GATE: Gifted and Talented EducationTrack O-3 Descriptions
Meteorology
Do you love the weather, do you love science, chemistry, math and physics? Meteorology is for you! The weather effects everyone around the world 24/7. Understanding weather and making accurate predictions can affect cargo shipments, driving, flying and people’s safety in general. The wonderful world of weather can take you around the world! Most of us are probably most familiar with meteorology as the study of the science of weather and weather forecasting. Indeed, understanding various aspects of the weather will be our focus for much of this course. But, meteorology isn't just about the weather forecast. More broadly, meteorology is the study of the physics and chemistry of Earth's atmosphere, including its interactions with Earth's surface (both land and water). In short, meteorologists want to completely understand how Earth's atmosphere works (and often use that knowledge for future predictions). That means meteorologists need to know about the composition, structure, and air motions within the atmosphere. (psu.edu)
The weather has a huge impact on everyday life for people all over the world. Forecasts can range from sunny skies to violent tornadoes, fog and showers to icy blizzards, or scorching heat waves to flash flooding. WILX News 10 Meteorologist Justin Bradford is ready to explain what causes everything from a normal day of the week to some of the most extreme weather events you’ve ever heard of. You’ll learn about weather here in Michigan and all over the Earth through discussion, fun exercises, jaw-dropping videos and even a few hands-on activities!
Zootopia
Modern zoos have a long history that is worth exploring together. You will get a chance to learn about the evolution of zoos and their purposes in this class. Many of us enjoy zoos but have you ever wondered if animals are happy? How do we measure animal welfare in zoos? You will also have the opportunity to design some enrichment and exhibit space for your favorite animals.
There is no one 'right' way to design animal space at the interface of science and design, so we are not prescribing a set of steps or a blueprint for successful design. Rather, our objectives for this course are to equip students with the tools to embark on interdisciplinary research with the confidence to create a suitable and sustainable 'space' for animals to maximize their well-being.
This 3-day course will focus on hands on experience in design zoo exhibits and building models.
Day 1: Review of Zoo Design projects from college students; learn about the design process; start your own design
Day 2: In-class model making
Day 3: In-class model making; Student presentation
Mathematical Logic
According to Imacs.org, when you combine math, computer science, philosophy, and linguistics you get Mathematical logic! The big goal of mathematical logic is to link human language and thinking with math. In short, mathematical logic tries to understand math concepts through patterns that feel natural to your brain. Mathematicians who study mathematical logic also try to uncover and figure out contradictions and unsolved problems in the field of mathematics.
Most of us, when we think of math, we think of numbers. But not all math involves numbers. You’ve probably already explored some geometry activities at school that involved lines and shapes. Another idea of math that does not have to involve numbers is logic. Ready to understand syntactic and semantic, then this class is for you?!
Fri: What is the meaning of MILONELION? How to use Logic to Solve Math Puzzles; Moving Around: See if you can solve this logic puzzle about four fast friends.
Sat: In the Enchanted Kingdom: A logic puzzle that involves four princesses and four pet dragons! In the Land of Confusion: Figuring out who is the sage and who is the jester.
Sun: Read the Numbers: Numbers are used for counting, but did you know they can also be used for spelling? Simple Symbols: substitute numbers for symbols so that subtraction problems work.