Invent America

Available to K 8 students
Encourages children to learn,
use, and develop critical and
creative thinking skills.
Students can compete against
other students their age at the
national level.
Provides students a hands-on
approach to experience the
scientific method
$42 per school per year
www.inventamerica.org
Provides differentiaton for
gifted students based on
interest, process, and product
A program that
encourages students
to identify a problem
they encounter in
their lives and use
their own creative
ideas to solve this
problem through the
process of inventing.


Courtney DeRieux
Residential Programs
GA Governos Honors Program and South Carolina Governors Schools
Georgia - Governor Honors
Program (GHP)
$0 COST!!
Sponsor:
Programs in:
Leadership
English
Science
Music
Math
Art
etc.
Juniors and Seniors are eligible!
Students must go through
interviews and
portfolios, as needed, to be
accepted into the program.
Requirements:
high ability
high interest
potential to be a
critical global thinker
What is offered for these students?
Enrichment opportunities
development of skills
hands-on learning
research
Summer
only
South Carolina - Governors
School for the Arts & Humanities
and Science & Math
Residential highschool programs in Greenville and Hartsville, SC, respectively
Juniors and Seniors accepted (exceptions
made for some Sophomores)
Enrichment,
hands-on learning,
supportive environment,
and pre-professional training
are all a part of these two schools.
Year long costs:
$3600 for A&H,
$2000 for S&M
(covers meal plan)
Activities:
research
dorm living
advanced classes
outreach programs
independent studies
January interim (S&M)
funded by South
Carolina Governors
School Foundation
All three programs offer programs for gifted students that
enhance their abilities, such as:
creativity, interests, ability, critical thinking skills, challenging
environment, supportive environment
A wider variety of resources (highly qualied teachers,
research opportunities, advanced technology, smaller
classroom ratios, etc) offer gifted students the support
that they need in order to challenge themselves in the
classrooms! Students take away a greater knowledge in
specic programs on top of the basic high school courses
they take, and ultimately enrich themselves through
summer or year-long programs. The programs are
considered to be some the best in nation for the support
and challenges they offer gifted students.
Sources: http://gosa.georgia.gov/governors-honors-program, http://www.scgsah.org/index.php, https://www.scgssm.org
SPECIAL PROGRAMS REVIEW
BY GEORGIANNE TAYLOR
GO DEEP THROUGH WRITING.
HTTP://WWW.DEEPKIDS.COM/
FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO ARE HIGHLY MOTIVATED, CREATIVE, INTERESTED, HIGH EXPECTATIONS
OF SELF, EMOTIONAL, AND REFLECTIVE.
THERE IS NO COST. TEACHERS ARE TRAINED TO LEAD WORKSHOPS
WHERE STUDENTS SHARE THEIR WRITING.
DEEP CENTER IS A 501(C)3 NONPROFIT THAT PROVIDES FREE, FUN, AND RIGOROUS WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SAVANNAH,
GEORGIA. DEEP CONNECTS KIDS WITH A THRIVING COMMUNITY OF WRITING MENTORSLOCAL AUTHORS, POETS, AND JOURNALISTSTO HELP THEM SHARE
THEIR STORIES. DEEP PROGRAM HELPS STUDENTS WRITE AND EXPRESS THEMSELVES WITH SKILL, CONFIDENCE, AND COURAGE, AND THEY SHOWCASE THEIR BEST
WORK THROUGH PUBLICATION AND IN LIVE VENUES. (HTTP://WWW.DEEPKIDS.COM/).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEyXPWkqRd0
The core values of DEEP are depth, community, authenticity, and perseverance.
Seventeen middle schools students (400) participate in the fall and spring yearly.
The program takes dedication for three months as students go DEEP into themselves
to express, write, learn, participate, speak, and finally perform to a larger audience.
Their pages are bound and published in a book which is just one of many valuable
learning experiences from going DEEP.
SPECI AL COMPETI TI ON REVI EW
HOLLI S BALL, ESPY 7230E
DR. MEG E. HI NES
The National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and
your state art agency present:
A FREE memorization/recitation contest for high school students
Benefits: Students improve public speaking, self-confidence, experience great poetry
Fringe benefits: $$, travel to D.C. for free
Appeals to a number of gifted traits (see K & B Ch. 1)
Works like a spelling bee, with contestants performing dramatic recitations of their poems:
http://www.poetryoutloud.org/poems-and-performance/video-recitation-series
GA Registration website: http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/mmh/programs/poetry-out-loud
National Site: www.poetryoutloud.org
Jessi e Huf f
EPSY 7230
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY
OLYMPIAD
The NGO i s a nati onwide competiti on to test the geography
ski l ls of American students and to hel p foster geography
education throughout the Uni ted States
(geographyolympiad. com).
http://www.geographyolympiad.com/

Available to students starti ng i n the pri mary grades up
through hi gh school

The NGO i s a segway, (for hi gh school students onl y) to
compete i n the I nternational Geography Ol ympiad whi ch i s
now hel d annual ly i n a di f ferent host country each year.


WHAT IS THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY
OLYMPIAD (NGO)?
Nati onal Geography Ol ympiad:
National qualifying exam (test locations all throughout the country)
$10
$20 if proctored by teacher or homeschool instructor
National geography national championships
$95 Junior Varsity/Varsity
$75 Juniors/Middle

I nternational Geography Ol ympiad:
Approx. $1250 for overseas travels
Additional tourism, food, etc. costs
COSTS
National Current Events League
Beginning in grade four all the way through twelfth grade, students may
participate in National Current Events League competitions at their local
schools. Their are four meets per year. Students are given a test of 30
questions that is proctored by a certified teacher. It is then graded by
the school. The top ten scores are posted by the school, and then each
school receives a score. The highest ranking schools are then posted on
the NCEL website.
Content- general news, arts and entertainment, sports, business and finance,
and science and health.
Awards- Every team wins an award- 1 team medal and 10 student
certificates.
Fee- $80 - $190 depending on grade level and number of teams. 4th grade is
free- it is a practice year.
This would be a great opportunity for gifted students to involve themselves in
world news in a competitive extracurricular capacity. In order to be able to
change the world with their gifts and talents, students have to be involved
and educated on the current issues and events of the world.
Website: http://www.continentalmathematicsleague.com/ncel.html
Sponsor- National League
Jordan Kruger
What is the Social Studies Fair?
An opportunity for students to
research a social studies topic
that interests them.
5
th
12
th
grade students
Determine a problem/question
Compose a research paper
addressing the problem/question
Create a display.
Prepare a 10 minute oral
presentation
What topics can students research?
Anthropology
Economics
Geography
History
Political Science
Sociology
Psychology
What are the requirements?
Organization: Georgia
Council for Social Studies
For more Information:
http://www.gcss.net/ssfair
guide.pdf
Example from gcss.net
Presented by Tyler Meeks
To develop the ability of young people globally to design and promote positive futures through
problem solving using critical and creative thinking (www.fpspi.org).
Teaching students HOW to think, not WHAT to think (www.georgiafpsp.org)
Founded in 1974 by Dr. E. Paul Torrance
Students from around the world participate including USA, Turkey, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia,
Japan, India, Singapore, Portugal, and others.
Age Levels: Grades 4 through 12 with three divisions (4-6, 7-9, 10-12)
Students participate in skits to show creative ways of solving global problems, scenario writing, and other
competitions
Cost:
For Georgia, prices range from $30 to $100 depending on competition selected. *I was unable to find
pricing for the international competitions.
The FPSP is a great way for gifted students to showcase their knowledge in creative ways. It
promotes students to analyze and critique situations in a group setting that can help them learn
how to work in groups (which can be difficult for some gifted students).
FIRST Robotics Competition
Grades 9-12

to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders
mentor-based programs
problem solving, self-confidence, communication, and leadershipw.usfirst.org
$6000 /team to participate at region event $15,000 30K overall
Companies to sponsor/mentor


Robots are designed and built in six weeks by
a HS team and engineers (mentors). Students
program and remotely control the robots in
competition on a field.
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/
2014-game


BY: Michele Hood

GA: Jan 3: @ Ga Tech
Mar 25 @ World Congress Center
+
Duke Tip
Presented By: Nancy Brinson
+
Duke Tip
What Is It?
Non Profit Organization
Meets Academic and Social
Needs for Gifted



How Do You Qualify?
Students scoring 95% on
recent grade level test.
Who Can Participate?
Qualify in 4
th
-6
th
Grade
Open to students in 5th-12th


Why Is This Appropriate ?
It is a great way for gifted students to
explore a variety of challenging
curricula and gain recognition beyond
the classroom.
+
Cost of Program
One time fee of $40 to enroll during the 4
th
-6
th
Grade qualifying time.
$37 to take the EXPLORE test.
Various fees for programs available.
Funding available for students who cant afford services.
The program relies on a small endowment and donations from organizations,
parents and alumni.
Why Is It Appropriate For
Gifted Students?
This program goes beyond the
traditional classroom standards
and settings and offers
opportunities for growth.
It offers independent study
programs to challenge gifted
students and also provides
additional resources.
Eighth grade students are
eligible to take the EXPLORE
test, an above level test created
by ACT.

+
Independent Studies
Cryptology and Mathematics (4-6)
Discovering Science Outdoors (4-6)
Math Pack: Quest (4-6)
Word Power (4-6)
Creative Writing: Adventures Through Time (5-7)
Discovering Sciences and Medicine (5-7)
Growing Up Heroic (5-7)
Discovering King Arthur (6-8)
The Reader Journey (6-8)
+
(Information provided by Megan Dorsey- College Prep LLC YouTube Video- recommended for parents
considering enrollment)
Academically challenging for
gifted students.
Summer camp for
independent studies.
An opportunity for peers to
relate socially and be
accepted.
An opportunity to work on
SAT and ACT material beyond
their educational level.
Gain recognition for their
achievements.
Can be overwhelming and
stressful. (The ACT is college level
and difficult even for high school
students.)
Summer camp and programs
can be expensive.
Some students are not mature
enough for the program.
It does not give the student an
advantage for college
acceptance.
Pros Cons
+
Contact Information
http://tip.duke.edu
HANDS ON EQUATIONS
Presented by: Teresa Reddish for EPSY 7230E
This program uses manipulatives to teach algebraic
concepts, helping students to understand and solve
equations. It is designed for grades 3-8.

Teaches addition and subtraction of integers (white pawns
and green cubes used to represent negative numbers)

Promotes critical thinking and higher-order reasoning

Additional purchase of book, Hands on Equations Verbal
Problems Workbook, is very helpful as well students
gradually move away from the manipulatives and I have
found that the concepts transfer easily.
Algebra made simple!
HANDS ON EQUATIONS
Interactive board program
Hands on Equations App
Instructional videos on youtube
Borenson and Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 3328 Allentown, PA
18106
Tel. 800-993-6284
Fax. 610-398-7863
info@borenson.com
$175 for set of 10 kits
More Info:
http://www.borenson.com/

WordMasters
Christie Dooley
WordMasters Challenge
What?
National competition
Analogies
Two divisions: Blue and Gold
Who?
Grades 3-8
Grade-evel or individual
Why?
Promotes growth in
vocabulary and verbal
reasoning
Think analytically and
metaphorically
Details
http://www.wordmasterschallenge.com/
Enroll in spring through
September
Cost
$95 grade level or $45
individual
No traveling involved
Sample 8
th
grade
Friendship: Rift::Society:_____
a. haven b. meeting
c. schism* d. manifesto
e. party




+
Young Inventors Program
Grade Levels: K-8
Created by Academy of Applied Science in NH
Now also in NV, NY, and MA
Partnering with the Smithsonian Institutions Lemelson
Center to bring the program to the national level.
Free teacher manual, free teacher training (NH), and
free to participate
Teacher manual includes minimum 6 week curriculum
Includes teaching brainstorming and creative
thinking skills; problem solving skills; and
marketing inventions and patents
Different ways for students to participate:
original invention
a Rube Goldberg Machine
Improvement to a current invention based on a challenge
In class, after-school, or independent projects
Culminates with an Invention Celebration

Elizabeth Dunlap
EPSY 7230E
http://www.aas-world.org/YIP/index.html
NORTH AMERICAN COMPUTATIONAL
LINGUISTICS OLYMPIAD
Website: http://www.nacloweb.org
Handbook (with sample problems):
http://www.nacloweb.org/resources/handbook/naclo2015
handbook.pdf
What: competition to solve linguistic problems
Who: ages13-18 students in USA/Canada
Where: 50 sites at high schools and universities-one in
Marietta, GA
Cost: Unavailable- International winners will be funded
Types of problems: Formal, phonological, computational,
number, writing system, calendar, and others
lor k-8
Lh
Crade SLudenLs
www.lnvenLamerlca.org
!"#$"% '($)!*'
1he program allows sLudenLs Lo Lhlnk abouL problems and
creaLe soluuons. Accordlng Lo Lhe program, lL lnvolves use of
creauve Lhlnklng, mouvauon, currlculum lnLegrauon, llbrary
and research skllls, and hlgher order Lhlnklng skllls
A klL ls purchased dlrecLly from Lhe webslLe for $42. 1he
klL can be purchased by a school, an lndlvldual Leacher,
groups such as Clrl ScouLs or 8oy ScouLs, or by parenLs.
+,-.,/0 +,-123456
Why ls lnvenL Amerlca approprlaLe for
gled sLudenLs?
CosL Lo aruclpaLe
lnvenL Amerlca ls a program where sLudenLs can Lurn Lhelr
ldeas lnLo problem solvlng soluuons uslng crlucal Lhlnklng
skllls and creauvlLy.
.
Why should sLudenLs paruclpaLe?
WhaL are Lhe beneLs?
A sLudenL ln Wlsconsln was Lhe son of a plumber.
Pe lnvenLed a glow-ln-Lhe-dark LolleL seaL, whlch
Look rsL place ln Lhe household" dlvlslon
A second grade glrl lnvenLed a sLraw LhaL cools
llqulds and won Lhe nauonal uLle.
1hlrd grade boy lnvenLed long necked exlble
ashllghL Lo help hls faLher see under Lhe hood of
hls car
Addluonal wlnners can be found aL:
hup://arucles.orlandosenunel.com/keyword/lnvenL-
amerlca
.
Lxamples
lnvenL Amerlca. (2007, november 22). 8eLrleved
CcLober 16, 2014.
8eferences:
aLrlzlo, 8. (1992, March 12). Crlando Senunel- lnvenL
Amerlca. 8eLrleved CcLober 16, 2014, from hup://
arucles.orlandosenunel.com/keyword/lnvenL-amerlca
Stock Market Game
Hannah Frady
EPSY 7230
Sun. 10/19/14
Description of Acti vi ty
The Stock Market Game is a virtual game where students are given a virtual $100,000 to
spend in the stock market. The goal is to make the largest profit off their initial investment.
The game is separated into groups:
grades 4-12
post-secondary
adult
It is also possible to participate as individuals on the post-secondary and adult level, and
in a teacher category.
A 2009 study showed that students who participated in the Stock Market Game performed
higher in math and investor knowledge tests (Hinojosa et al., 2009).
A 2008 study showed that the only instructional activity used in economic classes that
showed a positive and significant increase in student scores for the National Assessment of
Educational Progress in Economics was the Stock Market Game (Walstad & Buckles, 2008).
The Stock Market Game helps students increase their test scores and economics knowledge
while having fun. It is appropriate for gifted students because it can help them practice their
knowledge and what they have learned in class. They can understand the information at a
deeper level, and help improve their test scores.
Example of Acti vi ty
Students are gi ven a virtual $100,000.
Students must purchase at least 100
shares each of a minimum of three stocks,
Bonds, and/or Mutual Fund. They must
hold each of the stocks for a minimum of
three consecuti ve weeks. Students can
not purchase only one stock and hold i t for
the whole game. Students have until the
end of the third week of the game to make
their purchase.
Sponsors: The SIFMA Foundation and The
Georgia Council on Economic Education
Cost to Participate: $7/team (a team is no
more than 5 students); $20 for adul t
participants
Contact Websi te: http://
www.stockmarketgame.org/index.html
I think this is a good program for gifted
students to use in an economics or a
business class. It allows students to
exhibi t their skills in an acti vi ty that
replicates a real-life application. It also
allows students to be competi ti ve in a
safe, risk-free environment. I think this is
a great program to use to help gifted
students show their knowledge and
increase their test scores at the same
time.
My Personal
Assessment
References
Hinojosa, T., Miller, S., Swanlund., Hallberg, K., Brown, M., &
OBrien, B. (2009). The Stock Market Game Study: Brief
Report. Retrieved from <http://
www.stockmarketgame.org/impact.html>.
Walstad, W. & Buckles, S. (2008). The National Assessment
of Educational Progress in Economics: Findings for General
Economics. Retrieved from <http://
www.stockmarketgame.org/impact.html>.
Artifact Box Exchange
Lindsey Rundell
$15/ Teacher Guide and $45/ Classroom Exchange
Appropriate for any age or grade level
Directed by Brian Reid, Charleston, IL
http://www.artifactbox.com/index.html

Project that enables students to learn about their
own and other communities.
Participating Classroom: Students use
creativity to gather 25 artifacts pertaining to their
own community and build box including visuals,
books, etc. (Suggestions included in teacher guide).
Receiving Classroom: Receives mystery box
containing artifacts , then utilizes research and
reference skills to identify location of given
community.

Above picture retrieved October 16, 2014 from
http://www.artifactbox.com/index.html.
Used in artifact box describing Lexington, KY,

National Geographic Bee, Sponsored by National Geographic
Open to public or private schools, and homeschools (but not individuals)
Grades 4-8 (enrolled in no more than 3 courses at high school or college level)
Under age of 15
Winners of each level of competition advance to the next competition:

Classroom
School
County (in Hawaii, anyway)
State
National
Registration fee
for school: $100
Competition is typically open to every member
of the class that participates. In the classroom
competition, everybody participates for seven
rounds. Almost all students will get at least one
question right and miss at least one question.
School Bee requires a minimum of 6 participants.
School Bee winners must take a State Qualifying Test
Gifted students should participate because reasoning
helps win points as much as factual knowledge does.
For example, if a question asks which U.S. state
includes a particular desert, a student can probably
figure it out if they know that one of the states is
in the west, and the other is in the eastern part
of the country. Plus, if you win, its a great way
to represent your school!
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
--Rudyard Kipling
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee/
All school systems should have Science Olympiad starting in
elementary school and moving along with the students all the way
through high school. This program is perfect for gifted students
because it allows them to assume responsibility for their own
learning. The Science Olympiad website has links to online textbooks
and all the information the students might need to win the
competitions they just have to decide who is responsible for which
topics and divide and conquer!! They will be pushed to excel with
friendly competition, learn how to effectively work in a group and
how to start and complete projects.
Science by Mail
Sponsored by the Museum of Science in Boston and the Weizmann Institute
Designed for students in grades 4-9
25,000 students and 2,500 scientists participate each year
Students are matched individually or with a small group with a volunteer scientist pen-pal
Students receive 3 Science Challenge packets throughout the year containing information
and materials about a specific science, technology, or engineering topic
Each packet gives instructions on how to do 5-7 experiments
At the end of each challenge, students do a big challenge which requires them to apply all
that they have learned from their readings & experiments to one final project.
Students must hypothesize and analyze their results which is appropriate for gifted students
because it requires higher level/critical thinking skills.
The final project is also very loosely-structured which gives the students a choice in their
product development
$60/school year
Example: One packet included an insulation bag and a thermometer and asked students to
test the thermodynamics of ice cream. Another had students explore the science behind
telling time and included small clocks and a pendulum.

Check out Science by Mail HERE

Details For Gifted:
3 min Film Production
Competition based on current
years theme
All Age Levels
3-8 team members, 1-2 coaches
$50 per team

Sponsored by RESA
Registration Deadline: Dec 10
th

Website:
http://www.georgiamovieacade
my.org/
Specialization for
different MIs
Requires critical and
conceptual thought
process
Interpretation of the
concept
Creativity
Teambuilding Skills
Movie Academy Competition
This contest is ideal for gifted students as it:
encourages critical thinking and creativity
involves detailed research, analysis, and writing on students choice of
topic within the History Day annual theme
Students choose one of five categories:
website, paper, documentary, exhibit, or performance
students can work in groups (2-5) or individually
Sponsored by The History Channel


2015 Theme: Leadership and Legacy
3 levels of competition: Regional, State, National
Cost to Register: $15 at Regional level; $150 at National level
Students compete in two divisions:
Junior (grades 6-8)
Senior (grades 9-12)
3,000+ students at Nationals, June 14-18, University of Maryland

Opportunities to win cash prizes and scholarships
Pre K-12 participate to create dance, film, literature, photography, or
visual arts on a given topic
2014-2015 Topic: The World Would be a Better Place if
Students have the opportunity to express themselves in unique ways on
the topics which they may have opinions while competing with others at
the county, state, then national level for recognition and monetary awards
Gifted students who excel in the areas that are not necessarily academic
have their chance to compete using their gifted or talented abilities.
A Gallery of Reflections is available for viewing on the national website.
Sponsored by Parent Teacher Association, No Cost to participate, but local
school must be involved with the program to participate
Georgiapta.org and pta.org
Gifted students would benefit focusing their energy in things they excel to
produce entries for this program.

**Valuable for students who may want to do something in their spare time
with their talents. This program/awards is not promising if the goal is the
monetary award as you only win monetary awards at the national level.
Cassie Worley
EPSY 7230E
Dr. Hines
http://www.greatbooks.org/
Mission
To advance the critical, reflective thinking and social and civic engagement of
readers of all ages through Shared Inquiry discussion of works and ideas of
enduring value (The Great Books Foundation, 2014).
Organization/Sponsor
The Great Books Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Professional learning consultants conduct hundreds of courses and webinars on the
Shared Inquiry method of learning each year.
Participants are taught the basics of how to lead and participate in Shared Inquiry
discussions. They also learn activities that improve critical thinking, reading
comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills (The Great Books Foundation, 2014).
Research-based Program: Great Books K12 programs are based on the best educational
research available in critical thinking, text complexity, close reading, collaborative discussion,
writing, assessment, and more (The Great Books Foundation, 2014).
The program provides classroom instruction and teaching materials in English, Science, and
Social Studies, for students in grades K-12.
Rationale and Common Core correlation:
http://www.greatbooks.org/wpcontent/uploads/2014/09/CCSSfinal.pdf
Request sample units that correlate with common core curriculum.
Resources for homeschool students and parents.
Watch videos of testimonials, read articles on teaching language arts, and find resources to
enhance unit plans.
Shared-Inquiry Courses: These courses prepare teachers to begin using the Shared
Inquiry method of learning with Great Books programs in the classroom.
10-hour course offered in two formats: two-day live, on-site training or as a combination of six
hours (one day) of live instruction followed by four hours of web-based instruction.
Advanced Courses: Advanced courses are designed to strengthen your questioning
skills and maximize the impact of Shared Inquiry on student learning.
Consultation Days: A Great Books consultant with extensive classroom experience
visits your school to coach teachers working with their own classes
Address:
The Great Books Foundation
35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60601-2105
Phone Numbers:
800.222.5870 (toll free)
312.332.5870 (outside of the US)
312.407.0224 (fax)
The Great Books Foundation | A nonprofit educational organization. (2014, January
1). Retrieved October 14, 2014, from http://www.greatbooks.org/

By: Nicki Pritchett
Description:
Explore various media
Animation
Live Action
Interactive Stills
Podcast
Sequential Stills
Web Site
Open to K-12 students
Allows students to showcase
their work, talents, and
creativity in public forum
Examples:
Me and My Best Friend - Liberty
County Elementary

Sponsors:
Georgia Association for
Instructional Technology
Georgia Library Association
Partnerships: GPB and Clayton
State University
Cost to participate:
None that I could find
Informational brochure for 2015
Festival
Contact information:
http://www.gsmf.us/


Sadly
This program
doesnt really
exist anymore

(darn budget cuts)
Chelsea Sexton

So Let me tell you about
some other NASA stuff
But if you want to read about it
http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlnasa/
OtherPRINT/poster/NSIPPoster.pdf
High School Interns can apply for an internship for 8 weeks over
the summer. Positions are available all over the US.
You must be a US Citizen. Underrepresented and underserved
populations are given preference.
Currently some high school eligible positions available include
internships at Langley doing nanoparticle research and other
lab jobs.
Suitable for gifted students for the direct mentorship by a
scientist in an interesting field and for the enrichment in a
specific topic
Downsidesmost internships probably go to college students
Dropping in a Microgravity
Environment NASA DIME
DIME for high school and WING for middle school (5-8)
Students create proposals to compete to design and build a science
experiment to be operated in a NASA microgravity drop tower
facilityeither by the HS students or a NASA scientist.
Students design an experimental concept, write a proposal, and
submit it to NASA for review.
Projects have involved newtons cradles, rubber bands, water
balloons, and many involve magnetism. The trick is to find something
to get meaningful information from within 2.2 seconds.
Free or relatively inexpensive (cost of materials)
http:/ / spaceflightsystems.grc.nasa.gov/ DIME/
Competitions and Special Programs
Review
EPSY 7230
Colleen Foy
What is it?
The MATHCOUNTS Foundation is a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization that
strives to engage middle school students
of all ability and interest levels in fun,
challenging math programs, in order to
expand their academic and professional
opportunities (mathcounts.org).
Goals:
To improve middle school students attitudes
towards mathematics by creating positive
experiences and opportunities for growth
Foster a passion for mathematics regardless of
preconceived notions
Set the ground work so that all students have
the chance to be successful if they chose to be
provide enriching extracurricular activities to
students and free, high-quality resources to
educators (mathcounts.org).
Three Distinct Programs:
MATHCOUNTS Competition Series
The National Math Club
Math Video Challenge
MATHCOUNTS Competition
Series
Live competitions that take place in all 50
states and worldwide
For middle school students grades 6-8
bee style contests among talented
students
Students can win scholarships and prizes
at the local, state, and national level
10 registered competitors per school
$90-$120 per team (teams of 4)
The National Math Club
Math enrichment program that provides
club leaders with the resources and
materials needed to run a math club
(mathcounts.org)
Any organization can register for the
National Math Club as long as the group
has at least 4 students who are all in
6
th
,7
th
, or 8
th
grade and the group has
regular in-person meetings.
The National Math Club
No fee to join
Clubs can earn Gold or Silver levels with
gift cards as prizes
Club Leaders have access to Club Leader
website with a variety of resources
available to them
Math Video Challenge
Students form teams and create a video that
teaches the solution to one of the problems in
the MATHCOUNTS handbook.
Allows students to display their creativity,
innovation, and gives them the chance to see
how mathematics applies to the real world.
Each member of the winning team receives a
$1000 dollar scholarship.

Additional Information
http://mathcounts.org/
http://mathcounts.org/sponsors
MATHCOUNTS Solve-A-Thon is a good
fundraising opportunity for schools
Donate a school or individual student at:
http://solveathon.mathcounts.org/donate

National Language Arts Olympiad
Sponsored by the National Language Arts League
http://www.continentalmathematicsleague.com/nlal.html
Contest DescriptionStudents in grades 2-12 compete by completing up to 50 multiple
choice questions based on the following topics: spelling, vocabulary, reading comprehension,
analogies, and grammar. Each contest has a time limit of 35 minutes and is
administered/proctored and scored by the school. There is no limit to the number of students
who may participate. All work is to be done independently. The sum of the top ten scores is
the schools team score.
RewardsEach team will receive 11 awards1 medal and 10 certificates.
Each additional registered team will also receive 1 additional set of awards.
There are also individual and team awards on the national level.
Cost: Two Teams= $105 ; each additional team= $55
Appropriate for Gifted Students: This program allows for competitive, cooperative competition among
gifted students as well as building of student confidence and encouraging expansion of learning.
Kristy Capps
Example Question (9
th
grade)
Part 1: Vocabulary
Directions: From the box above
each group of sentences, choose the
word that is closest to the meaning
of the underlined word in each
sentence. Write the letter of the
word that you choose in the space
on the answer sheet. You will not
use all of the words in the box.
#1 The coach tried to soothe the
feelings of the team.
a. mollify
b. contagious
c. putrid
d. catalyst

Special note: Math competition
has two divisions: one average (Euclidean) and
one above average (Pythagorean). A team cannot
participate in both divisions simultaneously.
All other leagues/subjects have one level of competition.
National Language Arts OlympiadKristy Capps
Georgia Mathematics League
as part of http://www.themathleague.com/
Build confidence and interest in math
Students compete in a series of math
contests paper/pencil or online 6
contests/4 weeks
Appropriate for grades 4-8, High school,
Algebra I course
Students earn certificates and plaques
based on individual and team scores
Suitable for gifted because it allows for
challenge and differentiation Create
individual study plans, questions range
in difficulty, and come from different
areas of math
Parent, student, and teacher friendly

Value
High school $90 per set of 30
Grade 4 8 $40 per set of 30
Algebra I - $40/set of 30
Adaptive Learning System (offers self-paced
online practice and progress monitoring )
additional $9.95
Archived volumes can be purchased for $12.95
Confidence = Priceless

Current GA 2014-2015 participants
http://old.mathleague.com/reglist/R
EGGA.HTM
Create challenging and
meaningful learning
experiences
Leann Morris
MATH FAX BY EDUCONTESTS
Math Fax is a series of four math competitions spread out throughout the year for
students from grades 4 12. Schools compete against each other; school winners
and individual winners are awarded!
The team score is determined by taking the top 3 scores from each test.
Students should participate because of its another way to challenge our students.
These tests require students to think critically and apply content covered in class
in a different way. This is why it would be beneficial to gifted students. We are
constantly striving to find opportunities like this for our gifted students.
To order the tests, visit www.educontests.com and click the registration page. The
tests cost $80 (individual class) or $90 (more than one class participates). You can
also pay $25 for practice materials.
Math Fax is a wonderful way to establish competition in the gifted classroom, while
applying content covered in class in a challenging way. Math Fax is ideal for groups
that want to compete in competitions, but might not be able to afford travelling to
competitions like Mathcounts. It is also ideal for schools that do not have an
established math team. Teachers are able to include ALL students in the
competition.
ACADEMIC DECATHLON
2014-2015

NEW ALTERNATIVES IN ENERGY:
INGENUITY AND INNOVATION
Stinchcomb
http://www.usad.org/Home.aspx
Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition
Co-Sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education &
the Georgia Council of Teachers of English
The Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition is open to all students in grades K-12. There is no cost to enter.
Any and all original student writing, including personal narratives, fiction, poetry, journalism, essays, and research projects,
are accepted and encouraged.
There is no prompt or theme. Students are free to write on anything they may choose; however, the entries must be
formatted according to stated parameters.
Entries to the state-wide competition must have competed and won in a system-level competition. Individual entries will
not be accepted. The school system can only enter one winner per grade level.
Entries must be submitted by the school system no later than March 17, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
More information and official rules: Georgia Young Authors Writing Contest Information
This competition is a great way for gifted students to flex their creative writing muscles without limitation because there is
not a prompt or theme, allowing for students full creative control.



How does it work? Coached by volunteer attorneys and teachers, teams
of 14 students work together to prepare their presentations from case
materials provided by the High School Mock Trial Committee.
In the competition phase, students play the roles of attorneys and
witnesses based on the witness statements and evidence provided in the
case materials. Professional attorneys or judges serve as the Presiding
Judges and Evaluators (jury). Teams are evaluated on their ability to
make a logical, cohesive and persuasive presentation, rather than on the
legal merits of the case.
Adding to the authenticity of the competition, teams compete in actual
courtrooms across the state beginning with the Regional competitions.
The top three teams from each Region advance to the District
Competitions to compete for a spot at the State Finals Competition in
Lawrenceville, Ga. Here, the teams compete for the state title and a
chance to advance to the National High School Mock Trial
Championship.
For whom? For middle and high school students ages 14-19
Cases include both civil and criminal. Follow the link to see a
detailed list of both civil and criminal cases (middle and high)
http://www.gabar.org/forthepublic/forteachersstudents/hsmt/resources/upload/GA-Mock-Trial-
Case-Order-Form.pdf

Goals:
to further understanding of court procedures and the legal system;

to improve proficiency in basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and reasoning;

to promote better communication and cooperation between the educational and
legal communities;

to provide a competitive event in an academic atmosphere; and

to promote cooperation among young people of various abilities and interests.

Sponsor or organization: State Bar of Georgia
Cost: The team registration fee is $125, if the form and the fee are both postmarked
by October 1st. If a team registration form and/or fee is postmarked later than 1
October, the registration fee will include a late charge$125and will be $225
total.
Contact info:
Georgia Mock Trial Competition
104 Marietta Street NW, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30303
GHSMTC Website: www.georgiamocktrial.org
Why should students participate//what are the potential
benefits? The mock trial activity has proven to be an effective
and popular part of a comprehensive, law-focused program
designed to provide young people with an operational
understanding of the law, legal issues and the judicial
process. Part of the appeal of a mock trial is the fun involved
in preparing for, and participating in, a trial.
Why is the program appropriate for gifted students? Mock
trials help students gain a basic understanding of the legal
mechanism through which society chooses to resolve many
of its disputes. And while obtaining this knowledge, young
people develop useful questioning, critical thinking, and oral
advocacy skills, as well as significant insight into the area of
law in question. Visits to local courts will make the activity a
more meaningful learning experience. It will give
participants practical knowledge about courts and trials
which can be invaluable should they ever be jurors or
witnesses in a real trial or principals in a legal action.