Program Components

Project EXCITE's course sequence provides participants with excellent instruction in mathematics and the sciences and the chance to bond with like-minded students over a six-year period. With a strong foundation of knowledge and a supportive network of friends, Project EXCITE graduates can enroll with confidence in Evanston Township High School’s most challenging honors and AP® courses.

Project EXCITE’s six-year series of enrichment courses includes:


After-School Classes
Students in grade 3 are introduced to Project EXCITE through after-school classes held at Evanston Township High School and Northwestern University. From November through May, participants spend 10 Tuesdays, from 4 to 5:15 p.m., immersed in hands-on activities involving biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics.

Experienced teachers from the Evanston Township High School mathematics and science departments teach these classes with assistance from elementary teachers familiar with curricula in the lower grades.


Saturday Courses
Project EXCITE students in grades 4 through 8 participate in the Center for Talent Development (CTD) Saturday Enrichment Program (SEP), held on the Northwestern University campus.

Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 attend the Saturday Enrichment Program’s fall and winter sessions; students in grades 7 and 8 attend the winter session. Classes are held on eight successive Saturdays in the morning from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and/or the afternoon from noon to 2:30 p.m.

Students in grades 4 and 6 take SEP’s integrated mathematics and science courses for Project EXCITE students only, whereas students in grades 5, 7 and 8 may take any mathematics or science course offered by SEP. These courses are offered not only to Project EXCITE students, but also to other high-performing students in the greater Chicago-area, expanding Project EXCITE participants’ peer network and increasing opportunities for friendship.

Saturday Enrichment Program instructors have strong backgrounds in mathematics or science and are experienced in teaching gifted and talented students.

For course schedules and general information, visit the Saturday Enrichment Program.


2012 Summer Programs

Grades 3 & 4 Summer Reading & Math Program

• Mondays to Thursdays
• 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• July 16 to August 9

All 3rd and 4th grade EXCITE students are invited to participate in our summer reading and math program. The course offers students an opportunity to engage in exciting activities and interactive workshops that increase their math and reading skills. Students rotate to different stations including: independent and group reading circles, guided math and math games, and daily oral presentations.

Grade 5 Summer Reading Program

• Evanston Public Library, The Loft
• Thursdays, 5 to 7 p.m.
  
• July 12 to August 16

All 5th grade EXCITE students are invited to participate in our summer reading program through Evanston Public Library's teen center, commonly known as "The Loft." This is our second year in working with the library and we are excited to continue our partnership during summer 2011. The program offers students an opportunity to engage in exciting activities and interactive workshops that will enrich their reading and writing skills. Last year’s program included read aloud sessions and hands-on activities involving music and theater.

Grade 6 Summer Apogee Program

• Northwestern University, Evanston
  
• Session One: June 24 to July 13
  
• Session Two: July 15 to August 3

6th grade EXCITE students participate in Apogee, in which students spend three weeks on Northwestern’s campus participating in enrichment activities and taking a math or science course of their choice, along with other gifted students. Apogee offers courses on a wide range of topics: from astronomy to zoology and algebra to puzzles, games and web design.

Grade 7 Summer Science Program

• Mondays to Thursdays
• 8:00 a.m. to noon
• ETHS
• June 12 to June 28

7th grade EXCITE students participate in a three-week science program, designed to give EXCITE students significant laboratory science experience at Evanston Township High School. Students will spend one week each, on biology, chemistry and physics.

Grade 8 Summer Programs
ETHS Summer Bridge Program

• Mondays to Thursdays
• 8:00 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. 
• ETHS
• June 12 to July 3

8th grade EXCITE students participate in our Summer Bridge Program at ETHS. One of the biggest challenges for incoming high school students is getting accustomed to a large school, making new friends, and getting acclimated overall, all of which can take attention and focus away from studying. This course is designed to give your child a jump-start on course work that they will take freshman year and to get them familiar with the high school environment. Students cover advanced math concepts (Geometry/Algebra 2) and apply what they learn by focusing on physics-related projects. The program also focuses on reading comprehension as it relates to biology and the sciences in general. Throughout the session, students will meet other EXCITE high school students who have completed the program, and will get introduced to ETHS administrators. Students will receive one elective credit from ETHS for completing the course.