Saturday Gifted Studies Program

  group of young students studing

The Saturday Gifted Studies Program at The University of Southern Mississippi is designed to enhance cognitive and affective abilities of gifted students through planned enrichment/acceleration programming. Emphasis is placed on participation in areas that provide in-depth analysis of specific topics in small-group activities with other gifted youth.

 

 

Information for 2013 classes and applications will be available early Fall 2012.

The 2012 session was held for 7 Saturdays beginning January 21, 2012 and concluding March 3, 2012. The non-refundable cost for the program is $195.00 and includes all materials needed for the classes. Limited financial assistance is available on a need basis.

APPLICATIONS OF ELIGIBLE STUDENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF RECEIPT.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION TO ALL SESSIONS IS NOVEMBER 10, 2011.

NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE WILL BE MAILED TO PARENTS ON NOVEMBER 15 , 2011.

DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT OF TUITION IS NOVEMBER 30, 2011.

Program fee may be charged to your VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card account.

 

2012 Class Descriptions

 

 Pre-K (4 and 5 years old):

Under the Sea

Students will explore different creatures of the marine world, man’s effect on the sea, and what the floor of the ocean is like. Creative problem solving and hands-on activities will be featured.

 and

Great Leaders

Students will examine the lives of people across all ages and cultures that have made a difference in our world. In studying about these individuals, students will identify characteristics of great people and how they can emulate those in their own lives.

 

  Kindergarten and Grade 1:

Journey into Space

Do you have dreams of being an astronaut? From space stations to cosmic creations, the world of space will be explored. Students will go on a “journey” into space, discovering the solar system, space travel and the life of an astronaut. They will use predictions, creative problem solving, role playing and simulations as they participate in a “space adventure.”

and

Animals! Animals! Animals!

Students will study creatures great and small in this observation of familiar and unusual animals. Divergent and critical-thinking skills will be exercised as students work independently and in small groups to explore a variety of species and analyze interactions with man and nature.

 

 

  

Grades 2 – 3:

 

Young Inventors

Students will be introduced to the creative process that makes discovery and invention possible. Students will formulate their own inventions, assess the approaches taken, and explore methods of marketing their ideas through the use of creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

and

Adventures in Architecture

Our world is composed of shapes, shapes and more shapes. Learn how circles, squares, triangles and solids are used by architects and builders to design the spaces in which we live, work and play. The students will design houses and buildings of the future – possibly their own!

 or

Spanish

Students will learn the basics of Spanish grammar and expression and culture through an interactive program, and become familiar with Spanish culture through a variety of activities.  Students will learn to communicate in Spanish by reading and writing stories, learning and singing songs, and creating art

 

 Grades 4-6:

Friends Around the World

Students will explore different cultures and how they relate to American society.  The course will emphasize cultures, economics, geographical and historical facts and special situations that aid us in celebrating our differences.

and

Scientific Investigations

Do animals dream? Why is lightning crooked? How does motion affect the way we live? Like detectives investigating a mystery, scientists constantly observe the world around them and ask questions about their observations.  Through a variety of experimentation and observation activities, the students will become involved in the scientific process and will discover the art of “thinking like scientists.”

or

Author! Author! An Introduction to Creative Writing

What are the components of an interesting story or poem? This course incorporates the elements and structure of good writing into the students’ presentations of original ideas. The students will compare various styles of writing and will create their own books.

 

 Grades 7 -12 will choose one of the following:

 

Debate

We are constantly being called upon to make judgments and explain our reasons for them. By preparing and participating in debates, students will develop their skills of inquiry, reasoning, and communication and apply these in making reasoned judgments on topics of current interest and significance.

 

Psychology: Discovering Yourself

Students will explore the world of psychology by studying their thoughts and actions. Several topics within the field of psychology will be introduced, such as development, personality, intelligence, and socialization. Application to our daily lives will be explored through participation in self-awareness activities.

 

Questions! Questions! Questions!

There are many questions in our lives that cause us to wonder about ourselves, our friends and family, and our place in the world. Consider answers to these and other questions while searching for wisdom – about ourselves, the people around us, and the world in which we live.

 
 
 
 

Forensic Science

Forensic science is the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. Students will be introduced to such topics as crime scene investigation, photography, fingerprinting analysis, trace evidence, packaging and presentation of evidence, fiber and hair comparison and glass reconstruction.