GAGE/GSU Summer
Exploration for Gifted
Students
Gwinnett Alliance for Gifted Education partnered with Georgia State
University Saturday School to provide a 4-day summer program for elementary and middle grades gifted
students. The program provides a wide variety of challenging and enriching classes emphasizing 21st century
learning.
Date
Monday Thursday
June 22 25, 2015
Times:
8:30 12:00 Morning Session
12:30 4:00 Afternoon Session
Location
Rock Springs Elementary School
888 Rock Springs Road
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
770-932-7474
Tuition Fee
$175 per session
Morning or
Afternoon
Registration
Georgia State University Saturday School is processing registration applications
online. Since the maximum class size is 15 students, applications are processed on a
first-come, first-served basis. Classes can fill quickly so please register promptly - go
to [Link]
Summer Exploration for Gifted Students Classes
Contact Person: Dr. Dawn White, 770-932-7474 Email: dawn_white@[Link]
MORNING SESSIONS: 8:30 12:00
AFTERNOON SESSIONS: 12:30 4:00
Second & Third Grade:
All the Worlds a Stage
Anything Goes The Power of Poetry
Art & Science of Wonder
Zoology 101
Second & Third Grade:
Brain Games
Creative Computer Coding
Zoology 101
Fourth & Fifth Grade:
Fourth & Fifth Grade:
All the Worlds a Stage
Anything Goes The Power of Poetry
Brain Games
Art & Science of Wonder
Creative Computer Coding
Fun Ways to Learn About Anatomy
Medieval Moments
Movie Magic
Pecha Kucha Have Fun with Public Speaking
Pecha Kucha Have Fun with Public Speaking
Wonderful World of Water
Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Grade:
Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Grade:
Ecology through the Eyes of Sea Turtles
Imagine It Creative Writing
Movie Magic
Imagine It Creative Writing
Ocean Exploration
Simulation Fun
Summer Exploration for Gifted Students Class Descriptions
All the Worlds a Stage
Call all actors! Would you like to be in the spotlight? In this class, well play theater games, do improvisation, perform monologues,
and stage a production! From Shakespeare to Broadway, take a journey through time with your new thespian friends as we learn about
theater and enjoy performing! This class will dramatically improve your summer! Instructor: Sherri Kaiser, Gifted Program Teacher
Anything Goes The Power of Poetry
Hey, you! Yes, you! The one who has something to say! Do you want to escape from the world of LONG story writing and research?
Join me on this journey where we learn about the POWER OF POETRY. Poetry speaks to the mind and heart. We will venture into a
world where a little goes a long way! Poetry allows you to express yourself through creative writing and use of imagination. It also
promotes literacy, builds community, and ignites our inner emotions. In this class, you will learn to read and write different types of
poems, peer revise and edit, and share your work through a Poetry Matters Poetry Caf. Instructor: Marla Parish, Literacy
Instructional Coach
Art and Science of Wonder
Why is the sky blue? How many people get stung by a bee each day? What can you mine in Minecraft? How tall is the tallest
mountain? Have you ever wonderedabout anything? The Art and Science of Wonder class can help you learn how to find answers,
develop new curiosities, and gain knowledge about the world around you. Using your own wonders, you will get to explore the
endless possibilities of the world in which we live. Whether your passion is art, science, technology, or something else, this class will
help guide you through the process of inquire and research to engage and inspire you. Instructors: Julie Anderson & Kara Gazaway,
Advanced Content Teachers
Brain Games
The only way to grow your brain is to exercise it, so lets get going! Join us for puzzles, games, and activities that will test and
develop your brain power. Use multiple methods to find single and multiple solutions to challenging problems. Work individually and
with others to practice your intuitive and inductive reasoning, visual thinking, math problem solving skills, creativity, and have fun!
Instructor: Kathy Marks, Gifted Program Teacher
Creative Computer Coding
During this class students will use [Link] curriculum to explore computer science. Students will be able to explore the limitless
world of computer programming. Students will work on computers to write code, and they will participate in unplugged activities to
facilitate understanding of computer programming. Instructor: Alexis Harsh, Gifted Teacher
Ecology through the Eyes of Sea Turtles
Join in an exploration of ecology concepts as we venture into the life journey of one of Earths oldest reptilessea turtles. In doing so,
learn about dangers faced by sea turtles during each phase of their lifespan. Examine ways to help save sea turtles from the threat of
extinction. Investigate sea turtle species that nest off Georgias coast. Identify the adaptations that reveal the food source of each turtle
and enable it to survive. Look into the nesting habits and sea turtle behavior. Through the use of Power Points, hands-on activities,
video clips, articles, and childrens literature, discover information needed to create an interactive, keepsake booklet. Instructor:
Betsy Frye, 7th grade Life Science Teacher
Fun Ways to Learn about Anatomy
Explore the interworking of the human body through the use of hands-on activities, games, and interactive experiences. Daily
investigate different groups of body systems skeletal, muscular, digestive, cardiovascular, nervous, and respiratory. Learn the parts
and function of each system as well as how the systems work together to make a human thrive. Leave each day with an artifact
reflecting your new knowledge. Instructor: Betsy Frye, 7th grade Life Science Teacher
Imagine It! Creative Writing
Have you ever wondered how authors create such vivid, lively and intense stories? Do you consider your stories to be just as lively
and intense? Well, lets go on an adventure and discover your true writing ability through a creative writing course. We will explore
character study through introspection, setting and sensory details. We will create models of our imagination to connect to our stories
and conclusively develop a book that will include the voices and stories of our class. Creative writing opens up a world filled with
imagination and purpose. Lets open up this world together! Instructor: Felisha Strong, 7th grade Gifted/Honors Teacher
Medieval Moments
Enjoy a fully integrated experience by stepping back in time and enjoying moments from the Middle Ages. Design your own coat of
arms using heraldic rules, design and build a catapult then siege a castle. Learn about plays from the Middle Ages and perform in one.
Discover illuminated manuscripts, mix your own ink and try your hand at calligraphy. A true mix of social studies, science, math, and
language arts is yours! Instructor: Julie McLendon, Language Arts Teacher
Movie Magic
Have you ever read a book and said to yourself, If only someone could make this into a movie. Well, Ready? Set? ACTION! You
are about to enter the world of film. In this class, you will have the opportunity to turn your favorite book into a digital movie trailer
for all to see. You will also have the chance to create a movie theater poster to go with your trailer. So, get ready, Steven Spielberg is
looking for an apprentice and it could be you! Instructor: Kimberly Adams, 4th grade Teacher
Ocean Exploration
Oceans cover two thirds of our planet and are full of marine animals. From fish to sharks and whales to crabs and octopuses to
microscopic algae, marine wildlife is highly diverse. In this course students will explore all types of marine creatures and the
ecosystems they live in. They will look at a variety of specimens and dissect a fish or squid. Time and resources permitting, they will
observe some live specimens also. A $10 materials fee given to the instructor (checks payable to GSU) is required. Instructor:
Jennifer Lovell, Science Teacher
Pecha Kucha: Have Fun with Public Speaking
Would you like to become a better public speaker? No matter where you fall on the fear of public speaker meter, this course will help
you become a better public speaker. Pecha Kucha is a presentation style in which 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each. Six minutes
and 40 seconds in total. This format keeps presentations concise and fast-paced and allows for a fun and interactive presentation style.
Students will build a presentation power point and speech throughout the week to be delivered on the last day. Activities and
discussion topics will include: the art of storytelling, engaging with the audience, getting over nerves, and developing a presentation
style. Instructor: Sheneka Mayes, 5th grade Teacher
Simulation Fun!
Learn science while having fun! Interactive simulations allow students to experience difficult concepts during play! Classes will
spend a day each exploring Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy through computer models. Website locations
will be provided so parents can enjoy these simulations with their children as well.
Instructor: Julie McLendon, Science Teacher
Wonderful World of Water
Have you ever considered the impact of water on life on Earth? Global climate change, overpopulation, and limitations on resources
are all a major challenge in the future. Scientists and Engineers will have to create real solutions for these challenges opening up an
exciting and new career field. In this course students will delve in hands on activities and labs that investigate the importance of
waters impact on our daily lives. Instructor: Jennifer Lovell, Science Teacher
Zoology 101
Students will explore the fascinating world of Zoology. They will care for 5 different real life exotic and domestic animals - Russian
Tortoise, Bearded Dragon, Guinea Pig, Cockatiel Baby Parrot, and Holland Lop Rabbit. The students will observe how animals
communicate, learn about their habitat including geographic location, and study their behavior. They will gain an understanding of
what its like to be a zookeeper and veterinarian. Students will participate in hands-on activities emphasizing creativity and scientific
thinking. Instructor: Alexia Codispoti, Science Teacher
