Summer Gifted Studies Program
June 21-26, 2009

THE SUMMER GIFTED STUDIES PROGRAM

The Summer Gifted Studies Program at The University of Southern Mississippi, established in 1978, is designed to enhance cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities of gifted students through planned enrichment/acceleration activities.  Emphasis is placed on individual participation in areas that provide in-depth analysis of specific topics of interest.  The students will have the opportunity to participate in leisure and cultural activities with other gifted youth.

Students will be housed in dormitories on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  Instructional activities will be conducted in classrooms on the campus.  Qualified teachers, supervisors, or counselors will be with the students at all times.  Certificates of completion are given to each participant, but there are no grades or credits assigned

2009 COURSE SELECTIONS 


HOW TO BE A DETECTIVE

GRADES 4, 5, 6
This hands-on course shows students how to think like a detective by conducting investigations using the scientific method.  A variety of forensic techniques will be introduced, practiced, and applied along with critical thinking skills to solve simulated mysterious situations. Careers in scientific investigation will also be explored.

 

 

 OR

 GRADES 7, 8
Students will solve simulated scenarios by using the scientific method, critical thinking skills, and forensic techniques. Students will learn to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information, draw conclusions based on observations and facts, and develop questioning and communication skills. Careers will also be explored.

MIND POWER

GRADES 4, 5, 6
Students will explore the relationship between the brain and the mind. They will be involved in various lectures, discussions, and activities that demonstrate the capability of the brain and the power of the mind as they relate to the processes of learning. Specific techniques of group dynamics, scientific and library research skills, and skills in communication will be developed and enhanced through this course of study.

 

 

     OR

GRADES 7, 8
Students will engage in neurophysiologic study of the brain, its structure and function, and its relationship to the psychological power of the mind. Various aspects to be investigated are learning processes, learning styles, and learning efficiency involving thought and memory. As students work through investigations, particular emphasis will be placed on enhancement of higher cognitive skills, critical thinking, creativity, and research.

BUSINESS LEADERS: TODAY AND TOMORROW

GRADES 4, 5, 6
Learning to develop and start a business is fun and exciting. Students will learn about the type of companies they can start now or in the near future. The students will develop the necessary knowledge and skills, from planning the business to working with customers.


 OR

GRADES 7, 8
Students will learn how to start their own businesses. They will learn the fun and exhilaration of being entrepreneurs. Skills in developing a business plan, public relations, planning, decision making, budgeting, and money management will be developed and enhanced.

INVENTIONS

GRADES 4, 5, 6
Students will probe man's pursuit to improve his way of life. Based on what they have learned, students will create their own inventions using the creative problem solving process.


OR

GRADES 7, 8
Students will analyze their world and brainstorm inventions that would improve their lives. They will then formulate their own inventions and explore methods of marketing through the use of creative thinking and problem-solving skills. 

MONEY! MONEY! MONEY!

GRADES 4, 5, 6
Students will explore the history of money and will learn how to make, save, and wisely use it. They will learn futures and stock exchanges. Mutual funds and international trade will also be discussed. They will get a head start on their financial futures!


OR

GRADES 7, 8
Through a study of the history of money, students will learn how they can wisely generate, save, and use it. Futures and stock exchanges, as well as mutual funds and international trade, will be the focus of class discussions, problem solving, and investigation.

WORLD CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

GRADES 4, 5, 6
Students will explore the philosophic, social, economic, artistic, and political contributions of selected cultures.  An understanding of the people, culture, and customs will be developed through research, group discussions, and creative projects.



 OR

 

GRADES 7, 8
Students will be involved in a systematic investigation of historical and contemporary issues of selected world cultures.  Political, economic, and social structures that have shaped the relations between various nations of the world will be analyzed through research, group interaction, communication, and creative problem-solving.

DESIGN STUDIO

GRADES 4, 5, 6
Students will explore the various processes necessary in developing creative projects and products. Skills relating to the elements, media, and principles of design will be communicated through problem-solving and divergent and convergent thinking experiences.

 

      OR

 

GRADES 7, 8
Students will develop an awareness of the various principles relating to design: balance, emphasis, repetition, variety, and movements through an examination of projects and products developed by professionals. Skills relating to the critique and evaluation of quality creative projects and products will be emphasized.

• CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE INCLUDED •

STUDENT RESPONSES TO THE PROGRAM
"The atmosphere of this program is a fun one.  The teachers and counselors are exceptional."
"I enjoyed making friends with kids who have the same interests as I."
"I can't believe how much I've learned!  I hope to carry this knowledge with me all my life."
"I've had lots of new experiences, and I feel like I've learned to accept responsibility."
"This program taught me about life and how to enjoy class."


WHO MAY APPLY

ELIGIBILTY REQUIREMENTS
Intellectually and academically gifted students enrolled in grades four through eight in the 2008-2009 school year may be eligible for the program.  If not previously enrolled in the program, applications must come through the student's school (principal, teacher, counselor, psychologist, or special education director) with parental permission for release of information OR by the parent.  If completed by the parent, a copy of the IQ or standardized test proving eligibility MUST be attached to this application.  Applications of eligible students will be considered according to the order of receipt.  Because the program is designed for intellectually and academically gifted students, Mississippi guidelines will be adhered to in determining eligibility status, meaning that the students must meet at least one of the following criteria:

1.  An IQ score of 120 or above on an individually administered intelligence test (WISC-III, WISC-IV, WNV,
    Stanford-Binet IV, Stanford-Binet 5, Leiter R, RIAS, KABC, KABC-II, WRIT or UNIT). The test must be
    administered by an approved examiner.

2.  Standardized achievement test scores at the 90 th percentile or above at the national level in one of
    the following areas: Total Reading, Total  Language (or Listening), Total Math, or Total Battery.

3.  Mississippi Curriculum Test 2 scale score on either Language Arts or Math equivalent to the 90th
    percentile or higher based on student’s grade level at the time of test administration.

COST

The total cost of $495, which is non-refundable, includes tuition, room, board, recreational activities, and limited accident insurance. Financial aid based  on need is available on a limited basis. However, civic organizations and businesses may be interested in sponsoring a student.  Contact with such groups should be made directly by the teacher, school counselor, administrator, or parent.  Additional applications may be obtained through your local school personnel or at the Web site listed below or by contacting

The University of Southern Mississippi                                Phone: (601) 266-5236
The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies                 Fax:     (601) 266-4764
118 College Drive #8207                                                    E-mail: gifted.studies@usm.edu
Hattiesburg, MS  39406-0001                                                 Web site: http://www.usm.edu/gifted

* The $495 tuition may be charged to your VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit card
  account.

•  APPLICATIONS OF ELIGIBLE STUDENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED ACCORDING TO THE ORDER    OF RECEIPT.
•  DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION TO ALL SESSIONS IS  MARCH 31, 2009.
•  NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE WILL BE MAILED TO PARENTS APRIL 10, 2009.
•  PAYMENT OF $495 TUITION IS DUE AFTER RECEIPT OF ACCEPTANCE. DEADLINE FOR    PAYMENT IS APRIL 20, 2009.  

  * * * COMING ATTRACTIONS * * *

Leadership Studies Program • Grades 6-11
June 14-19, 2009

Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth • Grades 7-10
July 5-24, 2009

Day of Sharing for Teachers of the Gifted
Spring 2009
Fall 2009

Parenting Gifted Children Conference XXVI
Fall 2009

Saturday Gifted Studies Program
Pre-Kindergarten (4 or 5 year-olds) through Grade 12
January - February, 2010

APPLICATION:
Applications of eligible students will be considered according to the order of receipt of application. Deadline for application to all sessions is March 31, 2009.

First-time applicants may download the application as a PDF file by clicking on the link below. Completed applications should be mailed to

Summer Gifted Studies Program
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive #8207
Hattiesburg, MS  39406-0001 

or faxed to 

(601) 266-4764, attn.  Dr. Frances Karnes

 

DOWNLOAD THE 2009 APPLICATION AND BROCHURE (for first time applicants) 

Students who have previously participated in the Summer Gifted Studies Program, Saturday Gifted Studies Program, or Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth may apply online by clicking the link below.

COMPLETE 2009 ONLINE APPLICATION (for previous participants only)