2008 Apogee Three-Week Courses
for students completing grades 4 - 6

(Click here for one-week courses for students completing grade 4.)

ENGLISH AND WRITING

5. Creative Writing: Poetry

“Poetry is a packsack of invisible keepsakes.” So wrote Carl Sandburg as he described the process underlying the writing of poetry. With creativity as their mandate, students use their imaginations while exploring poetic forms, such as sonnets, jintishi, villanelle, tanka, ode, acrostic, cinquian and free verse. Students brainstorm ideas and learn professional techniques for writing, revising, and presenting their work. Students create a portfolio of their work to share with family and friends. This class is for students who want to learn how to harness the mighty forces of creative language to produce original poetry.
Offered: Session 1

6. Creative Writing: Short Stories

“If a story is in you, it has got to come out.” So wrote William Faulkner as he described the process underlying the writing of fiction. Students learn to channel their creative ideas and craft them into polished stories. By studying professional writing techniques, practicing writing, revising, and presenting their own work, the young writers create a portfolio to take home. This class is for students who want to learn to how to take the great ideas in their heads and turn them into short stories.
Offered: Session 2

7. The Front Page: An Introduction to Journalism

What skills are needed to “get” the story, write the text, and meet that deadline? Students work on all aspects of journalism, from the initial steps of identifying and researching a story, through writing, editing, rewriting, and publishing a final project. They practice interviewing techniques and become familiar with forms of journalistic prose such as news stories, editorials, columns, features, and person­ality profiles. The Front Page is ideal for students who want to experience the world of print media and its attention to accuracy, and will develop in students an ability to write to a deadline.
Offered: Session 1

8. Writer’s Workshop

“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and lightning bug,” wrote Mark Twain. Students utilize and polish their writing skills as they learn to write various types of essays ranging from expository to persuasive. Through a variety of interactive class and small group activities, students learn to incorporate feedback from peers and instructors into their writing. They move through drafting and revising stages to produce polished compositions. Students prepare a portfolio of writing samples that they can take home. This class is ideal for students who are ready to assume the challenge of perfecting their writing in an environment of motivated fellow writers.
Offered: Session 2

9. Playwriting & Drama

Actors are only as good as the words they are given. Students learn to develop characters, write dialogue, improvise scenes, and perform portions of some widely known as well as their own plays. Through the study of dramatic traditions in ancient Greek and Shakespearean theater, to farce and modern musical theater, students discover the essential elements shared by playwrights throughout the ages. Field trips, speakers and theater performances are also integrated into the course. In the third week, students perform their plays on stage. This course is for the aspiring writer who wants to share his/her words and imagination with a live audience.
Offered: Session 1

10. The Bard for Beginners: An Introduction to Shakespeare & His Time

“He was not of an age, but for all time,” Ben Jonson wrote in 1623 only seven years after Shakespeare died. Students travel back to 16th century England when jousting and tournaments were the rage and where the son of a small town glove maker became the most renowned playwright of all time. Class members explore selections of Shakespeare’s works and investigate the historical and cultural influences that allowed him to contribute both to Elizabethan society and the literary world today. Participants also perform excerpts of the Bard’s plays.
Offered: Session 2

11. The Story Behind the Story

Welcome to enchanted places, mythical creatures, magical spells, and the human quest for immortality and battle against destiny! Before modern novels like Artemis Fowl, Eragon, Coraline and Harry Potter there were Greek, Egyptian, Norse, Germanic, Old English and Icelandic sagas. Authors like Eoin Colfer, Christopher Paolini, Neil Griman and
J.K. Rowling weave ancient tales and folklore into their novels. Sometimes they leave obvious clues about the stories they have used. Sometimes they leave messages in code. In this course, students examine how pre-existing styles and subjects of storytelling have shaped modern young adult imaginative fiction. This course offers students who enjoy imaginative fiction the opportunity to explore ancient lore and recognize
common themes in literature.
Offered: Session 1

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

12. Ancient Wars & Mythology

The call to war was a constant theme in ancient cultures. Heroes were born of battles against the gods and each other. In Rome Cato the Elder cried, “Delenda est Carthago” (Carthage must be destroyed) and it was. Are these stories merely myths? In this course students read and examine historical documents related to the ancient wars as well as the stories and myths corroborating or dispelling some of these famous battles. Students explore the art of storytelling, discuss mythology, and examine oral tradition as they experiment with creative performance and come to understand the wars and mythology of ancient times.
Offered: Session 2

13. Model United Nations (UN): Exploring International Relations

In 2000, every country agreed to eight specific goals to improve the lives of all children and adults by 2015. Carrying out the tasks to achieve these goals requires the cooperation of nations that may not have always agreed on other policies. Understanding international relations begins with researching the geographic landscape, political structures, history and economic systems of specific regions. Students learn the UN’s principles and organization, examine current problems, and analyze international power relations within the organization. Students represent a nation and, using research, better understand how countries and cultures have been shaped and are linked to one another. Students serve as ambassadors at a mock general election and debate issues and present position papers. Class participants increase their cultural awareness and sharpen their analytical, writing, research and speaking skills.
Offered: Sessions 1 & 2

14. Order in the Courtroom: The Law Through Fairy Tale Trials

What do Little Red Riding Hood, Jack the Giant Killer, and Hansel and Gretel have in common? Each character is under 12 years old, gifted, and capable of tackling extraordinary challenges in order to live “happily ever after.” Through the multiple lenses of law, literature, and theater, students in this class explore the moral dilemmas at the core of the “Fairy Trials,” a series of nationally recognized courtroom dramas. Is Jack the Giant Killer guilty of manslaughter? Does Rumpelstiltskin deserve a pile of gold for breach of contract? An interdisciplinary mix of speaking and writing activities prepares students to take on the varied roles of lawyer, witness, juror, and storyteller. Order in the Courtroom focuses on developing advanced skills in oral argument, moral reasoning, ­mediation, conflict resolution, and the classic art of great storytelling.
Offered: Sessions 1 & 2

MATHEMATICS & COMPUTERS

Admission Criteria: Nationally-normed, standardized achievement test math score ≥95%, EXPLORE test, or an admission portfolio

15. Math: Puzzles & Games

After a typist wrote 10 letters and addressed the 10 corresponding envelopes, a careless mailing clerk inserted the letters in the envelopes at random, one letter
per envelope. What is the probability that all 10 letters were inserted in the proper envelopes? Explore the mathematics
of games and puzzles! Students in this course examine a wide variety of math topics through the lens of puzzles and games including chess, Go, card games, games of chance, Sudoku, and game shows. Concepts range from pre-algebra to high school level math, including an advanced exploration of probability.
Offered: Sessions 1 & 2

16. Pre-Algebra

What does it mean to solve for x? Why do we care about balanced equations?
Pre-Algebra offers an innovative approach to the study of introductory algebraic skills in an environment that provides for both self-paced and cooperative learning. This course builds upon the essential skills of arithmetic as they apply to algebra, and is designed for math-minded students who enjoy working in teams and learning new techniques to solve math problems. Additional challenge is provided through participation in “Math Counts!” activities. The course requires rigor in mathematical thinking and emphasizes clarity of expression. Pre-Algebra solidifies students’ understanding of math concepts necessary for success in algebra.
Offered: Sessions 1 & 2

17. Algebra I

Prerequisites: Successful completion of a full year of Pre-Algebra and EXPLORE test math score of 22

What do driving a car, listening to music, building a tree house, and using a computer have in common? All involve algebraic principles and formulas. Algebra I covers the world of variables, constants, expressions and equations. Students learn fundamental concepts including algebraic rules, signed numbers, equations, inequalities, graphing formulas and functions, systems of equations, exponents, radicals, polynomials, quadratics, proportions, and rational equations. This course is equivalent to a yearlong high school honors Algebra I course.
Note: Students who earn a grade of C or better are eligible to receive credit. Students who plan to use this course as a replacement for Algebra I in their regular school should communicate with school personnel prior to participating to determine how credit and placement might be acquired.
Offered: Session 2

18. Bits & Blocks: Computer Programming

Have you wondered how you control every movement on the screen while playing video games? Programmers design the coordination of each and every possible move. Students unlock the mysteries behind the computer screen as they investigate fundamental concepts in computer programming. Using MicroWorlds software, students explore and test their ideas and develop their own multimedia projects and computer games, complete with animation, sound effects, movie clips, and music. This course encourages students to use their imagination and math skills, solve problems, and think creatively while developing simple computer programs. Students receive a copy of MicroWorlds at the conclusion of the course.
Note: Additional $150 lab fee required.
Offered: Sessions 1 & 2

19. Introduction to Web Design

Using a hands-on, project-based approach, students learn the terminology, basic concepts, and design techniques necessary for the development of a Web page. Given a specific project, students consider design issues specific to Web-based presentations; learn about effective page layout, navigation, and text, and delve into the design process. Students use Dreamweaver® and get an introduction to an authoring software application and basic Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) to create a well-designed and properly functioning Web page. Technical issues such as file
size and correct resolution of images are also covered.
Note: Additional $110 lab fee required.
Offered: Session 1

SCIENCE

Admission Criteria: Nationally-normed, standardized achievement test math score ≥95% (verbal score ≥ 95% for Detective Science, Breakout Biology, and Zoology), EXPLORE tests, or an admission portfolio

20. Architecture: The Growth of Major Cities

A city’s expansive skyline draws eyes upwards and jaws downwards — it’s impressive and continually changing. Through readings and site visits, students study the roles that math and history played in the creation of modern cities. Drawing from their experiences in the course, students discuss the relationship between space and architectural concerns including aesthetics, building materials, budget and function. Students are challenged to use these concepts as well as cultural, economic and organizational concerns as they develop their own scale drawings and structures.
Note: Additional $110 lab fee required.
Offered: Session 1

21. Astronomy & Astrophysics: Beyond the Milky Way

Explore the properties of stars, black holes, galaxies, and more; learn about the continuous expansion of the universe; and consider the possibility of extraterrestrial life! Students learn basic physics and mathematical concepts while studying topics such as stellar evolution and classification, solar physics, and relativity. Students research planets, galaxies and contemporary theories about life and communication in the cosmos while learning about the tools and methods used to collect data in space. This course is ideal for beginning astronomers and those with a keen interest in what exists beyond planet Earth.
Offered: Session 2

22. Designing Machines That Work: Engineering & Physics

How do machines work? How do you build the strongest bridge with the lightest building material? In this hands-on
environment, students learn about the fundamentals of physics as they investigate engineering concepts such as the conser­vation of energy, Newton’s law of gravity, and the theory of motion. They test
these theories — and their own ingenuity — by generating creative alternatives to practical problems faced in scientific and technological fields today. To complement the lab work, field trips and presentations serve as catalysts for new ideas. During
the last day of class, students present and explain their new inventions at the Expo.
Note: Additional $110 lab fee required.
Offered: Sessions 1 & 2

23. Up, Up & Away: The Science of Aerodynamics & Flight

The mysteries of flight have intrigued human beings for cen­turies. Like the Wright brothers and Amelia Earhart, students study the principles that underlie aerodynamics — motion, force, energy, density, and Bernoulli’s principle — and apply these concepts daily in lab and project work. Students follow the historical development of flying machines by constructing and operating their own kites, parachutes, hot air balloons, gliders, helicopters, and planes. As a final project, students design and launch their own rockets. This course introduces students to the concepts of physics and aeronautical/
aerospace engineering.
Note: Additional $110 lab fee required.
Offered: Sessions 1 & 2

24. Detective Science: An Introduction to Forensics

“Eliminate all other possible solutions to the crime and there’s only one left; it must be the answer, no matter how absurd.” This was a guiding philosophy of Sherlock Holmes and still is for the detectives of popular TV dramas. In this course, students learn the forensic science involved in solving crimes, including how to collect fingerprints, crack secret codes, and examine corrosion evidence. Earth sciences, technology, life sciences, and physical sciences are combined to solve new mysteries every day. The course also includes detective fiction, from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to Lois Duncan. At the end of the course, each student designs and writes his/her own mystery to be figured out by fellow students. This course is ideal for students who enjoy using their problem-solving skills to crack mysteries, and are interested in reading and writing detective stories.
Note: Additional $110 lab fee required.
Offered: Sessions 1 & 2

25. Breakout Biology: Epidemiology & Immunology

Infectious diseases have plagued and puzzled the human race from the beginning of time. From the common cold to West Nile Virus, infectious diseases continue to roam our planet. Students explore characteristics and examples of basic viral, bac­terial, parasitic, fungal and prion infectious diseases, including those such as chicken pox, Ebola, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, and bubonic plague. Students discuss host-agent-environmental relationships and disease causation in an effort to understand how people manage and prevent disease. Students will also study immunology and look at advances in medical technology that help combat these diseases, have eliminated some, and will allow us
to continue to find cures for others.
Note: Additional $110 lab fee required.
Offered: Session 1

26. Zoology

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
The animal kingdom is vast and often mysterious. Participants learn the basics
of animal biology related to structure
and physiology. Students investigate evolutionary mechanisms that lead to the
diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. While conducting hands-on and virtual dissections, students identify,
compare, and contrast the critical features used to classify animals into major groups. Students may also visit Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo and the Field Museum.
Note: Additional $110 lab fee required.
Offered: Session 2 

Apogee One-Week Enrichment Courses
for students completing grade 4

Admission Criteria: Listed under each course

1. Let’s Write! Creative Writing Workshop

“Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words,” said Mark Twain. Is it as simple as that? In this writing-intensive course, students draw from their own experiences and unlock ideas, mem­ories, thoughts, emotions and observations. Let’s Write provides students with the opportunity to learn a variety of writing techniques and concepts through the exploration of different genres that may include fiction, poetry, and short story. As students learn the elements of effective writing through class activities, they apply this knowledge to journaling, focused exercises, peer/group response, and
literary analysis. Young writers collaborate and participate in peer editing to create
a portfolio of their own work.
Offered: July 6 - July 11
Admission Criteria: Nationally-normed, standardized achievement test verbal score ≥95%, EXPLORE test, or an admission portfolio

2. Introduction to Genetics: Thank you, Drosophila!

The fruit fly may be tiny—but it is far from insignificant! How can an insect three millimeters long be one of the most valuable organisms in biological research, particularly genetics? The common fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is a model organism for genetic studies, because it has a rapid life cycle, can be handled easily in a lab, and can produce many offspring. Students in this course learn about the life cycle of fruit flies by observing them in the lab, while tackling basic genetics concepts through experiments and research. Class participants also discuss advances made in the field of genetics because of these unique insects. This course is perfect for the student who is fascinated with life science and wants to try some hands-on research.
Note: Additional $35 lab fee required.
Offered: July 6 - July 11
Admission Criteria: Nationally-normed, standardized achievement test math or verbal score ≥95%, EXPLORE test, or an admission portfolio

3. The Keys to a New World: An Introduction to Computer Programming

Do you ever wonder how computer games are created? How graphics and sound are manipulated by the click of your mouse? Keys to a New World is intended for students interested in learning to use computer programs to solve problems and create simple animated games in a structured environment. Students explore fundamental concepts in computer programming, including graphics and sound, as they learn to write basic interactive programs. This course challenges students with an interest and ability in mathematics or science as well as a desire to think creatively and imaginatively solve problems. This class prepares students for computer gaming and future computer programming courses. No formal computer experience is required.
Offered: July 6 - July 11
Admission Criteria: Nationally-normed, standardized achievement test math score ≥95%, EXPLORE test, or an admission portfolio

4. Shaping Future Animal Habitats: Design & Engineering

Every day engineers solve problems using scientific inquiry and technological design, turning their ideas into reality. Using higher-level thinking skills, students experience the design process and the essence of engineering through hands-on experiments as they explore, develop and build small pet habitats and play stations. Students work in small groups, demonstrating learned engineering principles. Final projects are presented at the Expo. This course develops problem-solving skills, teamwork and communication in the context of hands-on fun.
Note: Additional $35 lab fee is required.
Offered: July 6 - July 11
Admission Criteria: Nationally-normed, standardized achievement test math score ≥95%, EXPLORE test, or an admission portfolio