helped in any emergency situation.

Build a vibrant vocabulary and learn the secrets to deciphering new words. Explore the fascinating and often humorous world of word and phrase origins. Increase your verbal reasoning skills. At the same time, gain experience and practice writing effectively and creatively by analyzing and editing your own work. Learn how to create a masterpiece of characterization and setting. Discussions about style, the structure of fictional pieces, and reader involvement will help you understand the functions of writing as communication of knowledge as well as of creative expression.

"Hear ye, hear ye...the trial is about to begin." Mock courtroom drama will unfold as you become the players in a series of exciting simulated trials that depict the way our legal system functions. The structure of our court system, the functions of judge and jury, basic trial procedures and the strategies that attorneys use to win cases will be explored. Develop your abilities to organize and interpret facts, to ask questions, and to make effective decisions.

Literature is replete with the search for the key to immortality. What drives the human fascination with never-ending life? Evaluate humankind's need for eternal life in literature, from vampire tales to the Greek Gods. Investigate historical quests for immortality, including the search for the Fountain of Youth and the alchemist's dream of the Philosopher's Stone. Create your own story of the quest for immortality.

Ever wonder how chemical, mechanical, electrical, aeronautical, and civil engineers solve real world problems? Come learn basic engineering principles surrounding stability of structures, buoyancy, heat phenomena, and electricity. Perhaps you will use your interest in scientific and mathematical principles to design towns, factories, airplanes, toys, and other products that will enhance your life in the future, or maybe you will pursue one of the many great career opportunities that abound in engineering!

The human body could be considered one of the last frontiers. This course is an introduction to human biology and the science of medicine that surrounds it. Medical Microbiology is the branch of both medicine and microbiology which deals with the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, all of which are capable of causing diseases in humans. You'll examine the essential biochemical reactions that occur within the human body. Then delve into the imbalances and resulting diseases that inevitably occur, as well as their treatments. Come see if you think trailblazing this fascinating frontier is for you!

For math lovers who have not yet studied geometry, here's a chance for you to explore this fascinating field of math. Learn the secrets of the Golden Rectangle and the Divine Proportion. Investigate the power of symmetry. Topics may include the notion of proof, congruent triangles, perpendicularity, parallelism, geometric inequalities, similarity, circles and spheres, area and volume, and vectors. Pre-requisite: Algebra I

What are the theories behind why we act as we do? Study the psychology of human behavior to help you understand more about yourself. This course will survey past and current theories in human development, mental health, and social relationships. You'll examine the roots of personality and behavior as seen through the theories of Freud, Skinner, Maslow, and Erickson. You'll have a chance to evaluate the validity of the theories in the light of your own life experiences.

Children laugh over 300 times a day, while adults laugh on average only 15 times a day. Annually, the amount of garbage that is dumped in the world's oceans is three times the weight of the fish caught from the oceans. 45% of Americans don't know that the sun is a star. Have you ever wondered where statistics like these interesting facts originate? Statistics help determine causality and provide tools for prediction of future trends and events. In this introductory course you will learn the basics of research design and statistical collection techniques, as well as data analysis and presentation. You will explore statistical phenomenon, become informed about the misuses of statistics, and conduct your own mini statistical research project!

Piracy is taking something that doesn't belong to you. Sea pirates of old took valuables from ships while internet pirates today steal music, movies, and even identities. Many people have found themselves open to scrutiny and exploitation from such intruders as identity thieves, telemarketers, and cell phone eavesdroppers, exacerbated by continuing innovations in information gathering. With an unprecedented amount of data available in digital format, others know more about you than ever before. In this class, you'll learn how to keep your private information private, what the law says about internet piracy, and other valuable information. This class will be your guide to a safer, saner, and more private life in the future.

Want to make a difference in the world? Then first you should understand the relationships among countries and states, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and multinational corporations. Today's changes in world politics, economics and ecological concerns for the planet are creating the need for our nation-based policies to become more global in scope. Perhaps you'll want to examine such topics as the role of personalities in global decision-making processes or analyze how science and technology impact global health, business, environment, technology, and development. Finally, use your new-found knowledge to create a new or improved policy related to such issues as ecological sustainability, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, global finance, organized crime, human security, or human rights. Work toward the difference you want to see!

Do you want to move people with your words? This intensive workshop in exposure to the varied styles of contemporary authors and in developing your own writing style will challenge and motivate you. You'll gain invaluable practice in communicating your thoughts, feelings, and knowledge, vividly and expressively, through the written word.

What you really need to know about the college application process from test taking, to the essay, to the campus visit, to the interview! Learn how to write an essay that will impress the reader with its unity and coherence. Gain valuable test-taking strategies. Create a résumé that describes the real you. Practice interview questions and behaviors that will make a lasting impression. Gain the confidence to improve your chances for acceptance into the most highly-regarded colleges.

Did you know Louisa May Alcott was told she would never publish? Albert Einstein had a headmaster who said Albert had no chance of a career because he failed mathematics. Helen Keller, deaf and blind from 19 months old, graduated cum laude from Radcliffe and became active in social reform. Louis Armstrong was committed to an institution for delinquent boys where he learned to play an instrument and become a band leader. What inspired these creative people to persevere? Creativity is a hallmark of ingenuity; the world is full of truly creative people, including you. In this course you will learn from well known entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors so you can understand what it takes to be a truly creative productive person. You will explore multiple theories and models of creativity. Through the use of biographies and studies of eminent people you will develop a new construct of creativity or design a new program to foster and develop creative production in self and others!

The etymology of words is a fascinating study in unlocking the complexities of linguistic relationships. This class will improve your vocabulary and understanding of word origins. You'll have the chance to practice taking sample tests, learn test-taking tactics, and improve your verbal confidence. You'll employ your new vocabulary as you practice writing for the current SAT writing component.

This chemistry class will look at the theories and laws of chemistry. You will study stoichiometry, chemical periodicity, chemical bonding, organic chemistry, equilibrium, and redox reactions. A pocket calculator is required.

Don't sweat those Math SATs; prepare for them. This class is designed to help you improve your math scores on standardized exams. Using past sample practice tests, you'll gain the confidence and skill you need to score well on standardized tests. Bring your scientific calculators. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry.

Cosmologists research the origins and structure of our universe, which they believe began 15 billion years ago. Starting from the simplest components, the universe has self-organized to an astonishing level of complexity. One of the most important discoveries in cosmology is that the expansion rate of the universe is accelerating. In this class you will gain an understanding of the theories about the origins of the universe and investigate some of science's most difficult questions. How did our universe come to be what it is today? What is reality? Is space an entity? Why does time have a direction? Could the universe exist without space and time? Can we travel to the past? How credible is the Big Bang theory? Come research your own questions about the cosmos as well.

Humor has been found to stimulate the human brain in many important ways and has tremendous power to impact our lives positively. There is fascinating research about laughter's ability to boost the immune system. It has been found to moderate stressful experiences and is useful in times of crisis. Humor creates and encourages feelings of community, closeness, and control. It has even proven to be a powerful clinical intervention with POWs and the terminally ill in facing tragedy, death, and disaster. Humorists throughout history have used their wit to bring many large and small issues to our attention to stimulate thought and discussion. This class will help you become particularly aware of the potential of humor in your life as you improve your ability to apply humor to any situation.

Learn fingerprinting, hair analysis, handwriting analysis, and the importance of chain of custody when solving a crime. This introduction to forensic science will cover evidence collection guidelines, photography, profiling, and career training. Crime scene investigators draw upon their knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics, entomology, botany, and computer science to solve their mysteries. Investigate whether this could be a career for you. Create a mystery for your peers to solve.

Examine dreaming from physiological, psychological, and spiritual perspectives. Compare gender differences in dreams. Debate links between dreams and ontology. Gain a greater understanding of dream incorporation, lucid dreaming, and dreams of absent-minded transgression. Examine historical perspectives of dreams and their importance. Study the work of artist Salvador Dali and others who depict dreams in their art. Keep a dream journal with interpretations based on both Jungian and Freudian point of view. Analyze the importance of dream interpretation in our present society.

Digital photography, a radically different technique from conventional photography, has changed the world of image recording. Learn how to enhance your own photographs to express yourself through a captured moment. If you like computers and cameras, this course is for you. You must bring your own digital camera to participate in this class. A 1G flash drive is highly recommended as well. Ages 13-17 only.

Express yourself in pencil, ink, watercolor, or three dimensions. Develop your techniques in perspective, light, shading, and color theory. Learn the fundamentals of positive and negative space. Create an original, displayable work.

The first clay animated films were produced in 1908. Tim Burton of Nightmare Before Christmas fame got his start by doing stop animation films in his backyard. Come and discover the intricate and wonderful world of the likes of the Gumby series television show and the TV commercial made for the California Raisin Advisory Board. A combination of story writing, script writing, art, photography and computers make for a fun-filled experience. See if you have the patience and stamina required to create a (very) short cartoon. Ages 9-12 only.

Have you ever watched a television show or movie and felt you could have written it better? Learn the secrets of successful screenwriting. Gain the ability to influence people through characters and plot line. Find your original voice and tap into your own emotions. Learn how to write what is meaningful to you, and marketable to producers. Create an original series that could change the essence of today's television and movies. Ages 13-17 only.

Is there a story inside you that would make a great play? Could you be a playwright and develop characters, create a setting, and establish an intriguing scenario? What interesting dialogue would you write for your characters? Learn the secrets of successful playwriting, including voice, mood and storyboarding. Gain the ability to influence people through characters and plot line. Learn how to write what is meaningful to you and enlightening to others. Be the director or actor in a play reading or performance of an original play written during SIG. This course is a fun way to boost your creativity, fine tune your communication skills, and increase your confidence in your presentation abilities. Ages 9-12 only.

This combination of dramatic and comedic improvisation will help you gain confidence in your ability to perform spontaneously, improve your storytelling skills, think on your feet, and improve your teamwork and communication skills. Focus will be given to creating a stage presence, developing scenes and projecting a character to the audience through coaching, warm-ups, games, and short scene work. Great practice for developing creativity, trust and cooperation in a fun atmosphere! Ages 13-17 only.

Humor is associated with great intelligence. This introduction to comedic improvisation will help you gain confidence in your ability to perform spontaneously. You can make the most of your comedic talents while learning to loosen up, think quickly, and develop humorous characterizations. Great practice for developing intuition and teamwork skills too! Ages 9-12 only.

Sing! Dance! Act! The show will go on! Learn vocal techniques, dance and movement exercises, and character acting skills-all pertaining to a selected production. The class will present a mini-musical presentation at the end of the three weeks. Some recreation hour rehearsals may be required.

Learn a variety of games from early American games to new 21st Century games! Before television and the wii, children played games that taught them how to aim, throw, and use their imaginations to solve problems! Take part in sack races and rolling the hoop! Fast-forward through time, learning games along the way like chuck-farthing graces. End your journey with newer recreation, such as hackysacks and Parkour! Create your own game with roots in games from history!

Enjoy your life to its fullest extent by being strong, healthy, and energetic. This course will help you do that through assessing your present state of fitness, making personal goals, individualizing your fitness activity according to your abilities, interests, needs and preferences, and learning more about the roles nutrition and emotion play in an overall approach to physical health. You'll exercise what you learn in the class and leave with a holistic approach to lifelong fitness.

Fencing - the sport of the aristocrats and a great way to connect mind and body! For novices, this class will develop basic technique, form, finesse, and balance essential for success as a fencer. Refine your skills as you are paired with others of similar ability. The foil technique will emphasize a strong defense and body attack. Foils and fencing equipment are provided.

For those of you who have had instruction in fencing with foils and are challenged by the cognitive aerobics of fencing, this class will develop your existing fencing skills. You will work with epees, to emphasize timing, point control, and good counter-attack, and with sabers, to emphasize speed, feints, and offense. Bring your own equipment if you have it. Otherwise, equipment will be provided. Ages 13-17 only. Prerequisite: Formal instruction in fencing with foils, beyond that of one or two previous SIG courses.

Self-defense strategies are important, not only in self-protection, but also in building physical and mental discipline. This class will help you present a commanding presence as you gain control and confidence through such strategies as awareness of your surroundings, wrist escapes, defense against body holds, and blocking. A healthy lifestyle is built on self-discipline, fitness and goal setting-the foundations of effective self-defense!

Bring your sneakers and your soul! It's all about having fun and feeling healthy. You'll learn the most up-to-date dance moves while you get a great aerobic workout! Learn body rolls, arm rolls, moonwalking and more! You too can create a new dance form like Zumba, created in the 1990s, which pulls from the rhythms of merengue, salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, belly dance, flamenco, tango, and samba. Experience imaginative choreography and improve your stage presence.