Listing of Saturday Courses for Gifted Children
Kindergarten through Grade 6
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SPRING SEMESTER
February 23, 2008- May 3, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. |
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Long Island University Center for Gifted Youth (LIUCGY) offers its program at the C.W. Post Campus on Saturday mornings each fall and spring. Classes commence at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 11:55 a.m. Classes in the kindergarten through grade one level remain together throughout the morning. Beginning in second grade, students select three courses offered at their level in the appropriate time frame. The curriculum involves children in interdisciplinary approaches to the humanities, physical and life sciences, mathematical problem solving, and computers. Parents are invited to participate in special parent group discussions led by staff psychologists.
ADMISSION
The Center admits children who have shown evidence of academic and intellectual promise. While guidelines are not fixed, gifted children are usually identified by high scores on standardized I.Q. tests, strong personal interests, and superior school performance. Students accepted into the program in past semesters have usually shared most or all of the following characteristics: scores of 130 or higher on I.Q. tests, high scores on achievement tests, and exceptional school performance (pupils in grades 4 through 8 are generally working a minimum of two years above grade level).
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications may be made directly by parents of qualified pupils or on a referral basis by nursery, elementary and middle schools. Application forms are located in the program brochure, which is available through the office, or on our web site. The application process includes: 1) an application to be completed by the child's parent, 2) a recommendation by the pupil's nursery, elementary, or middle school principal, including results of standardized intelligence and achievement tests, and 3) a recommendation by the teacher of the last full grade completed.
TUITION AND FEES
The tuition is $1,270 for each ten-week semester. There is an application fee of $25.00, which is non-refundable. In addition, there is a laboratory fee of $30.00 for each science class.
FURTHER INFORMATION
The LIUCGY also offers an all-day summer program during the month of July. For more information about our programs and an application for admission, please call (516) 299-2160.
Overview of Saturday Classes for Gifted Children
Fall 2007 – Spring 2008
FALL SEMESTER
September 29 – December 08, 2007
9:00 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. |
SPRING SEMESTER
February 23, 2008- May 3, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. |
KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 1
FALL & SPRING
Saturday Express: Science, Mathematics, & Humanities
| Grades 2-3 |
FALL |
SPRING |
Writing / Computers: Create & Solve a Mystery |
Computers: Analyzing Shapes and Figures |
Investigations in Biological Science I |
Futures: The World of 2020 & Beyond |
Journey Through Art I |
Introduction to Public Speaking |
Math Problem Solving [Course A] |
Investigations in Physical Science II |
Puzzles & Brain Games |
Math Problem Solving [Course B] |
| Grades 4-6 |
FALL |
SPRING |
Advanced Math Problem Solving (Course A) |
Biology: The Nature of Living Things |
Chemical Detectives |
Chemical Exploration |
Writing / Computers: Digital Photo Mysteries |
Computers: Digital Photography & the Web |
Electronics II |
Selected Topics in Earth Science |
Entomology: A Bug’s Life |
Law: Speech & Debate |
Forensic Law |
Advanced Math Problem Solving (Course B) |
Great Scientists & Their Methods |
Playwriting |
Writing: Adventure Stories |
Physics: Selected Topics |
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Law: Whose Fault Is It Anyway? |
NOTE: Students in grades 2 through 6 attend three classes of their choice.
SATURDAY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Please note that different topics are explored each semester (fall, spring, and summer),
even though the course titles and academic areas may be similar.
SATURDAY EXPRESS:
SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, HUMANITIES |
FALL/SPRING |
The Saturday Express is a program of exploration and discovery in science, mathematics, and the humanities. Students will be exposed to challenging ideas and concepts rarely introduced or explored at the early childhood level. They will be provided with hands-on learning experiences by expert instructors in their fields at a depth and pace appropriate to gifted children.
One class will emphasize mathematical thinking. Students will be encouraged to problem solve while having fun with shapes and numbers, as well as learn a variety of mathematical concepts. Another class will highlight the exploration of individual thematic units in science. The third class will emphasize the humanities, integrating literature, social studies, and the cultural arts.
Maximum attention is provided to each child in a non-pressured setting that encourages risk-taking and independent thought and action. Children are also given many opportunities to interact both intellectually and socially. These courses are designed so that students can participate for four consecutive semesters without repeating content |
SCIENCE
Science courses are designed so that students can participate for four consecutive semesters without repeating content. Different materials are introduced and different topics are explored each semester. The use of Roman numeral designations does not indicate levels of difficulty; they merely indicate different learning experiences. There are no prerequisites for any of these courses.
INVESTIGATIONS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE I |
Fall |
This course is designed to provide a variety of learning experiences about living things. The students will conduct investigations that show how different plants and animals are able to carry out their activities and complete their life cycles. Selected topics on the human body and its dependence on plants and animals will be investigated. An understanding of the relationships between living things and the non-living world will be developed and explored. |
INVESTIGATIONS IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE II |
Spring |
*No previous background or coursework in physical science is needed. This course is designed to provide a variety of learning experiences that will introduce the students to basic concepts about chemistry and physics. The students will investigate such topics as air pressure, buoyancy, gravity, density of matter, temperature, heat, chemical reactions and electromagnetism. Activities will stress the development of skills and understandings that are related to the physical sciences. |
COMPUTERS
COMPUTERS: ANALYZING SHAPES & FIGURES
|
Spring |
In this course, students will use computer language tailored specifically for investigations in geometry and other areas of mathematics. An emphasis will be placed on analyzing visual figures and how their parts fit together. Programs will be tailored to each student’s interests and demonstrated level of competence. |
WRITING / COMPUTERS: CREATE & SOLVE A MYSTERY
|
Fall |
Students will use Hyperstudio to create an interactive mystery story. They will explore the process of writing a mystery, including the setting, clues, suspects, and solution. Interactive Hyperstudio buttons will add heightened suspense. Students will receive a CD-ROM anthology of mysteries at the conclusion of the semester. |
MATHEMATICS
MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM SOLVING |
Fall & Spring |
This course will focus on developing superior mathematical problem-solving techniques. Students will learn to identify key words, find pertinent information, and select appropriate strategies for solving problems. They will also learn to use diagrams, models, and charts to organize information. Classroom lessons will include short presentations on various problem-solving techniques, followed by challenging individual exercises, which will allow students to practice and improve their problem-solving abilities. A variety of problems will be presented to meet the needs, interests, and abilities of each student. New problems are presented during each of four consecutive semesters. |
PUZZLES & BRAIN GAMES
|
Fall |
This course is designed to stimulate, challenge, and meet the special interests, needs, and abilities of gifted students. Students will be introduced to brainteasers and puzzles, to help them develop critical and analytical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Students will have fun while engaging in divergent thinking activities. |
SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
FUTURES: 2020 & BEYOND
|
Spring |
What the future holds is an intriguing question. In this course, students will examine ideas related to events of the 21st Century – and hypothesize what may lie ahead. A curious imagination and a willingness to explore are all that are needed to travel to the year 2020 … and beyond. |
JOURNEY THROUGH ART I
|
Fall |
Move beyond the surface to journey with famous artists into the realm of human imagination and creativity. Students will experience art history from medieval times to impressionistic times in an exciting and innovative hands-on manner. Students will produce their own original art work in the styles of DaVinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Seurat and others! |
WRITING / COMPUTERS: CREATE & SOLVE A MYSTERY
|
Fall |
Students will use Hyperstudio to create an interactive mystery story. They will explore the process of writing a mystery, including the setting, clues, suspects, and solution. Interactive Hyperstudio buttons will add heightened suspense. Students will receive a CD-ROM anthology of mysteries at the conclusion of the semester. |
SCIENCE
BIOLOGY: THE NATURE OF LIVING THINGS |
Spring |
This course introduces students to many of the basic concepts in biology. Through the use of the university’s laboratory facilities, students will have the opportunity to use microscopes and other scientific equipment in learning experiences, exploring such areas as human biology, basic genetics, and ecological relationships. The campus will be used as a resource in the development of the course.
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CHEMICAL DETECTIVES |
Fall |
Is the stain grape Jell-O or slime? Is the white powder with the sweet taste sugar? Which sugar is it? Is a certain fiber cotton, wool, silk or nylon? How do you make fingerprints visible and handwriting invisible? The answers to these and other intriguing problems will be explored in this laboratory course. Chemical and physical principles are developed so that students, through their own investigation, will be capable of answering the question, "What is it?" Youngsters will be encouraged to use laboratory skills and techniques as tools to aid in this problem-solving introduction to forensic science. |
CHEMICAL EXPLORATION |
Spring |
This course will present students with opportunities for advanced study in such areas as chemical changes, calorimetry, chemical composition, chemical reactions, qualitative analysis, behavior of gases, and other related topics. The investigation of these topics will help students develop an enriched understanding of fundamental chemical concepts. Safety procedures in the University’s chemistry laboratory will be emphasized, and the use of proper laboratory techniques will be stressed. |
SELECTED TOPICS IN EARTH SCIENCE |
Spring |
This course will provide the student with the basic knowledge of earth science stressing factors that specifically relate to today’s environment. Students will perform laboratory investigations that reinforce basic concepts of erosion, deposition, weathering, soil, oceans, fresh water, and topography. |
ELECTRONICS II |
Fall |
*No previous background or coursework in electronics is needed.
In this course, students will begin to explore some of the components of high technology. Some of the facts, concepts and principles of solid state physics will be studied along with the electronic components based on the application of these facts, concepts and principles. Students will work transistors, diodes, multimeters, oscilloscopes and other simple electronic components in order to reinforce the discussions that will take place. All of the laboratory experiences will be based on the extensive equipment and facilities of the C.W. Post campus. |
ENTOMOLOGY: A BUG’S LIFE |
Fall |
Insects make up a majority of living organisms on the earth. Some scientists believe that someday insects may be the only survivors on earth. Students will learn about the wonderful world of crawling and flying insects and see why and how they are so adaptive to the many changes our world is going through. |
GREAT SCIENTISTS & THEIR METHODS |
Fall |
In our lab, students will have the opportunity to recreate and rediscover some of the concepts discovered by great scientists. We will tinker with the ideas that enabled people to realize that our world was not, in fact, the center of the universe, and neither was it flat. From Copernicus to Feyman, we will examine the insights and means by which the great scientists made their dreams come true. We will explore the past, gain greater awareness of current research, and extend our thoughts into the future.
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PHYSICS: SELECTED TOPICS |
Spring |
This course will provide students with an opportunity to investigate how the world around us is put together and how it changes. An advanced understanding of the basic ideas of matter, force, energy and time will be developed. Students will perform experiments in a variety of topics in physics including atomic structure, mechanics, electricity, magnetism, energy, and wave phenomena. |
COMPUTERS
WRITING / COMPUTERS: CREATING DIGITAL PHOTO MYSTERIES |
Fall |
Students will use a digital camera and Hyperstudio or similar software to create an interactive mystery story. They will explore the process of digital photography together with the process of writing a mystery story. At the conclusion of the semester, students will receive a CD-ROM anthology of digital photo mysteries.
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COMPUTERS: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY & THE WEB |
Spring |
With the use of the University’s digital cameras, students will photograph activities at LIUCGY and samples of campus life, download images onto a PC, and create a digital photo album and digital web pages replete with captions and dialogue. At the conclusion of the course, students will receive a personal CD of their work. |
MATHEMATICS
ADVANCED MATH PROBLEM SOLVING |
Fall/Spring |
*New problems are presented each semester.
Students will participate in activities that will help them develop and enhance their problem solving abilities. They will learn to analyze and solve non-routine mathematical problems, identify key words, and use diagrams and tables. They will also identify patterns and develop estimation and deductive reasoning skills. Weekly activities include short presentations on key techniques followed by small group and individual practice sets designed to challenge students and improve their critical thinking skills. Special attention will be provided to meet the needs, interests, experience and ability of each student; however, students should already have a strong background in mathematics. |
SOCIAL SCIENCE & HUMANITIES
FORENSIC LAW |
Fall |
Students will learn how scientists have become involved in analyzing crime scenes and helping the police and their detectives solve crimes. Topics to be presented include fingerprinting, DNA analysis, ballistics, and crime scene preservation. Students will attempt to solve crimes and analyze/evaluate simple crime scenes. Participants will engage in evidence gathering and learn how to preserve evidence for presentation in court. |
LAW: WHOSE FAULT IS IT ANYWAY? |
Spring |
Students enrolled in this course will be introduced to the world of civil law. Basic cases involving negligence law will be the main content of the course. A manual will be provided for each student for the purpose of instruction. Students will role-play attorneys and witnesses in interesting and challenging trials. New cases are chosen each semester based upon the age and maturity level of the class. |
SPEECH & DEBATE |
Spring |
Students enrolled in this course will form teams and debate selected topics during the semester. Skills essential to effective debate, such as voice control, eye contact with the audience, and persuasive rhetoric will be demonstrated by the instructor and practiced by the students. Debate topics will be chosen based upon the age and maturity level of the students enrolled in the course. |
PLAYWRITING |
Spring |
In this course, students will learn how to master various writing techniques that go into creating a play. Through the use of plot, character and dialogue, students will be encouraged to use their creative writing potential to express themselves through dramatic writing.
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WRITING: ADVENTURE STORIES |
Fall |
Some of the world’s greatest writers are known for their exciting adventure stories. Students in this course will read well-written adventure stories and analyze the techniques the author used to create the adventure. Using techniques learned, students will write in class their own original adventures to share with their classmates. |
WRITING / COMPUTERS: CREATING DIGITAL PHOTO MYSTERIES |
Fall |
Students will use a digital camera and Hyperstudio or similar software to create an interactive mystery story. They will explore the process of digital photography together with the process of writing a mystery story. At the conclusion of the semester, students will receive a CD-ROM anthology of digital photo mysteries.
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COMPUTERS: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY & THE WEB |
Spring |
With the use of the university’s digital cameras, students will photograph activities at LIUCGY and samples of campus life, download images onto a PC, and create a digital photo album and digital web pages replete with captions and dialogue. At the conclusion of the course, students will receive a personal CD of their work. |
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