Gifted LearningLinks Enrichment offers enriching and challenging courses for 4th through 6th graders. These online courses include substantial and engaging activities that encourage students to acquire and develop new concepts. This program allows students to explore math, science and humanities at a pace compatible with their abilities. Teachers who are experts in their fields have designed these courses and interact with students via their online course sites, discussion boards, and email. Students are expected to spend 1 to 1.5 hours per week working on class assignments. Parents are encouraged to work with their children.

Courses begin September 1st , February 1st , and June 1st . Each course is three months in length. Students are expected to follow the course syllabus and complete assigned activities. Instructors monitor student progress, review assignments, and are available via phone or email to help students and parents. Gifted LearningLinks Enrichment courses are offered for enrichment only and receive a written evaluation in place of a letter grade after the end of the session.

Gifted LearningLinks Enrichment is offering various series of courses. Students may enroll in any session.

Language Arts Courses (grades 3-6)

Literature Series

02. Mythology (Winter)                                    A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
Mankind created the great myths to explain the mysteries of creation and nature. Discover gods, goddesses, crea­tures, heroes and fabulous adventures as represented by Egyptian, Greek and Roman legends and those of other cul­tures. Ra, Zeus, Minerva and Thor come to life through the activities and research conducted in this class. Projects based on the beliefs that built the foundation of our understanding of the world today com­plete the course.

03. Biography (Summer)                                  A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
Who are your personal heroes? Based on the biographies and autobiographies of those we admire, we can learn a great deal about our values and ideals. This genre can teach us about diversity, culture and history as we gain insight into the com­plexities of human nature. Students form opinions about the persons they choose to study through a theme-based analysis of readings.

Writing Series

04. Introduction to Advanced Grammar             A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
(Accelerated Summer)
Grammar is a subject that is encumbered with false stereotypes of tedium. Elementary students embrace this introduction to all four levels of traditional grammar, including parts of speech, parts of sentences, phrases and clauses. Writing skills improve as students internalize grammatical content. The emphasis will be on the thrill and power of grammar, along with the excitement of understanding how we think and communicate.

05. Introduction to Theatre (Winter)             A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
Live dramatic performance is the key to developing a love of theatre. Initially, stu­dents read and analyze short plays for con­tent, structure and style. Subsequently, students write, direct and record a short scene. Students complete their introduc­tion to theatre by attending and critiquing two theatrical events in their locale.

06. Descriptive Writing (Summer)                   A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
Writing in a way that readers can visualize the subject matter and feel as though they are part of the experience is the essence of descriptive writing. To bring their writing to life, students identify content, organ­ization, style and meaning while incorpo­rating sensory details into their work. As students explore this rich form of expression that is a part of almost every literary genre, their writing skills improve.

07. Online Writers Workshop
(Winter or Summer)                                A. Grades 3–4 B. Grades 5–6
Does your child yearn to write like J.K. Rowling, Maya Angelou, or Richard Peck? Students choose a genre and write their story in Northwestern University’s Online Collaboratory, a web-based collaborative environment used to develop project-based activities that are linked to Illinois learning standards. Finished works will be published (with parent’s permission) on a web site page called The Writer’s Corner.

Science Courses (grades 3-6)

Detective Science Series

09. Circumstantial Evidence (Winter)           A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
Does circumstantial evidence hold up in court? Juries can be asked to reflect on unrelated facts that, when considered together, can be used to infer a conclusion about something unknown. Presented with a theory and a significant amount of corroborating evidence, circumstantial evidence may have an advantage over direct evidence because it is more difficult to suppress. Evidence such as telephone or computer records may lead to the sol­ution of criminal investigations. Students explore the data to solve fabricated cases. Gaining insight into the science behind the investigation of modern crime-solving situations expands students’ higher-level thinking skills.

10. Forensic Evidence (Summer)                   A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
Do you long to be a member of a CSI team? Forensics is the application of a broad spectrum of sciences that answers questions in criminal investigations. Future medical examiners, crime lab analysts and forensic engineers learn about the exami­nation of teeth, blood, bone, microbes, spores and decomposition that relate to solving crimes. Students strengthen their deductive reasoning skills while learning to apply scientific fact to theoretical analysis.

Social Studies Courses (grades 3-6)

Twentieth-Century History Series

12. Policy Makers of the 1900s (Winter)        A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
Could both World Wars have been avoid­ed? Every day, the world moves closer and closer toward world governance. Meet the people who generated change throughout the world, including heads of state, philan­thropists and world leaders. Explore the issues and debate their decisions as you discover the dynamics of the last century and how they affected the potential of the next generation.
                       
13. Arts and Music of the 1900s (Summer)   A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
The arts touch our souls and shape our thinking. Can you name two traits that the works of Wassily Kandinsky and the Beatles have in common? Discover artists and musicians, and their contributions that have affected change in the way we view the icons of our civilization. By developing an appreciation of the arts, students enhance their understanding of cultures and make use of a range of intelligences and learning styles.

Mathematics Courses (grades 3-6)

Problem Solving Series

15. Geometry and Measurement (Winter)       A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
Do all pyramids have square bases?  Can the perimeter and area of the same poly­gon be equal? Students explore the intrica­cies of geometry, measurement, coordinate planes, symmetry, transforma­tions, tessellations and more. While solv­ing problems and participating in hands-on activities, students in this course cover content that is often omitted from traditional mathematics classes. Engaging activities make this course meaningful.

16. Data Analysis and Probability (Summer)   A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
Are you able to calculate the odds of someone in your family winning the lottery? In addition to probability, this course teaches students to read, under­stand, and interpret information. Students construct surveys and organize, graph and interpret data by performing exercises that are guaranteed to increase their mathemat­ical proficiency and improve their analyti­cal skills. Students make predictions, test their theories and present results — all activities designed to help them construct a good foundation in data analysis and probability. Upon completion of this course, students look at information they encounter in the media in a more analyti­cal manner.

Mathematics for Your Future Series

18. Math for Researchers (Winter)                   A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
What do you think Henry Clay meant when he said, “Statistics are no substitute for judgment?” What topics might you be interested in exploring? Students become researchers as they involve them­selves in investigations of their choosing and prepare statistical analyses of their findings. An understanding of how statis­tics can be used, interpreted and/or skewed is developed in this class.

19. Math for Financiers (Summer)                   A. Grades 3–4  B. Grades 5–6
What is the Dow Jones Industrial Average? What are mutual funds? Young financiers learn about the workings of the economy and many of the options available to investors. Activities will be based upon topics such as stock portfolios, basic investment, research of corporations and money management. Math for Financiers provides an excellent introduction into the world of business.

Language Courses (grades 4-6)

Spanish

20. Intro to Spanish I (Winter or Summer)               C. Grades 4–6
21. Intro to Spanish II (Winter or Summer)             C. Grades 4–6
22. Intro to Spanish III (Winter or Summer)           C. Grades 4–6
           
Prerequisite: Students must complete preced­ing course(s) to enroll in Spanish II and III.

More than 400 million people worldwide speak Spanish. Students are introduced to the history, cultures and traditions of the Hispanic and Latino peoples, all of whom share this language. Students learn the basic vocabulary and grammar needed to begin reading, speaking and writing in Spanish. Participation in games, quizzes, projects and interactive sessions allows students to demonstrate their acquired knowledge.

Latin

23. Intro to Latin I (Winter or Summer)                      C. Grades 4–6
24. Intro to Latin II (Winter or Summer)                    C. Grades 4–6
25. Intro to Latin III (Winter or Summer)                  C. Grades 4–6            

Prerequisite: Students must complete preced­ing course(s) to enroll in Latin II and III.

Often the best way to understand one’s own language is to study another. In this course students are introduced to Latin vocabulary and grammar through a variety of exercises and games. These activities challenge them to complete translations, thus reaping the rewards of their learning. While exploring ancient Roman mytholo­gy and society, students expand their understanding of this ancient culture. By the conclusion of the class, students have increased their abilities to deduce the meanings of English words, based on their newly acquired knowledge of Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes thereby increasing students’ vocabulary in both Latin and English.

Technology (grades 4-6)

26. Tech Gaming I (Winte, or Summer)                         C. Grades 4–6

27. Tech Gaming II (Winter or Summer)                       C. Grades 4–6

28. Tech Gaming III (Winter or Summer)                      C. Grades 4–6

Prerequisites: Students must complete Tech Gaming I before taking Tech Gaming II and Tech Gaming I and II before taking Tech Gaming III.

How often have you played a computer game, feeling that you could have created a better one? Now is your chance. During this experience, students are given the tools they need to design and develop their own characters, rules and strategies for a game that they build and publish. Learn the skills needed to become the next great game designer. Note: Additional software may be required.

29. Robotics Discovery I (Winter or Summer)               C. Grades 4–6

In this hands-on, self-paced robotics course, students learn engineering, build­ing and programming using the LEGO NXT Robotics Design System. Partici­pants create their own autonomous robot applying their new engineering knowledge through interactive exercises in math, science and physics. Notes:

• The LEGO Mindstorms Education Base Kit (# 9797) and the LEGO Mindstorms Education Software (#0077) must be purchased independently by families. The kit and software are available at http://www.legoeducation.com. A retail version of the NXT Mindstorms Kit (#8527), available at several online and retail stores may be used. Students choosing to use the retail kit must be prepared to make some adaptations to the models built in the course.
• Parents are encouraged to assist their students with manipulation of materials, as needed.
• To ensure communication with the instructor, CTD suggests that an inexpensive webcam and/or a digital camera also be purchased.
• To ensure student safety, parents must be present during webcam communications.

30. Robotics Discovery II (Winter or Summer)             C. Grades 4–6

Prerequisite: Robotics I from CTD or permission of instructor
Expand on the engineering, building and programming skills developed in the Robotics Discovery I course. Using the advanced features of the LEGO NXT Robotics Design System, design and build a unique autonomous robot, complete with light, sound and touch sensors.

31. Robotics Discovery III (Winter or Summer)          C. Grades 4–6

Prerequisite: Robotics II from CTD or permission of instructor
Continue the progress! Finesse and enhance your robot-building prowess by adding advanced sensors, motors and con­trol strategies to your creations. Students increase their engineering acumen as they refine their understanding of the potential of robotic development.

Language Arts Courses (grades 7-8)

32. Online Writers Workshop (Winter or Summer)       D. Grades 7– 8

Do you long to write like Alex Haley, Kurt Vonnegut, or J.K. Rowling? Students choose a genre and write their story in Northwestern University’s Online Collaboratory, a web-based collaborative environment used to develop project-based activities that are linked to Illinois learning standards. Finished works will be published (with parent’s permission) on a web site page called The Writer’s Corner.

33. Preparation for Standardized Tests                     D. Grades 7– 8
(Winter or Accelerated Summer)

Do you have nightmares before taking a standardized test? Do you break into a cold sweat when you walk into the test room? Throughout high school, college and graduate school, students are required to take high-stakes tests. Preparing for a test is not easy, and many test takers experience a phenomenon known as test anxiety. By understanding how standardized tests are written, discovering how to capitalize on your learning style and by practicing learning strategies, you can enjoy both increased success and reduced stress.

34. Writing Research Papers MLA                            D. Grades 7– 8
(Winter or Accelerated Summer)

Most middle and high schools have embraced the Modern Language Association (MLA) style as the standard for research writing. Instruction and activ­ities focus on the basics of topic selection, research techniques, MLA citation, outlin­ing, rough drafts, revising and proofread­ing. Techniques for managing larger projects help build organizational skills and reduce anxiety when students face the task of writing research papers. Using a topic of their choice, students produce a well-researched piece of writing using the MLA format, incorporating the skills they have learned that will serve them well every time they sit down to write.

35. Digital Story Telling (Summer)                                         D. Grades 7– 8

Are you the next Steven Spielberg? Do you have a sure-hit plot line that rivals Raiders of the Lost Ark for inventiveness and intrigue? Students learn how complex the art of movie making can be as they develop a story line, create characters, choose music and select digital photos to make three to four complete movies by the end of this engaging course. Will you be the next young talent to put your hand in the cement at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre?
Note:

• Students need access to a computer with photo-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop Elements or Macintosh iPhoto, Microsoft Movie Maker or Macintosh iMovie, a scanner and/or digital camera.

Science Courses (grades 7-8)

Science Series

37. Introduction to Physics (Winter)                                      D. Grades 7– 8

Physicists study the objects in the natural world that are smaller than atoms and larger than galaxies. Electricity, magnetism and Newton’s Laws of Motion are integral parts of the study of physics. In this class, the teacher presents the history, develop­ment and application of these and other fundamental concepts in the science of matter and energy and their interactions. To gain a hands-on understanding of these crucial concepts, students participate in innovative problem- and project-based experiments, such as the arc of a ball being thrown by a pitcher and why balancing on a bike is easier if the rider is going faster. Even if students do not plan to continue the study of physics, the underlying princi­ples discussed in this course give every participant a basic understanding of such topics as acoustics, optics, mechanics, ther­modynamics and electromagnetism. This course is an excellent introduction to high school physics.
Notes:

• Students may need to purchase some equipment.

38. Introduction to Chemistry (Summer)                                D. Grades 7– 8

Marie Curie and Louis Pasteur significant­ly advanced the science of chemistry. Curie discovered radium and polonium, while Pasteur created the sterilization process that makes milk safe to drink. Students develop an appreciation for chemical prin­ciples and applications in this class while improving their scientific literacy. They discover the interrelationships among chemistry, the other sciences and mathe­matics. Conducting virtual and home-based experiments, students build a foundation of knowledge that will serve them well as they continue their studies in chemistry.
Notes:

• Students may need to purchase some equipment.
• Additional fee of $50 for online labs.

Psychology Courses (grades 7-8)

Psychology Series

40. Introduction to Psychology: Health (Winter)                    D. Grades 7– 8

What determines memory and the integra­tion of thoughts? Do you ever contem­plate why you chose the avenues you are pursuing? This course focuses on self-
knowledge and learning styles and pro­vides you with information and techniques to help analyze your emotions and lifestyle choices. Acquire valuable skills while gain­ing a greater understanding of your men­tal health and how to care for it. Explore the topics of perception, cognition, mem­ory and personality as you gain greater self-awareness.

41. Introduction to Psychology: Abnormal Psych (Summer) D. Grades 7– 8

Do people think you’re abnormal because you’re academically talented? Because your hair is green and you wear jewelry through your eyebrows? What does “normal” mean, and who decides which behaviors fit the normal category and which do not? Psychologists study abnormal behavior in order to describe, predict, explain and change abnormal patterns of functioning. In this class, students consider the nature of psychopathology, its causes, treatments and current trends. Students construct a culminating project that explores a specific diagnostic category designated by the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders –IV.

Mathematics Courses (grades 7-8)

Problem Solving Series

43. Math Competition Problems (Winter)                               D. Grades 7– 8

MathCounts. Jeopardy. Math Olympiad. Math League. Higher-level problem-solving strategies help students meet the challenges found in problems taken from
some of these competitions. Students may use the learning strategy “think, pair and share” before coming together as a class to review their solutions. This course prepares students to feel confident in math contests and competitions.

44. Math Mix (Summer)                                                           D. Grades 7– 8

What do Sudoku, Set and logic puzzles have in common? Math Mix provides stu­dents with a variety of puzzles, games and problems that they may not be exposed to during the traditional school day. Students collaborate by sharing strategies on their way to finding solutions. If you are an avid student of mathematics, Math Mix is a low-pressure, stimulating way to spend part of the summer.

45. Pre-Algebra (Winter or Accelerated Summer)                          D. Grades 7– 8

If you are looking for an introductory course in algebra, this one’s for you. Areas of study include linear equations, surface area and volume, exponents, statis­tics, the coordinate system, trigonometry, absolute value and graphing. Problems are completed both independently and collab­oratively. Students share ideas while look­ing for alternative ways to solve problems more efficiently or with more complexity, depending on the focus. This course pro­vides a building block for Honors Algebra.

46. Introduction to Statistics I (Winter or Summer)      D. Grades 7– 8

Is the most popular soft drink in the United States also the most popular soft drink in China? in Tunisia? From this course, students gain a sense of the power and relevance of statistics and its applica­tions. Introductory statistical skills are acquired as students design and analyze surveys and experiments. This course teaches skills and provides students with information critical to understanding a variety of research and statistical studies. Note: Students must have access to Microsoft Excel and a graphing calculator.

Art History Courses (grades 7-8)

Art History Series

48. Art History: Medieval (Winter)                                          D. Grades 7– 8

Spanning approximately 1000 years in European history, between the collapse of Rome and the Renaissance, one of the most brilliant eras in the history of art took place. It was the time when many of the world’s best-known artists, such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Donatello and DaVinci were creating the masterpieces that set a standard for ages to come. Largely religious in nature, the works of this period, generally paintings and sculp­ture, set a standard of comparison for all times. Through guided exploration of vir­tual museum sites, students gain an under­standing of this historical period, as well as the artistic techniques developed by each master. Students leave the class with a portfolio documenting the history of their favorite masterpieces.

49. Art History: Modern (Summer)                                          D. Grades 7– 8

 “Everything you can imagine is real.” — Pablo Picasso. Learn the differences among impressionism, art nouveau, pointillism, surrealism, pop art and abstract art as you study Picasso, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and other noted artists of this time and the imaginative works they created. Students explore the tech­niques of this period through virtual museum tours and experiment with these artistic methods by creating their own pieces of art. As they gain familiarity with modern art, students start to recognize the roots of current advertising and prod­uct design.